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
News
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 puts 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
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
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 the First Point Power, a competitive electricity supplier. The … [Read more...] about Ayer’s Community Choice Power Supply Program Announces New Rates, $18 More Per Month for Average Usage of 600 kWk
Fall Events
Sept.19th: Johnny Appleseed Festival, Leominster Sept. 26th: Good Neighbor Day: Ayer’s Community Read Celebration! Sept. 26th: GrotonFest Fall Sept. 26th: Shirley’s Annual Public Safety Day Oct. 3rd: Town of Ayer’s Newton Street Festival … [Read more...] about Fall Events
Select Board Receives Update on Special Town Meeting Article Development; Tree Preservation Bylaw Introduced
By Sara Withee (Aug. 31, 2026) – After this week’s vote on Flock, the Ayer Select Board received an update on articles being developed for the Fall Special Town Meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 26th, 2026. The warrant articles are still being developed. The deadline for submitting all warrant articles and citizen petitions is Oct. 2nd at noon, according to the Aug. … [Read more...] about Select Board Receives Update on Special Town Meeting Article Development; Tree Preservation Bylaw Introduced