Featured
Planning Board Votes 5-0 to Recommend Inclusionary Housing Bylaw Amendments to Special Town Meeting
(Sept. 22, 2026) – At a public hearing this week, the Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend a zoning bylaw amendment related to Ayer’s Inclusionary Housing Bylaw. This recommendation now goes to voters at the Oct. 26, 2026 Special Town Meeting. The Community Housing Manager shared a presentation, which got the Planning Board’s attention with…
Focus on Both Data Centers and Environmental Justice Process in Lowell
(Sept. 22, 2026) – We wrote about a Lowell data center this week, as Ayer Special Town Meeting is expected to consider a temporary data center moratorium in October. But the Lowell data center actually puts attention on two areas related to environmental permitting in Massachusetts: data centers and Environmental Justice populations.
Planning Board Votes 5-0 to Recommend Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers
The Ayer Planning Board voted 5-0 on Tuesday to recommend a temporary data moratorium to Special Town Meeting on Oct. 26, 2026. The amendment would expire in May 2028. The goal is to give the Planning Board time to review the town’s zoning regulations and the potential impacts.
Spotlight
Housing Will Connect to Future Sewer on Fitchburg Road, Not Over Intermittent Stream to John Riley Road
By Sara Withee (Sept. 10, 2026) – The Conservation Commission reviewed two major projects on Fitchburg Road and Groton School Road at Thursday’s meeting. 65 Fitchburg Road. The Conservation Commission…
New Signs on Main Street: “No E-Bikes, E-Scooters or Bikes on Sidewalk”
(Sept. 8, 2026) – The Ayer DPW completed installation of new signs along Main Street in August, according to its latest town department report. These read “No E-Bikes, E-Scooters or…
Recent Posts
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Launches 2027 Partnership Grant Program
Allocates $100k in Support of Creative Programs & Projects Submitted by Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. DEVENS, MA, September 8, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area is pleased to announce the launch of its Annual Partnership Grant Program on October 1, 2026. Designed to provide strategic investments in the natural, cultural, and…
Continue Reading Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Launches 2027 Partnership Grant Program
Ayer’s Community Choice Power Supply Program Announces New Rates, $18 More Per Month for Average Usage of 600 kWk
(Sept. 6, 2026) – Residents who participate in the Ayer Community Choice Power Supply Program will soon be paying more for the supply services part of their utility bill, according to recent mailings. In April 2025, the Town of Ayer started its municipal aggregation program, signing an 18-month contract with…
Fall Events
Enjoy these Fall events in Ayer, Groton, Shirley and Leominster!
Select Board Receives Update on Special Town Meeting Article Development; Tree Preservation Bylaw Introduced
(Aug. 31, 2026) – After this week’s vote on Flock, the Ayer Select Board received an update on the articles the town is developing for Fall Special Town Meeting, which is Oct. 26th.
Ayer Select Board Votes to Cancel Flock Contract
With a 3-0 vote, the Ayer Select Board voted Monday to cancel the town’s contract with Flock Safety immediately.
Continue Reading Ayer Select Board Votes to Cancel Flock Contract
Planning Board Continues Review of 26 & 30 Littleton Road
The Ayer Planning Board continued its public hearing into new apartments on 26 & 30 Littleton Road. We write about the discussion on water and the special permit criteria here.
Continue Reading Planning Board Continues Review of 26 & 30 Littleton Road