Sherry Patch

This long-range plan for the Town of Princeton's cemeteries outlines a strategic framework to meet evolving resident needs and maintain cemetery assets over the next 10+ years. Key priorities include adapting burial services to changing demographics by evaluating green burials and columbarium installations, maximizing land use, and investing in capital improvements such as enhancing underutilized cemeteries, expanding Woodlawn Cemetery, and upgrading technology. The plan also focuses on maintaining fiscal responsibility, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preserving historical features, with the goal of aligning services and infrastructure with community needs and preferences.

The committee reviewed and approved the text for the front panel of their new webpage, which will be submitted to Karen Cruise for migration to the new platform. The state modified Princeton's proposed ADU bylaw to allow fully detached ADUs, and the town will not contest these changes due to the high cost of appeal. There was a discussion about a 3-unit project being built in Hardwick with support from Worcester Community Housing Resources, and a visit to Princeton was scheduled. The committee also discussed the status of septic approval at Mechanics Hall and the potential challenges of supporting a 2-bedroom residence. Additionally, there was an update on the LaPorte property, and a discussion about emphasizing the positive aspects of OSRD.

The meeting included discussions on financial updates, such as the new fiscal year's starting balance for general fund accounts, and various events and programs. These included the sponsorship of porta-potties for the Touch a Truck event, a review of the Movie Nights' success, and plans for Scarecrow Alley, Trunk or Treat, and a Spooky Walk. The commission also discussed a proposed Halloween Stroll and the potential relocation of Trunk or Treat. Updates were provided on field and park maintenance, including the baseball diamond and fields at Krashes, as well as a meeting to discuss refurbishing desires for Sawyer Playground. Additionally, there was an update on MyRec, including the creation of a field use schedule for the Fall season.

The meeting covered financial updates, including the new FY26 starting balance for general fund accounts. Commission position appointments were made for Clerk and Chair. Discussions included the success of Movie Nights, the cancellation of Family Day at Krashes, and plans for Scarecrow Alley, Trunk or Treat, and a potential Spooky Walk. The committee discussed the Ski Program, Boxwood Class, Cookie Swap, and Winter Carnival. Updates were provided on the baseball diamond maintenance and the formation of a sub-committee to update paperwork and fees for Field Usage in 2026. The commission discussed the purchase of a pickle ball net and updates on Skedda/MyRec. A motion was made to move forward with a quote from Gatsby to perform renovations on Field 2.

The meeting included discussions on by-law amendments approved at the Annual Town Meeting, a proposed ANR subdivision for Westminster Road, and a possible revised amendment for common driveway criteria. The board discussed possible topics for the coming year, including home businesses, site plan review, earth removal, battery storage, East Princeton Village Overlay District, scenic roads, outdoor lighting, kennels, business zoning, and the Community Preservation Act. The board will consider which topics to pursue at future meetings and will solicit input on possible topics at a meeting of all Board and Committee Chairs.