Events and Committee MeetingsTo learn about 495/MetroWest Partnership events and committee meetings as they are announced, be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter! Upcoming Events and Committee Meetings495/MetroWest Partnership Annual Conference 2024: You're invited to the 495/MetroWest Partnership's 2024 Annual Conference, "The Future of Housing in 495/MetroWest." This year's conference will be held on Thursday, December 12th from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Click here to purchase tickets or sponsor the event. (Recurring) 495/MetroWest Planning and Economic Development Working Group: In 2022, the 495/MetroWest Partnership launched the 495/MetroWest Planning & Economic Development Working Group, with the following mission: To provide a setting in which planning and economic development officers from each of the 36 495/MetroWest Partnership municipalities may discuss and collaborate on common issues of relevance impacting communities and economic development in our region. Participants will focus on the shared goals of promoting sustainable economic growth, consistent with the Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Goals identified in the 495/MetroWest Partnership’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. All 36 member communities of the 495/MetroWest Partnership have been invited to designate planning and economic development staff (as defined by the municipality) to participate. Municipalities should limit participating staff to not more than two at any given time. The working group meets monthly on the third Thursday at 3:00 PM; sessions alternate between being hosted virtually and in-person. To learn more, email Executive Director Jason Palitsch at [email protected].
Recent Events and Committee MeetingsEnergy and Sustainable Development Committee Meeting December 5th: The Energy and Sustainable Development Committee met on Thursday, December 5th 2024. The meeting's agenda included a presentation from Representative Jeffrey Roy on climate and energy legislation signed into law in November 2024; Representative Roy serves as the House Chair of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. The Committee also hosted representatives from MassDEP’s Environmental Justice program to provide an overview of their work.
Transportation Committee Meeting November 7th: The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership held a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 7th, 2024. The meeting's agenda included an update from the MassDOT project team on the I-495/I-90 Interchange project, an update from the MetroWest RTA on a potential new service to connect residents along the I-495 corridor, and a review of commuter rail ridership increases in the area. Please click the respective links below to access slide deck presentations from the meeting:
EV Charging Capacity Discussion: The Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a conversation focused on expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity in our region on April 4th, 2024. The event began with an overview of the current availability of EV charging in our region, and included a presentation about the Massachusetts EVIP program, which helps property owners and managers with publicly accessible parking acquire EV charging stations.
The 495/MetroWest Partnership strongly encourages impacted stakeholders to engage with EPA's public input process. To discuss this process further or to request assistance in communicating with EPA, please contact 495/MetroWest Partnership Executive Director Jason Palitsch at [email protected]. Route 2 Corridor Study Presentation: On Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, the Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted representatives from MassDOT for an informational presentation on their Route 2 Corridor Study. During the meeting, MassDOT provided attendees with an overview of the scope and status of the Route 2 Corridor Study, alternatives, and next steps. The slide deck from the presentation may be accessed online at this link. Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) Expansion into MetroWest Communities Feasibility Study Presentation: On December 19th, 2023, the Water Resources Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a presentation from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) regarding their study to assess the feasibility of expanding MWRA’s water system further into the Metro West area. The study was intended to quantify the Authority’s capacity to serve new customers, to develop alternatives for new infrastructure that would expand the Authority’s ability to serve new communities, and to provide planning-level cost estimates and timelines for these alternatives. 495/MetroWest communities included in this study were Acton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Littleton, Maynard, Natick, Sherborn, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough, and Westford.
Annual Conference 2023, The Future of Transportation in 495/MetroWest: On Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 leaders from across our region gathered in Framingham for the 495/MetroWest Partnership's Annual Conference, "The Future of Transportation in 495/MetroWest." Throughout 2023, the Partnership's Transportation Committee worked to update and refresh our regional vision for improved Commuter Rail service, RTA service, and roadways in the region; the results of this work were unveiled at the conference. You can access the revised Vision and Priorities statements for each of these three key transportation topics on the Transportation Committee page on our website. Our keynote speaker was Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt. Housing Committee Discussion with Secretary Augustus: The Commonwealth’s first Housing Secretary in more than 30 years, Edward M. Augustus, Jr., addressed the 495/MetroWest Partnership’s Housing Committee on November 8th. Secretary Augustus was appointed in May to lead the newly-created Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Earlier in the year, Governor Healey filed Article 87 legislation to create the new Executive Office, which moved the Department of Housing and Community Development out of the former Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development into the new secretariat. This new cabinet-level secretariat is solely dedicated to housing, and to driving solutions to create more homes and lower costs. Secretary Augustus discussed the administration's recent Housing Bond Bill, and the relationship between housing and economic development. Sudbury Valley Trustees Preservation Priorities: On June 15th, the Water Resources Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a presentation from Sudbury Valley Trustees regarding their recent land protection prioritization work. To guide regional land protection strategies, Sudbury Valley Trustees has worked with the Metrowest Conservation Alliance to develop a tool that identifies the land that is the most essential to conserve in the region around the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Because the tool can identify priority areas at the boundaries of towns, it is also intended to facilitate collaboration and conservation partnerships.
