By Sara Withee(Sept. 25, 2026) - The deadline for submitting applications for a Local Cultural Council grant is Oct. 15th. The Massachusetts Cultural Council funds and manages a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) across Massachusetts. Each LCC awards money based on individual community cultural needs, assessed and set by LCC members. Applicants must reside or be … [Read more...] about Apply for a Local Cultural Council Grant by Oct. 15th
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Hanscom Federal Credit Union Honors Longtime Board Leader Teri Conrad with Congressional Citation
Photo: Senator Nick Collins presents Teri Conrad with an official Congressional Citation from Representative Stephen Lynch. Submitted. BOSTON, MA (September 22, 2026) — Hanscom Federal Credit Union proudly recognized longtime Board Member Teri Conrad, an Ayer resident, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 for her exceptional service to both the credit union and the nation. … [Read more...] about Hanscom Federal Credit Union Honors Longtime Board Leader Teri Conrad with Congressional Citation
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 the numbers. A few points from … [Read more...] about Planning Board Votes 5-0 to Recommend Inclusionary Housing Bylaw Amendments to Special Town Meeting
Focus on Both Data Centers and Environmental Justice Process in Lowell
By Sara Withee (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 places attention on two areas related to environmental permitting in Massachusetts: data centers and Environmental Justice populations. Many Massachusetts … [Read more...] about Focus on Both Data Centers and Environmental Justice Process in Lowell
Planning Board Votes 5-0 to Recommend Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers
By Sara Withee (Sept. 22, 2026) – The Ayer Planning Board voted 5-0 on Tuesday to recommend a temporary data center moratorium to Special Town Meeting on Oct. 26, 2026. The moratorium 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 to infrastructure, water and electricity. At a public … [Read more...] about Planning Board Votes 5-0 to Recommend Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers
Vaccine Clinic Dates in Ayer and Shirley
Written by Ayer News The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health (NABH) has announced its vaccine schedule for local communities on its Facebook page, including Ayer and Shirley. Vaccines will be provided for flu, COVID and RSV to eligible residents. Oct. 6th, Vaccine clinic, Hazen Memorial Library, 3 Keady Way, Shirley, 3-5 pm. Oct. 13th, Vaccine clinic, Ayer Library, 26 … [Read more...] about Vaccine Clinic Dates in Ayer and Shirley
MassDevelopment Presents Estimated Costs for Vicksburg Square: Stabilization and Hazardous Material Abatement
(Sept. 15, 2026) – Two MassDevelopment professionals met with the Ayer Select Board on Tuesday, sharing a presentation on Vicksburg Square. A recent assessment shows stabilization and hazardous materials abatement will cost an estimated $44 million. This doesn’t include any rebuilding costs. MassDevelopment’s Executive Vice President of Devens Operations appeared in person … [Read more...] about MassDevelopment Presents Estimated Costs for Vicksburg Square: Stabilization and Hazardous Material Abatement
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 voted 5-0 to approve an Order of Conditions for a Notice of Intent (NOI) for 65 Fitchburg Road, where the Ayer Commons development is being planned. This is related to … [Read more...] about Housing Will Connect to Future Sewer on Fitchburg Road, Not Over Intermittent Stream to John Riley Road
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 Bikes on Sidewalk.” This comes after the Town’s Economic & Community Development Office has received public comment involving near collisions between customers, staff and cyclists (June … [Read more...] about New Signs on Main Street: “No E-Bikes, E-Scooters or Bikes on Sidewalk”
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 historical resources … [Read more...] about Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Launches 2027 Partnership Grant Program