Table of Contents
The Winchester Town Meeting Members Association (TMMA) supports informed discussion and decision-making for Town Meeting members. Its monthly Bulletin shares brief updates from town boards and commissions about their current work. Winchester News will publish each Bulletin as it’s released so all residents can stay informed. Winchester News has not edited this content.
Select Board News
The Select Board recently appointed four members to the newly formed Human Rights Commission. We look forward to this Commission launching and providing updates on its work to the Board and to Town Meeting.
Speaking of Town Meeting…we’ll see everyone there in a few short weeks! The Board voted the warrant on October 5 and warrant and motion books will be in your mailboxes soon.
The Select Board, along with the School Committee and Finance Committee, will hold tri-board meetings throughout the budget season. Our first meeting was held on October 13. —Anthea Brady, Chair, Select Board
School Committee: Autumn Brings Full Agendas
The School Committee (SC) continues tackling a long list of priorities at regular and subcommittee meetings. Families have reported seeing the effects of reduced staffing due to budget constraints, making override funding for 2027–28 a top priority. Our first tri-board meeting of the year took place October 13.
On October 5, the SC and Select Board unanimously approved a statement supporting minoritized students and educators in response to outside pressure groups targeting efforts to support LGBTQ+ community members’ well-being. Other topics of discussion include GIS mapping, technology use in schools, and appointments to the Human Rights Commission and Educational Facilities Planning and Building Committee. —Timothy Matthews, Chair, School Committee
Planning Board to Bring Three Zoning Articles to Fall Town Meeting
The Planning Board (PB) is bringing three articles to Town Meeting that will help reduce red tape and streamline appropriate and much-needed development. Article 4 modifies lot-width requirements under certain conditions to expand by-right projects. Article 5 eliminates a redundant review committee while maintaining proper oversight. Article 6 modernizes special permit applications by ending costly and wasteful paper submissions. Two public hearings will take place in the Select Board Room, simulcast on WinCAM: the Ledges citizen petition at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 and the PB articles and three additional citizen zoning petitions at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27. —Brian Vernaglia, member, Planning Board
Conservation Commission News About Forest Ridge
The Conservation Commission proposes acquiring 13.66 acres of Forest Ridge, adjoining Middlesex Fells, to create a permanently protected conservation area. It contains diverse, high-value habitats, protects the North Reservoir, and advances both CPA open space goals and Winchester’s Climate Action Plan. Connection to the Fells would provide recreation, education, birding, and nature opportunities. The appraised value is $2.85 million. Because the property is under agreement with a developer, eminent domain is the only available acquisition tool, with legally required fair market compensation. Funding would come from grants, an earmark, and CPA funds, pending a new application. —Tracy Olson, Chair, Conservation Commission
WCCP to Propose Eight Projects to Town Meeting
The Winchester Committee on Community Preservation (WCCP) is excited to bring eight projects to Town Meeting for funding consideration: upgrades to the pavilion at Leonard Park, a shade structure at Lincoln School, resurfacing the tennis court at McDonald Park, a master plan for Nutile Field, continued improvements to the Packer Ellis tennis courts, tree planting around town, refurbished Town Hall auditorium seating, and improvements along the Tri-Community Greenway. An improved vetting process this year provided additional opportunities to coordinate with the Capital Planning Committee. The WCCP also will have a healthy amount available for FY2028 projects. —Christina Marshall, Chair, WCCP
Fall Flu and COVID Clinics Underway
The Board of Health (BOH) has been supporting the Health Department’s fall flu and COVID clinics and The Coalition for a Safer Community’s candlelight vigil in support of those affected by substance misuse. Going forward, we’ll be working with our Mystic Valley neighbors to provide businesses with additional training on the nicotine-free generation regulation. —Anne Marie Hill, Chair, BOH
Affordable Housing Trust Highlights
160 Forest St. has received the first of three grants for weatherization upgrades. The initial grant funded a new electric heat-pump heating system and electrical-service improvements valued at $55,000. The work is complete. The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) plans to issue an RFP next month for the remaining renovation work.
Waterfield Crossing, mixed-income housing on the Waterfield parking lot, plans to close and start construction late 2026 or early 2027. The AHT is providing a loan to the project.
We recently approved AHT goals that include collaborating with Town committees and organizations to support efforts to increase affordable and moderately priced housing in Winchester.
Watch for our Town Meeting Report for details. —Marty Jones, Chair, AHT
Follow the Conversation
Visit TMMA's Forum to read posts from Town Meeting members about Town Meeting articles and issues. To contact your Town Meeting representatives with questions or comments, visit the TMMA website for the current list.
About TMMA
The Winchester Town Meeting Members Association is a non-governmental, non-partisan association that helps Town Meeting members stay informed about town issues and Town Meeting articles ahead of Town Meeting sessions.