SVT is a nonprofit land trust that conserves vital natural areas in the region between Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts. They actively protect some of the region’s most important forests, wetlands, and grasslands. As of Summer 2022, SVT cares for more than 5700 acres in 93 SVT-Owned Conservation Areas and 97 Conservation Restrictions, while maintaining more than 65 miles of trails. Since their inception, they have assisted other organizations and governmental agencies in protecting an additional 3,000 acres in the region. Of the 36 cities and towns in SVT's service area, 25 are 495/MetroWest Partnership communities. Boston MPO & CMMPO Long Range Transportation Plan Development Presentation: On Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, the Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a virtual presentation from the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (Boston MPO) and Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) on the development of their respective Long-Range Transportation Plans. MPOs are federally required to produce a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) every four years with a minimum 20-year planning horizon. LRTPs ultimately establish a vision for the region’s transportation system by factoring in travel patterns, technology, equity needs, population growth, and land-use patterns, among other areas to address system preservation, modernization efforts, safety, congestion, and multimodality.
495/MetroWest Partnership communities that are served by the Boston MPO include Acton, Ashland, Bellingham, Bolton, Boxborough, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Norfolk, Sherborn, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, and Wrentham. 495/MetroWest Partnership communities that are served by CMMPO include Berlin, Grafton, Hopedale, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Upton, and Westborough. I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Briefing: On Thursday, November 3rd, 2022, the Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted representatives from MassDOT to provide an update on the I-495/I-90 interchange improvements project. Construction activities for the project are slated to begin in the coming weeks. On an average day, approximately 75,000 vehicles use the interchange itself. In the immediate area, I-90 carries around 100,000 vehicles and I-495 carries around 110,000 daily.
Inquiries or concerns regarding the project may be directed to MassDOT staff via email at [email protected]. A virtual Public Information Meeting on the project will be hosted by MassDOT on Wednesday, November 16th, at 6:00 PM; click here for registration information for the Public Information Meeting.
Presentation and Q&A: EPA Residual Designation Authority in the Charles River Watershed: EPA Region 1 has announced that they will exercise their residual designation authority under the Clean Water Act in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset river watersheds. Certain commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with one or more acres of impervious area will be required to obtain coverage under an EPA Clean Water Act permit. Once permits are issued, property owners will be required to take steps to reduce pollutants in stormwater. EPA anticipates issuing one or more general permits specifying the activities that property owners must implement to reduce stormwater pollution from their properties. Before these requirements are finalized, EPA will conduct a public process, including publication of a draft permit and an opportunity to comment. Privately owned commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with 1-acre or greater impervious cover will need to seek coverage under one of these permits (or an individual permit if they prefer) and take the actions spelled out in the permits. The 495/MetroWest Partnership's Water Resources Committee hosted EPA Region 1 staff for an informational presentation on this matter on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022.
495/MetroWest Partnership communities that are fully or partially located within the Charles River watershed are Ashland, Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Norfolk, Sherborn, Wayland, and Wrentham. Portions of Foxborough and Medfield are located in the Neponset River watershed. 2022 Climate Legislation Presentation: On Tuesday, October 18th, 2022, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a special presentation from State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy of Franklin, who serves as House Chairperson of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. The presentation focused on An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, major climate legislation passed and signed into law in August 2022. The bill contained significant provisions related to clean energy investment, offshore wind, electric vehicles, and more. State House Day...in the District! The 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted our annual State House Day event on June 15th, 2022. As the State House is not yet open to outside events, this year's event was hosted at Framingham State University. State House Day is an annual opportunity created by the Partnership for our stakeholders to interact with members of our region’s legislative delegation, hear about their priorities, and ask questions or offer feedback relevant to your business, organization, or community. Participating this year were Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan (D-Stow), Senator James Eldridge (D-Acton), Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury), Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury), Representative Jack Patrick Lewis (D-Framingham), Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury), and Representative Maria Robinson (D-Framingham).
FY23-27 TIP Presentations: The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted staff representing the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (Boston MPO) and the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMMPO) to present on their respective Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) for Fiscal Years 2023-27 on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022. Each MPO, a federally required planning entity for urbanized areas with populations exceeding 50,000, is annually required to produce a TIP, which is a five-year, rolling list of regionally significant surface and non-surface transportation projects programmed with federal funding. Each presentation covered the respective MPO's TIP process, timeline, federal funding mechanisms, project evaluation criteria, and an overview of regionally significant projects programmed for funding in the 495/MetroWest region.
