Public hearing on erosion control bylaw
An amendment to the town’s erosion control bylaw relating to cutting trees is expected to be considered at Town Meeting in May. The Planning Board will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed bylaw amendment Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback. The link for the hearing will be available on the town website no later than three days before the hearing; visit harvard-ma.gov and select the Calendars tab.
Devens housing working group seeks public comment
The Devens Working Group is collecting online comments from members of the public regarding opportunities for additional housing in Devens. To leave a comment, visit mass.gov/orgs/devens-working-group and scroll to the Public Comments section near the bottom.
Leaving snow and ice on public ways prohibited
The Department of Public Works reminds residents that there are town bylaws about snow and ice removal, and to pass this information to plowing contractors. Chapter 96, section 96-3, prohibits leaving snow and ice on public ways and impeding the flow of traffic. Chapter 96, section 96-4, prohibits vehicle parking on public ways in a manner that hinders snow and ice removal. Contact DPW Director David Smith at 978-456-4130 with questions.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste Wednesday, March 5, and Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 9 Cook Street (rear), Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. For information on items accepted, packaging, and fees, visit DevensHHW.com.
Fall kindergarten enrollment open
Kindergarten enrollment at Hildreth Elementary School is now open for Harvard and Devens children turning 5 years old on or before Aug. 31. Enrollment is online, and the deadline is March 31. A link is on the enrollment tab at hildreth.psharvard.org. For more information, contact Jessica Reynolds at jreynolds@psharvard.org.
Volunteer opportunities
Each year in June the Select Board makes appointments to town boards, committees, and commissions. Volunteers serve on bodies as varied as the Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Fourth of July Committee, and the Planning Board; the full list of offices is at www.harvard-ma.gov/home/news/volunteer-opportunities. Applications are due by May 1. Contact Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard-ma.gov with questions. Complete a volunteer form at harvard.seamlessdocs.com/f/volunteerform.
REAL ID deadline
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles reminds residents that beginning May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by plane domestically or entering certain federal building areas will need a Registry-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport. Commonwealth-issued documents may be renewed up to one year in advance of the expiration date printed on the license or ID. For additional information visit mass.gov/rmv.
Save your packing foam
The Board of Health is organizing a recycling event for packing foam in June. The recycling company will collect #6 bulk white packing Styrofoam and Styrofoam coolers, but not #4 LDPE expanded polyethylene as previously announced. White and black foam must be sorted separately, and all foam must be clean, dry, and free of tape. The recycling company does not accept foam packing peanuts, food containers, or insulation board. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Board of Health at boh@harvard-ma.gov.
