New Salem MA – June 2026 News
New Salem is currently managing a critical infrastructure failure that threatens the operational viability of its primary administrative and safety hub.
The Stowell Building Well Crisis
The Stowell Building, which serves as the headquarters for the Police Department, Selectboard, and Town Coordinator, is in the midst of a water emergency. The shallow, hand-dug well—absurdly located inside the Police Department’s evidence room—consistently runs dry. Town officials are weighing a $1 million overhaul against smaller bids from local contractors. The “evidence room well” has become a potent symbol of the decaying infrastructure facing small, rural Massachusetts communities.
Regional Equity and Education
New Salem has formally backed the Quabbin Watershed Equity Resolution, seeking fair financial compensation from the state for the town’s role in protecting Boston’s water supply. Simultaneously, the town is grappling with regional school transportation debt, as state reimbursements continue to fall short of mandated levels, placing a heavier burden on local taxpayers.