The Partnership extends our thanks to Matt Genova of the Central Transportation Planning Staff, and Sujatha Krishnan, Kevin Krasnecky, and Rich Rydant of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission for their presentations. For more information about the Boston MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program, click here. For more information about the Central Massachusetts MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program, click here.
Draft Guidance for Multi-family Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities: On Monday, March 28th, 2022, the 495/MetroWest Partnership and the Middlesex 3 Coalition co-hosted a presentation regarding the Commonwealth’s Draft Guidance for Multi-family Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities. Click here to view a recording of the presentation. Enacted as part of the economic development bill in January 2021, state law now requires that any MBTA Community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right. In December 2021, DHCD released draft guidelines for MBTA Communities regarding these new multi-family zoning requirements. The presentation was led by Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, Chris Kluchman of the Department of Housing and Community Development, and Clark Ziegler of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. Additional resources:
Massachusetts Clean Water Trust: On Wednesday, March 16th, 2022 the Water Resources Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a presentation on the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust is a state agency that provides low-interest loans to municipalities and other eligible entities for the purpose of improving water quality throughout the Commonwealth. Loan funding is provided through the Massachusetts State Revolving Funds. Nate Keenan, Deputy Director of the Clean Water Trust, provided an overview of resources available, as well as information regarding new sources of funding coming to Massachusetts. Click here to access a recording of this event. PACE Program Presentation: On February 15th, 2022, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted representatives from MassDevelopment to present on the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. PACE is a new mechanism to finance energy improvements, such as energy-efficiency projects, renewables, and gas line extensions, on commercial and industrial properties in Massachusetts. Click here to access the slide presentation from the event. To finance improvements, a property owner agrees to a betterment assessment on their property, which repays the financing. This approach enables owners to undertake more comprehensive energy upgrades with longer payback periods of up to 20 years. At property sale, the lien stays with the property and is transferred to subsequent property owners. Properties eligible for financing through PACE include commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and multi-family buildings with five or more units. Individual municipalities may opt into PACE one time by a majority vote of the city or town council or the board of selectmen, as appropriate. For more information on the PACE program, click here. Presentation from #InvestInWaterMA Campaign: The Water Resources Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a presentation and discussion on the #InvestInWaterMA initiative on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022. Click here to access the slide presentation from this meeting, providing an overview of the #InvestInWaterMA campaign. The #InvestInWaterMA effort aims to see water, sewer, and wastewater infrastructure prioritized for new infrastructure funding. State and federal policymakers will be making critical decisions about where and how to invest billions of dollars in federal infrastructure and COVID relief funding in the coming months and years. Key messages of the campaign include the funding gap for cities, towns, and regional water utilities for water infrastructure needs, and the positive relationship between water/ wastewater infrastructure investment and increased economic activity. To learn more about the effort visit www.ucane.com/investinwaterma. I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Presentation: The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, Acting Chief Engineer Carrie Lavallee, and Project Manager Michael O’Dowd for a presentation on the I-90 Allston Multimodal Project on Tuesday, November 23rd. The project will remove the existing Allston Viaduct carrying the Massachusetts Turnpike along the Charles River in Boston and likely construct an all-at-grade replacement of the Turnpike, Soldiers Field Road, and commuter rail tracks. Click here to access the slide presentation from the event. The proposed project will further create a new stop on the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Line to be known as West Station. The completed project, as well as its 8-10 year construction phase, will have a substantial impact on commuters and businesses to the west of Boston. Attendees were provided a general overview of the project, and had the opportunity to ask questions of MassDOT. Click here to access a video recording of the presentation. Water Resources Committee Meeting with Congresswoman Trahan: The Water Resources Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted Congresswoman Lori Trahan of Massachusetts’ 3rd Congressional District virtually on Thursday, November 4th, 2021. The Congresswoman discussed her work on the House Energy & Commerce and Natural Resources Committees, as well as comprehensive PFAS legislation recently passed by the House, and took questions from the audience. Congresswoman Trahan represents the 495/MetroWest Partnership communities of Acton, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Harvard, Hudson, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Westford. Click here to view a recording of the event.
