Acushnet Select Board Seeks Softer Language Before Adopting Complete Streets Policy

ACUSHNET — May 20, 2026 — Acushnet Select Board holds off on Complete Streets policy, seeking less restrictive language before adoption. The board, chaired by Chairman Gaspar, directed Town Planner Victoria Alfaro and Town Administrator LaMontagne to revise draft language in the proposed Complete Streets policy — replacing mandatory "shall" provisions with softer formulations such as "strive" — before bringing it back for adoption; the policy is tied to up to $1 million in state construction funding through MassDOT's Complete Streets Funding Program. Free cash came in at $340,388.05, supporting a $285,250 capital budget that includes $65,000 for fire department turnout gear, $65,000 for an unmarked detective cruiser, and $95,000 for school building boiler repairs. The board unanimously struck a Planning Board solar revolving land fund article from the spring warrant, with Gaspar arguing the existing bylaw "doesn't have this language in it" and directing the issue to fall town meeting. Three motions approving the West Island Beach inter-municipal agreement with Fairhaven passed unanimously, capping Fairhaven golf course use at October 15 on a dollar-for-dollar cost-recovery basis against a $15,000 threshold.