[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6658747,"mediaKeyId","3389715-288329527560d4a2f9b184627945dacf","parentId",3389715,"title","Acton Select Board approves National Grid pipe replacements after heated debate, public objections","audioSeconds",2822,"startMs",1137000,"endMs",3959000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3389715-288329527560d4a2f9b184627945dacf&start=1137&end=3959","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3389715-288329527560d4a2f9b184627945dacf/thumbnail_1137000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6658747/Town-of-Acton/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Acton-Select-Board-approves-National-Grid-pipe-replacements-after-heated-debate-public-objections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658747-75b1e05ea3ced20a1fd5f67c760a3b52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142882&Signature=lbGwS4frFGMOSi6AZ7lWu3IvnimRBjYhaF-XdgVpu4ydcAjLdkoIHj5Z72NKb3EZ5Zbu9fyka6I8AdedqHwtcaWhQjZ6gZtejjvJ3032ih5CShNMqFyIxw9Pd8dAOhjNovpErp~A8DgViJHlofE4u0yZdvkiOpOUsookMxaFI4IlE6d15Z6lQPyegCqoOeeUckkHmfE04TW7IrJk8mBOzG-RCp1wQj6wv~LmMGu3XOEXAQNl2vuZb9tG-kpwIJUGBFKMKQEHnglX9N7bWESRPgDr5ap2rvGCqGIrsL6VsvA~lrgfNtvm-VdhxqohPXefHwaGuGZ2IU60fswp3o4SjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Acton","date","2025-05-20T13:56:56Z","article","National Grid won approval from the Acton Select Board on May 19 to proceed with replacement of aging gas mains in multiple locations after a lengthy public hearing and debate about alternatives, costs and environmental impacts.

The hearings covered a planned replacement of roughly 3,180 feet of older steel main on Central Street and a separate, larger project affecting Arlington Street, Elm Street, Houghton Lane and other short runs. National Grid representatives told the board the work is part of the company’s replacement program intended to address leak-prone pipe and improve system reliability.

Why it matters: Advocates pressed the board to demand repair-first approaches and to consider how investment in new gas infrastructure shifts costs to ratepayers while the state pursues decarbonization. The board approved the applications but several members expressed reservations and pressed town staff to require stricter engineering oversight and clearer prioritization of projects.

National Grid’s representative said the work “is part of the bare steel replacement program and it’s to keep safety, reliability, integrity in the system and, to prevent leaks” and explained that in many cases multiple localized repairs have preceded the decision to replace a full run of pipe.

Public commenters urged alternatives. Karen Watkins of Mothers Out Front said residents support safety but asked the town and the utility to evaluate repair methods and neighborhood transitions to electrification. “Our review has generally found that the utilities are not spending ratepayer funds wisely,” Watkins said, quoting James von Nostrand, chair of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, and urging the board to press National Grid on non‑replacement options and equitable cost outcomes.

Board discussion highlighted competing priorities. Several members said they support moving away from fossil fuels but also emphasized immediate public‑safety concerns tied to century‑old steel pipe. One member noted multiple active grade‑3 leaks along the Central Street run and said replacing the steel main reduces recurring leaks and environmental risk. Other members urged conditioning approvals on engineering review, limiting any increase in pipe size to avoid perceived capacity increases, and seeking written assurances about crossings such as the Fort Pond Brook/“Fort Parn” bridge design and inspection.

Outcomes and next steps: The board closed the first public hearing and approved National Grid’s Central Street replacement project (motion to approve as noticed; outcome recorded at the meeting as approved with 3 in favor and 2 abstentions). In a second hearing covering Arlington, Elm and Houghton Lane, the board discussed a proposed amendment that would allow replacing only coated steel portions and leave existing plastic pipe in place; that amendment failed. After additional motions, the board ultimately approved the broader replacement plan for Arlington, Elm, Houghton Lane and Central Street as presented; at least one member abstained during the final vote. The board directed staff and the town engineer to pursue additional follow‑up information about bridge crossings and to request written clarifications from the utility on whether partial replacements (steel only) are feasible.

What the hearings did not do: The board did not authorize any expansion of the gas distribution system for new growth, and several members repeatedly asked National Grid to confirm that replacements were for reliability rather than for added capacity. Several speakers and board members asked the Department of Public Works and the town engineer to review designs and to require permits and police details for daytime work; the company said permits, police details and DPW conditions will govern construction.

Documents and community engagement: The board and planning staff said they will seek technical follow‑up information from National Grid and from the town’s Department of Public Works and engineering staff. Residents and advocates who favor repair or neighborhood electrification said they will continue to press for alternatives in future filings and rate cases.

