News & Events
Wheaton Farm Community Gardens
Plots are available at the Wheaton Farm Community Garden. Click here for application. Also, join the Agricultural Commission for the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:30am.
Request for Proposals - Peer Review Consultation Services
The Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals is seeking proposals from qualified engineering or environmental services firms to provide professional peer review consultation services. Proposals must be received in the Town Administrator's office by 10:30am, April 1, 2013. Click here for the full RFP and Scope of Services.
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Easton's Affordable Housing Trust is hosting an Affordable Housing Fair. Nonprofit organizations and affordable housing developers will be on hand to provide info. and answer questions about: affordable rentals (including Shovel Works); home ownership opportunities; home repair grants; preventing foreclosure; and more. Drop by any time between 5 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13 (no sign-up needed). Location: Queset on the Pond, Roosevelt Circle (behind Stoneforge Grill on Washington Street). Click here for more information: http://easton.ma.us/housingfair
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The Easton Affordable Housing Trust has launched the Home Repair Grants Program. Funds are available to assist homeowners with repairs to improve home safety, health, and functinoality. Deadline: February 22, 2013. Click here for complete details. Eligibility restrictions apply.
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Volunteers needed for Trail Work November 18, 2012
The Easton Conservation Commission and local volunteers have started phase 1 of an ambitious trail building project in the Clifford Grant Forest, and we need dedicated volunteers to continue in the trail building.
Sunday November 18 at 9:00AM. Click here for more information.
Community Gardens at Wheaton Farm
New Community Gardens are coming soon to Wheaton Farm. A public information session is being held Saturday, October 27, 10:00 am at the Bay Road Fire Station. Click here for more information.
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Master Plan Steering Committee
The Planning Board and Board of Selectmen are seeking candidates for the Master Plan Steering Committee. This committee, reporting to the Planning Board, will direct the development of Easton’s new comprehensive Master Plan which will lay out a detailed strategy for the town’s future. The composition of the Committee will be representative of Easton's residents. Click on the links below for:
- Applications for the Master Plan Steering Committee
- Steering Committee Charter
- To learn more about the Master Plan process
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Solar Energy - Reuse of the Prospect St. Closed Landfill
Borrego Solar Systems expects to begin Installation of the ground-mounted photovoltaic solar facility at the closed Prospect Street landfill later this year. Borrego has submited the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) review and a Notice of Intent (NOI) filing with the Easton Conservation Commission. To view a copy of the ENF click here. Copies of the NOI are available through the Department of Planning & Community Development.
For more information about the solar facility project click here.
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First Home Purchased Through Homebuyer Assistance Program
On September 14, Easton’s Homebuyer Assistance program saw its first successful home purchase. Through the program, the Town’s Affordable Housing Trust provides grants to assist homebuyers with the purchase of a home in Easton. Grants are still available, and applications are being accepted from both current residents and those seeking to live in Easton. Income and asset limits, and other restrictions apply in this equal housing opportunity program. Please click here for complete details and an application.
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Bicycle & Pedestrian Access Study - Results
In conjunction with the Old Colony Planning Council and the Southcoast Rail technical assistance program, the Planning & Community Development Department is pleased to release the Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Study. The objective of the study is to increase transportation & recreation options for Easton residents by improving access, connectivity and safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Additionally, please follow this link for important guidelines and regulations governing bike safety in Massachusetts.
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Original Easton Farmers Market Celebrates 15th Season
The Original Easton Farmers Market opens Tuesday May 21st, 2013 at 2pm-6pm. The Market, celebrates 15 years of continuous operation and its second season at the Depot Street location just north of the Five-corners intersection (click here for a map). Market offerings include a range of organic and traditionally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jellies, jams and honey, plus many other products. Hours are Tuesdays from 2 to 6 and Saturdays from 10 to 2. See you at the market!
The Town of Easton Affordable Housing Trust is offering financial assistance to eligible homebuyers on a first-come, first-served basis. First time homebuyers and certain others may qualify. Please click here for complete details and an application. Equal housing opportunity.
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Upcoming Master Plan Effort
Later this year, Easton will begin a project to lay out a detailed strategy for its future. Click here to learn more about this effort and how you can get involved.
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Public Meeting Proposed Solar Installation, 114 Prospect Street
A public meeting will be held to discuss the proposed solar installation. Please click this link for more information regarding this event. Your input is important to us.
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Shovel Works - Closing Documents
Documents for the recent closing of the Shovel Works property are now available: click here.
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Queset Commercial District Study
In coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC), the Town of Easton conducted a study of the commercial area along the Route 138 and 123 corridors. This area was identified by the Town as a Priority Development Area (PDA) in the South Coast Rail Corridor Plan. Priority Development Areas are generally located within an existing commercial area on or in close proximity to main transportation routes. By designating PDAs, the Town, working through the Planning and Zoning Board, can develop appropriate zoning and design guidelines that promote economic development, employment and affordable housing. For more information, click here.
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Reuse of the Prospect St. Closed Landfill
The Board of Selectmen recently voted to designate Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. as the preferred developer to lease a portion of the former landfill from the Town to design, permit, construct, own and operate a commercial or utility class Solar Installation for the purpose of creating renewable electrical energy. The developer will continue to work with the Town in order to finalize the conceptual design plans which will be reviewed by the Town’s consulting engineer. The process to finalize the design plans will include an additional community meeting to receive input on the proposed design of the solar array. For more informatin, click here.
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Field Workshop at Clifford G. Grant Management Area
A workshop and field walk is planned by the Easton Conservation Commission to discuss forest stewardship and conservation practices and review the recommendations of the forest stewardship plan recently developed for the Clifford G. Grant management area. The workshop will begin at the Clifford G. Grant Management Area and will continue on to Wheaton Farm Management Area.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held on Saturday, September 17, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Meet at the Clifford G. Grant Management Area entrance (near the sign, located behind the Oliver Ames High School on Lothrop Street).
For additional information please contact Stephanie Danielson at 508.230.0641 or sdanielson@easton.ma.us.
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Community Visioning
In the fall of 2007, the Easton Board of Selectmen announced the initiation of a Community Visioning project, intended to promote individual and collective thinking about Easton’s future. The goal of the project was to discover and build consensus for ways to preserve the Town’s unique character, enhance Easton’s quality of life, and manage future challenges. After the initial meeting of community leaders and town officials, six focus groups were assigned to study the issues that had been identified as most important. The focus groups included: Education; Public Facilities; Traffic & Transportation; Energy, Water, and Wastewater; Economic Development; and Preservation. The six focus groups, made up of residents and community leaders representing a broad spectrum of views and constituencies, met several times over the course of the year, culminating in a large community visioning presentation at the Olmsted-Richardson Elementary school in October 2008. The final Community Vision Plan builds on the previous work and makes recommendations for implementing the plan.
For additional information please contact Stephanie Danielson sdanielson@easton.ma.us.
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Internship Opportunity
The Department of Planning and Community Development in the Town of Easton, Massachusetts seeks an intern to take part in a variety of department activities. Assignments will include assisting staff in a number of substantial projects relating to government funding, community outreach, zoning policy research, GIS analysis, and conservation policy. A cover letter and resume must be submitted by Tuesday, March 15th. Click here for more information.
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Housing Assistance
A variety of services and agencies are available to help Easton residents with their housing needs. Click here for a listing of services ranging from First Time Homebuyer assistance to Emergency Housing Help.
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