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Selectmen recommend $100,000 feasibility plan for Ashland waterfront, aim to avoid local tax impact
Summary
The board recommended a $100,000 comprehensive planning appropriation for the Ashland waterfront beach, noting a $50,000 grant award and an aim to raise matching funds through donations and in‑kind contributions to minimize tax impact.
The selectmen voted to recommend Article 22, authorizing up to $100,000 to develop a comprehensive plan to redevelop the Ashland waterfront beach area. Committee members said a $100,000 grant was awarded and the town must provide $50,000 of the matched funding; the Economic Development Committee (EDC) plans to raise donations and in‑kind support to avoid local taxation.
An EDC representative described the intent: "The feds provide $50,000 and the town is required to provide $50,000 of either funds or in kind. Those funds can come from other sources…we're hopeful to have a good portion of it pledged before the actual warrant vote." Selectmen and residents discussed environmental constraints (DES), deed restrictions on donated land and the goal that the feasibility study will identify allowable improvements and cost estimates.
The board recommended the article; members stressed the study is intended to be a feasibility/design step, not a commitment to build, and that final design and construction would require additional approvals and funding.