October 14th Transportation Committee Meeting: The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership met virtually on Thursday, October 14th. Click here to access a recording of the meeting. The agenda included a presentation from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization regarding their Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) development process, an overview from the Regional Transit Authority Advocacy Coalition (RTAAC) on their proposed RTA Advancement bill, and a brief presentation from GATRA on two new demand-response services which between them will serve the 495/MetroWest Partnership communities Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham. To access slide presentations and other materials referenced during the session, click the respective links below:
Virtual State House Day 2021: The 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted our annual State House Day virtually this year on Tuesday, June 15th. This event featured a keynote address from Senate President Karen Spilka, a roundtable discussion with members of the 495/MetroWest Legislative Delegation, and the unveiling of Strength in Numbers 2021, our annual economic and demographic report highlighting the region’s strengths and advantages. Click here to access our Strength in Numbers 2021 report. Housing Submarkets Presentation & Discussion: On June 9th, the Housing Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted a presentation and discussion with MAPC focused on their Housing Submarkets study, and submarket-specific strategies to meet housing needs and demand through housing and affordable housing production, preservation, and housing stability protections. A housing submarket is a collection of neighborhoods with similar housing stock and housing market characteristics. These characteristics contribute to who can find, afford, and remain in suitable housing in that neighborhood. Presenting on behalf of MAPC were Jessie Partridge Guerrero, Research Manager at MAPC, and Karina Oliver-Milchman, AICP, Chief of Housing & Neighborhood Development. Click here to view a recording of this presentation and discussion. Discussion with Congressman Jake Auchincloss: The Transportation Committee hosted a discussion with Congressman Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts’ Fourth Congressional District on March 31st. Serving his first term, Congressman Auchincloss has been assigned to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he serves on the Highways & Transit; Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittees. Congressman Auchincloss represents all or portions of 34 Massachusetts cities and towns, including the 495/MetroWest Partnership communities of Bellingham, Foxborough, Franklin, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham. Click here to view a recording of the meeting. As Congress forges ahead on a significant infrastructure package and invites Members to request transportation and infrastructure “earmarks” for the first time in a decade, Congressman Auchincloss specifically requests your input on priority projects for your communities; if you would like to request that Rep. Auchincloss submit a Community Project Funding (“earmark”) request or a regular Appropriations request on your or your organization’s behalf, please visit this website which has instructions on how to complete this form. Housing Committee First Session: The Housing Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted its first session on Thursday, March 25th. Click here to view a recording of the session. We hosted two presentations, each followed by a Question and Answer period: Amy Dain, Consultant, Dain Research, and author of The State of Zoning for Multi-Family Housing in Greater Boston, presented on the state of multi-family housing in the region and potential strategies going forward, and Chris Kluchman, Deputy Director of the Community Services Division at (DHCD presented an overview of the state’s new Housing Choice legislation and its implementation. Chris Kluchman's presentation can be downloaded via this link.
MassDOT Highway Division Presentation: On Thursday, March 4th, the Transportation Committee hosted Barry Lorion, District Highway Director for District 3, and Thomas Emerick, Highway Division District 3 Operations Engineer, who discussed regional roadway projects both upcoming and underway. Click here to download the presentation slides presented during this session. Municipal Government Response to COVID-19 in 495/MetroWest: On February 9th, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee hosted a special forum as part of its series on the impact of COVID-19 on our region, "Municipal Government Response to COVID-19 in 495/MetroWest." This panel discussion focused on how municipal governments across our region have responded to the pandemic. You can view a recording of the discussion online at this link. Our panel included Sgt. Ed Burman, Ashland Police Department; Bill Keegan, Foxborough Town Manager; Kristen Las, Shrewsbury Assistant Town Manager; John Mangiaratti, Acton Town Manager; and Louise Miller, Wayland Town Administrator. Check out coverage of the event in The MetroWest Daily News.
Business Response to COVID-19 in 495/MetroWest: On December 9th, 2020, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee hosted a special forum as part of its series on the impact of COVID-19 on economic development, "Business Response to COVID-19 in 495/MetroWest." This discussion focused on how different economic sectors in our region have responded to the pandemic. You can view a recording of the discussion online at this link. Our panel included Lisa Churchill, Owner, Blush Bouquets of Ashland; Brian Earley, Vice President & General Manager, The Kraft Group/ Patriot Place; George Coutros, Sanofi US, Director of State Government Relations; Katie Quinn, Owner, Mullahy’s Cheese Shop of Hudson; Austin O’Connor, Owner, The Briar Group; and Ed Cuthbertson, General Manager, Bass Pro Shops of Foxborough.
Potential New Stormwater Requirements in the Charles River Watershed: On October 27th, 2020, the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted staff from EPA Region 1 for a presentation regarding potential new stormwater requirements in the Charles River Watershed. In 2019, EPA Region 1 received a petition from the Conservation Law Foundation and the Charles River Watershed Association asking that EPA use its Residual Designation Authority to require permits for stormwater discharges that are not otherwise regulated for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities within the Charles River watershed. EPA is now formulating a response to the petition. Click here to access the slides from EPA's presentation to the Partnership. Partnership communities that are fully or partially located within the Charles River watershed are Ashland, Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Norfolk, Sherborn, Wayland, and Wrentham. New PFAS Drinking Water Standard: On October 21st, 2020, the 495/MetroWest Partnership hosted representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a presentation regarding the Commonwealth's new PFAS drinking water standard. In January 2019, DEP announced its intention to initiate the process to develop a drinking water standard, known as a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), for a group of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The revised PFAS regulation was published on October 2nd, 2020. |