Westminster MA News July 2026
Westminster dealt with a contentious land dispute and ongoing environmental monitoring.
Land Dispute and Governance
- Crocker Pond Controversy: A citizen petition from Robert Francis triggered a Special Town Meeting for August 4. Voters will decide whether to sell 10 acres of land back to Francis for $1. Town leadership unanimously opposes the move to protect public open space.
Environment and Health
- PFAS Briefing: Town officials held a public briefing regarding IRA Status Report #17, focusing on PFAS water contamination near Bean Porridge Hill Road.
- Food Waste Study: A July study highlighted the challenge of microplastics in local soils resulting from organic food waste recycling.
- Farmers Market: Despite a national cyclosporiasis outbreak, local markets remained open as Massachusetts case numbers remained low.