The Municipal Ordinance Committee met last week to talk about new zoning, a Priority Overlay District, called a 43D site. The meeting helped clarify the new zoning bylaw in preparation for a Municipal Council decision Jan. 13.
The area known as the "Golden Triangle" prompted the new bylaw, which would allow a quick permitting process for areas deemed important to developing the town. The Golden Triangle has been an area of interest for years because of its ideal location between the exits of both Interstates 95 and 495.
At the meeting the committee focused on the language of the zoning bylaw. Changes to the new bylaw included clarification of applicable land use, governing body and substantial start definition. Committee members spent almost two hours defining and clarifying the document hoping to ensure a thorough permitting process.
"We want to make this as exact as possible," said committee member Bob Gilday. "We don't want another Bailey's Pond incident." The state Inspector General found in 2006 that the town may have broken several laws in its handling of the 2003 sale of the 24.5-acre Bailey's Pond land, near the junction of Interstate 495 and Route 150, to Fafard Realty to develop 120 or more condominiums.
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The Amesbury Public Library will begin new adult education classes this month. The series will begin with English as Second Language conversation groups and Taming Technology Nights.
The English as Second Language groups will help develop fluency. The group will discuss employment, heath care, consumer skills, family and education. Each class is developed to help students learn about Amesbury and resources available through the town.
Patty Champion, who has taught ESOL classes for 15 years, will lead the classes on the second, third and fourth Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. beginning Jan. 13 and ending June 9.
Taming Technology Nights are aimed at helping adult residents learn about new computer technology. Tasks include, but are not limited to, learning how to download photographs from a digital camera, setting up a new e-mail account and paying bills online.
Classes will be held the second Thursday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning on Jan. 8 and ending June 11.
For more information on both programs contact Patty DiTullio at 978-388-8148 or visit www.amesburylibrary.org.
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The Senior Center will host a breakfast Friday, Jan. 9, at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast is free and will include eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, fruit, pastries and coffee. After the breakfast senior firefighter Ozzie Morrill will help educate everyone on home fire safety. To register for the breakfast, call 978-388-8138 by Wednesday.
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An exercise discussion will be held at the Senior Center Friday, Jan. 16, at 9 a.m. The discussion will focus on balance. To register for this program, call the Senior Center at 978-388-8138.
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All veterans returning home are encouraged to contact the veterans' service agent to process their Welcome Home Bonus and sign up for VA Healthcare. Contact Kristen LaRue, Amesbury VSO, 978-388-8136. She is also seeking information related to active duty of military from Amesbury. Active duty personnel or their family members are encouraged to register with Amesbury Veterans' Services to receive information related to benefits such as: VA Healthcare, VA Compensation and other veteran-related services in the state.
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The following meeting is scheduled this week. Check Town Hall for schedule changes:
Monday
Emergency Management monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Emergency Operations Center.
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Sabrina Cardin covers the town of Amesbury for the Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666 or by e-mailing scardin@newburyportnews.com.
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