Deadline to request vote-by-mail ballot
Voting by mail is available for the election in May. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, April 3. For more information, call the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100, ext. 319.
Planning Board to discuss proposed zoning changes
The Planning Board will meet in person Thursday, April 17, 6 p.m., in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road, to discuss the creation of a town center overlay zoning district and the use of a form-based code in the commercial district. All questions and comments are welcome.
Information about the proposed bylaws is at www.harvard-ma.gov/planning-board/pages/2025-spring-town-meeting-protec tive-bylaw-amendments. For questions, email vkonstantinidis@harvard-ma.gov.
Resolving conflicts with beavers
Beavers are common across Massachusetts, and beaver dams can cause local flooding. The Board of Health has the authority to determine whether a complaint is caused by beaver or muskrat activity, and whether the situation constitutes a threat to public health and/or safety. The board may issue a 10-day emergency permit detailing actions that may be taken to resolve the problem.
Residents may contact the Board of Health or Conservation Commission at 978-456-4100 for assistance. Additional information is available at mass.gov/doc/a-citizens-guide-to-addressing-beaver-conflicts.
Resources for taxpayers
State Sen. Jamie Eldridge’s office has announced tax filing resources for Massachusetts taxpayers. Expanded tax credits and new free filing tools are making it easier for low-income households to claim money they’re owed. Key resources include:
- Direct File, a new IRS tool for free, simple online filing.
- VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites, offering in-person, expert help at no cost.
- Refundable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers, the Child and Family Tax Credit for children and dependents, and the Senior Circuit Breaker Credit for eligible seniors. Learn more at findyourfunds.org.
License your dog
All dogs must be licensed annually on or before April 1, and puppies must be licensed at 6 months of age. New dogs and those belonging to new residents must be licensed within 30 days. A late fee of $50 per dog will be assessed after April 1. To learn more and to download a registration form, visit harvard-ma.gov and enter “Dog Licenses 2025” in the search window.
Rabies clinics for pets
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has announced the schedule for their 2025 rabies vaccination clinics for pets. Harvard residents may go to any of several clinics in surrounding communities now through late April. For a list of clinics and dates visit the Board of Health section of the town website at www.harvard-ma.gov/board-health, and select the rabies clinic announcement.
Boat storage lottery open
Harvard Park and Recreation offers boat storage at Bare Hill Pond for Harvard residents and taxpayers. There are storage racks for canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards; boat moorings in the cove and near the picnic area; and boat slips. Demand is high, and spots are awarded annually by lottery. The lottery is open through March 31; winners will be announced in April. For more information and to register, visit harvardma.myrec.com, select “Programs,” then “Boating: Boat Storage/Lottery.”
Free house number signs
Harvard Fire-EMS is accepting requests for house number signs. Can responders find you? Is your house number clearly visible from the road? Residents can sign up for a reflective house number sign to make their driveways more visible to emergency services. Free for Harvard residents; sign up at signs.harvardfire.com. Signs are custom made and delivery may take a few months.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste on Wednesday, April 2, and Saturday, April 5, 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.
Devens noise report
- Throughout March, small arms fire
- March 29, machine guns.