Sturbridge Development News
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Select Board 6/15/26
Published: Jun 15, 2026
Sturbridge Select Board Approves Timber Harvest Plan for Great Neck Road Property
The Sturbridge Select Board held a public hearing for a timber harvest plan submitted by Hull Forest Products Inc. for land at 155 Great Neck Road. The plan outlines a selective/group selection harvest on approximately 260 acres of the 332-acre property, aiming to improve forest health, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. The harvest will involve watercourse and wetland crossings using pre-existing culverts, timber bridge mats, and corduroy. Special attention will be paid to protecting climbing fumary, a state-protected plant, and the property's status as priority habitat for rare wildlife. The harvest is scheduled from November 15th to April 15th. The board approved the forest cutting plan as presented, subject to conservation conditions.
Sturbridge Commits to Paving Critical Access Road Section for St. Ann's Shrine
Peter Mimo, representing the pastor of St. Ann's Outdoor Shrine and Church, addressed the board regarding the repair of a 100-foot section of access road on Church Street. This section, crucial for visitor access and stabilization of an underground water pipe, is currently blocked off due to its poor condition. The town has committed to paving this section, which is seen as progress, but the parish requested documentation on operation and maintenance procedures to ensure future upkeep. They also expressed concern that negotiating additional easements for a larger section of the road could delay the critical 100-foot paving. The board affirmed the town's commitment to paving the 100-foot section at an appropriate time, potentially in September, to ensure it is usable before the parish's busy fall season.
Sturbridge Approves Contract for Phase 4 of Historic Preservation Survey
The town is seeking approval to finalize a contract with Barrett Planning LLC for Phase 4 of its historic survey work. This phase is part of a broader communitywide historic preservation plan initiated in 2023, which identifies areas for surveying and recommends educational outreach. The contract amount is $57,000, with an additional $2,000 allocated for printing and incidental expenses. This phase will focus on filling gaps in historical documentation, including Library Lane properties and areas within the Plimpton property, potentially leading to self-guided historic walks. The historic commission plans to continue this work with a potential fifth phase next year due to new recommendations from consultants.
National Grid Granted Permission for New Utility Pole on Burgess School Road
National Grid petitioned the Sturbridge Select Board to install one Joint-Owned (JO) pole on Burgess School Road, approximately 846 feet north of the intersection with Main Street. Pole number 4-89 will replace an existing pole at a bad angle that is being pulled inwards. The new pole will be a stub pole across the road to balance the angle. The work is located near the entrance to the school parking lot, before the turn. The board discussed the timing of the work, noting that school ends on Thursday and ideally the work would be completed before school starts in September to minimize traffic disruption. The board approved the petition for the pole relocation.
Laurel Ives Appointed as Full-Time Dispatcher for Sturbridge Police Department
The Sturbridge Select Board appointed Laurel Ives as a full-time dispatcher for the Sturbridge Police Communication Center. Ms. Ives holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from UMass and has experience in customer service roles, developing communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills directly applicable to dispatching. She has successfully completed a background check and is recommended for the position due to her strong desire to work in the community, professionalism, and effectiveness in demanding situations. She will be appointed effective June 16th, 2026, at an hourly rate of $24.24.
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The Sturbridge News archive
Planning Board 6/22/26
2026-06-22 at 183103 Planning. 6.22.26.mp4
2026-06-17 at 183025 Zoning Board of Appeals 6-17-26.mp4
Zoning Board of Appeals 6/17/26
2026-06-16 at 180036 Massdot Public Hearing. 6.16.26.mp4
2026-06-16 at 180045 Conservation Commission 6-16-26.mp4
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