Votes at the meeting: The Central Street application was approved (meeting-recorded outcome: approved; 3 in favor, 2 abstentions). The Arlington/Elm/Houghton/Central package was ultimately approved after discussion and motions; abstentions were recorded during the board’s deliberations and members asked staff to return with additional engineering clarifications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Acton Select Board Meeting - May 19th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","National Grid won approval from the Acton Select Board on May 19 to proceed with replacement of aging gas mains in multiple locations after a lengthy public hearing and debate about alternatives, costs and environmental impacts.","taxTitle","Town of Acton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",56888,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658737,"Acton Select Board and Planning Board adopt 2025 Housing Production Plan focused on household diversity and wastewater options",1242,5182000,6424000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3389715-288329527560d4a2f9b184627945dacf&start=5182&end=6424","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3389715-288329527560d4a2f9b184627945dacf/thumbnail_5182000.jpg","/articles/6658737/Town-of-Acton/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Acton-Select-Board-and-Planning-Board-adopt-2025-Housing-Production-Plan-focused-on-household-diversity-and-wastewater-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658737-6525cea891e81c3b348bfedeb55864a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142882&Signature=NSElmvP~wZ27cqb9UczvrVXapdeo94D~IGqQnM229tAsA6kKZhwMyJO4HzkJAFL9ox2bGFVSfDC5f43yOCFvSt~iq85fTOz0FfBnDyeAo8dfupiyOBwV46NKsFUi5JAAvlzXJAgWiSHZrbjk013Pp0PBPXVpoPglQC2dymNg1yeC9oliJVOi448CF1JumP2FhLW~6xLjaOhicVnyuIXZr6xeUyb9ebfwSfzoDK8~YHdL-c3xB33zzCOVA0kn8sfdf2Pqw5JNi3vVQonqvdXk-t02xdiVq4F8ipZQHFZ551uWRErP9JHmuUWgDEOlOi8aNvDDQ30wkeEE1OjFBoxRBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Acton’s Select Board and Planning Board voted on May 19 to adopt a revised 2025 Housing Production Plan (HPP) that town staff and boards say balances state production requirements with local priorities such as household diversity, aging‑in‑place strategies and options for wastewater management.

The boards extended the public comment period for one week following an earlier joint session and then incorporated multiple public and technical comments into the plan. Planning staff summarized the changes at the joint meeting: clarifying Goal 2 to emphasize encouraging a diversity of household types—especially households underserved by the market; expanding Goal 8 to cover both deed‑restricted and naturally affordable units; and modifying language throughout the document to reference “wastewater solutions” rather than only sewer to reflect broader options.

Why it matters: The Housing Production Plan is a state‑recognized five‑year planning tool under Chapter 40B that helps communities demonstrate planned housing production and prioritize strategies to meet local needs. Planning staff noted Acton remains above the 10 percent threshold used to evaluate production but that the new plan positions the town to respond to changing needs and leverage recently adopted local zoning (including MBTA community zoning and a Habitat for All bylaw).

Public commenters praised the plan but offered priorities for implementation. Janet Adachi, chair of the Acton Community Housing Corporation, urged adoption and described the HPP as “an aspirational document” to guide town action. Commenters asked the town to prioritize assistance for long‑time residents seeking to age in place, to provide technical support for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and to consider options for converting existing housing to deed‑restricted units.

Planning staff said they will incorporate comments from the Acton Water District—recommended additions include more explicit partnership with water and wastewater authorities and attention to Great Road’s special water and well‑protection considerations. The plan also calls for a community engagement component tied to an annual housing roundtable to sequence strategies and invite guest speakers.

Action taken: The Select Board voted to approve the updated Housing Production Plan and the Planning Board voted 4‑0 to join the approval. Staff committed to publishing the final draft on the town website ahead of a planned presentation of final recommendations on June 3 and to organizing a brunch with business owners on June 11 to support local economic and housing coordination.

What this does not change: Planning staff and public commenters stressed the plan does not supersede existing state or local regulations regarding water, wastewater or zoning; instead, it is intended to guide implementation and prioritize strategies consistent with statutory constraints.

