In 2019, Town Meeting voted to approve the Downtown/Park Street Form-Based Code zoning district. Now, the Planning Board has approved what could be the first major project: a four-story mixed-use building, with commercial space and parking on the first floor and 12 residential units on the higher levels. The Planning Board voted on Jan. 27th to grant the site plan approval … [Read more...] about Planning Board Approves 4-Story Mixed-Use Building on Park Street
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Capital Planning Committee Holds on Sandy Pond Beach House Project Until Design Plans Come In
(Feb. 4, 2026) – Over the past two weeks, the Capital Planning Committee has met twice and considered the Sandy Pond Beach House replacement project as part of its agenda. This week, committee members said they support the project, but it is difficult to move ahead without having design plans and a budget. “I’m just being very mindful of the taxpayer,” the committee chair … [Read more...] about Capital Planning Committee Holds on Sandy Pond Beach House Project Until Design Plans Come In
Residents Learned More on PFAS in January
There have been two updates related to PFAS improvements and remediation shared during public meetings in Ayer this month. ClearwellThe DPW has been working on a Clearwell Storage Tank and Finished Pumping Station to mitigate water pumping capacity issues caused by the Grove Pond PFAS Treatment Plant. On Jan. 20th, the DPW Director appeared before the Select Board and … [Read more...] about Residents Learned More on PFAS in January
First Draft of Town Budget Filed for FY2027; Questions Remain on Health Insurance, Regional School Assessment Costs
Ayer-Shirley Regional School District Assessment Expected on Feb. 3rd Jan. 20, 2026 - The Select Board received an update on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget at this week’s meeting, which was held on Tuesday, Jan. 20th. Draft 1, dated Jan. 16th, is now posted on the Town of Ayer's website. The $21.18 million budget proposal represents a 5.8 percent increase over the current … [Read more...] about First Draft of Town Budget Filed for FY2027; Questions Remain on Health Insurance, Regional School Assessment Costs
Ayer DPW Presents Capital Requests, Sharing Updates on PFAS, Road Work and Bridge Project
The Department of Public Works met with the Capital Planning Committee this week and presented its capital requests for the town’s highway, water, sewer and stormwater drainage needs.This was the Capital Planning Committee's second meeting of the budget cycle leading up to Annual Town Meeting next Spring. The committee picked up from Dec. 10th, when the town management … [Read more...] about Ayer DPW Presents Capital Requests, Sharing Updates on PFAS, Road Work and Bridge Project
Capital Planning Committee Holds First Meeting in FY2027 Budget Process
The Capital Planning Committee met on Wednesday night (Dec. 10th) and listened to the town management’s recommendations for capital spending in FY2027, which begins July 1, 2026. This was an overview, an initial presentation. Individual departments will appear before the committee over the next few weeks. About the Capital Planning Committee The Capital Planning Committee … [Read more...] about Capital Planning Committee Holds First Meeting in FY2027 Budget Process
In Ayer, Taking Out the Trash Will Cost Pretty Much the Same in 2026
The Ayer Select Board held its public hearing Tuesday night to set transfer station (solid waste) rates for the 2026 calendar year. The board raised annual vehicle sticker prices for most users, but left the price of the blue bags alone. This means the cost of disposing your trash should be similar to last year. On the Rate Review Committee’s recommendation, the Select Board … [Read more...] about In Ayer, Taking Out the Trash Will Cost Pretty Much the Same in 2026
Fitchburg Road One Step Closer to Transition with Sewer Extension Grant
(November 2025) - There have long been plans and visions for Fitchburg Road. Now, the state is investing in a sewer extension and change could really be ahead. On Nov. 7th, the Town of Ayer announced a $500,000 grant from the state’s Community One Stop Grant program. This will allow sewer to be extended further down Fitchburg Road, toward where a non-profit developer is … [Read more...] about Fitchburg Road One Step Closer to Transition with Sewer Extension Grant
Ayer Residents Approve $11.55 Million Debt Exclusion for New Senior Center at Special Town Election
Ayer residents have approved a $11.55 million debt exclusion to help finance a new $15.1 million senior center on town-owned property on Bishop Road. The town held a one-question Special Town Election today (Tuesday, Nov. 4th) from noon to 8 pm and announced the results this evening shortly before 9 p.m. 1,031 residents voted in the Special Town Election, representing … [Read more...] about Ayer Residents Approve $11.55 Million Debt Exclusion for New Senior Center at Special Town Election
Next Tuesday: Residents Vote on Debt Exclusion And Whether to Authorize $11.55 Million in Borrowing for New Senior Center
The Town of Ayer will hold a Special Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4th for residents to vote on a debt exclusion for the proposed senior center project. This would allow for $11.55 million in borrowing, resulting in a $165 increase in the average tax bill for a 25-year borrowing term. The election will be held from noon to 8 p.m. at Ayer Town Hall. Special Town Meeting approved … [Read more...] about Next Tuesday: Residents Vote on Debt Exclusion And Whether to Authorize $11.55 Million in Borrowing for New Senior Center