Next steps: Planning staff will publish the final plan, continue coordination with the Acton Water District and other partners, and begin the engagement steps in the plan, including the annual roundtable and targeted outreach to homeowners about ADU options and resources.","Acton’s Select Board and Planning Board voted May 19 to adopt the town’s 2025 Housing Production Plan after a one‑week extension of public comment and targeted edits to emphasize household diversity, wastewater options and deed‑restricted versus naturally affordable units.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658742,"Votes at a glance: Acton Select Board approves liquor license, housing plan, conservation restriction and multiple budget/contract actions",171,6993000,7164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3389715-288329527560d4a2f9b184627945dacf&start=6993&end=7164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3389715-288329527560d4a2f9b184627945dacf/thumbnail_6993000.jpg","/articles/6658742/Town-of-Acton/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Acton-Select-Board-approves-liquor-license-housing-plan-conservation-restriction-and-multiple-budgetcontract-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658742-86513d4deec3288468884507212409d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142882&Signature=eKK~dikk8qIRqlUwYCyjWwpx8LXrHr1ARm9RLO7tjObQRv759fPMcyGJURBCX8WC4SGACYCWkmSIdCokJfMcVt0ZxRpRgZgulZ86fEqXI8hs~zK0VwB9xXVN~dRtyHoPg6WZ78Wux1BUm8vg05cXrTxIx-e~N1jvaEf2tAvBCf1vfVycJHC79pvXKRzu625awsq4ccQlzA96wCmVw2L2hg0y79YH6JnqJ9Q~G5amSTWEsgnkiTSOu3o7gm2~5eWtCSI0iKP33k8kaxOgBkOj~Gmfl5SqzT2DF68BUFF6MLTjFVcJ0axuf0lLH6g8q26EUyVEKeHbiSm6H-8-niphnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Acton Select Board made a series of formal approvals during its May 19, 2025 meeting, taking actions that affect town housing policy, business licensing, conservation, energy and community housing programs.

Key outcomes

- Alcohol license: The board approved a common victualer and malt-and-wine carry‑in license for Acton Seafood Company at 541 Massachusetts Avenue. The applicant said staff will continue to card patrons and require customers bringing alcohol to present it through the front door at the counter before taking it outside to deck seating.

- Housing Production Plan: In a joint session with the Planning Board, the Select Board voted to adopt the town’s 2025 Housing Production Plan (HPP). Planning staff described edits made after an extended public comment period: clarifying goals about household diversity and deed‑restricted versus naturally affordable units, including wastewater solutions language, and adding outreach/engagement elements. The Planning Board then voted to join the Select Board in approving the plan.

- Community housing funding: The board approved a request from the Acton Community Housing Corporation to release $60,000 to support Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts’ affordable housing project at 416 Great Road. The funding comes from ACHC resources and the Select Board’s approval was required under trust terms.

- Conservation restriction: The board authorized execution of documents to grant a conservation restriction to the Sudbury Valley Trustees tied to the Weatherby property, enabling the town to finalize a $500,000 state grant and close the transaction.

- Fossil‑fuel‑bylaw waiver: The board granted a one‑off waiver to allow propane‑fueled cooking at a newly constructed home at 2 Betty Lane. The waiver passed on a 3–2 vote after board discussion that weighed cultural and practical cooking needs against the town’s fossil‑fuel‑free bylaw and the policy’s goals to encourage electrification.

- Building permit refund: The Select Board approved a full refund of a building permit fee for 51 Robin Street after staff review and discussion about the amount of work performed by town departments before the applicant’s project changed course.

- Renewable energy pilot agreement: The board approved a 20‑year payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILOT) agreement for a renewable infrastructure project at Discovery Way, with an annual payment of $63,825 to be deposited into the town’s energy efficiency fund.

- Town Hall HVAC and emergency power: The board approved an appropriation of $250,000 from the energy efficiency fund for final design and bidding services for a Town Hall HVAC and emergency power replacement project. The appropriation will fund final design work so the project can be bid and a construction figure taken to a future Town Meeting.

Votes and motions: Where recorded in the meeting transcript, vote counts were recorded; where counts were not named, the board’s actions were adopted by majority vote. Several items passed unanimously or with no recorded opposition; the fossil‑fuel waiver passed 3–2 and the first National Grid permitting item recorded 3 in favor and 2 abstentions.

What’s next: For the projects requiring further work, staff were directed to complete final design (Town Hall), execute closing documents (conservation restriction), coordinate engineering review and permitting (National Grid pipe replacements), and report back to the board. The Housing Production Plan implementation steps will be coordinated across departments.","The Acton Select Board made a series of formal approvals at its May 19 meeting, including a liquor license for a local seafood shop, approval of the 2025 Housing Production Plan, conservation and housing funding, and several energy and permitting actions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Acton Select Board approves National Grid pipe replacements after heated debate, public objections

Acton Select Board and Planning Board adopt 2025 Housing Production Plan focused on household diversity and wastewater options

Votes at a glance: Acton Select Board approves liquor license, housing plan, conservation restriction and multiple budget/contract actions