By Amber Angove-amber@northstarreporter.com
The North Attleboro Town Council meeting on Aug. 24 covered updates on senior tax exemptions, progress on the new playground behind Town Hall, the Health Department’s Opioid Task Force, and updates to the town’s cannabis regulations following changes to state law.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Michael Borg reminded residents to check their eligibility for the senior tax exemption, encouraging those who qualify to visit town hall and file. He noted that some residents have discovered exemptions they were unaware they qualified for after filing.
Borg also provided an update on the new playground behind Town Hall, which is replacing the previous structure after a large tree branch fell through the slide. He said the new playground is “on schedule, on time, and on budget,” while emphasizing the importance of maintaining playgrounds and the impact projects like this have on the community. Council Member Laura Wagner asked whether the town’s other playgrounds had been assessed for potential safety risks following the incident. Borg said all town playgrounds are assessed annually.
Confirmations
Carole Darrah was unanimously confirmed (8-0) to the Commission on Disability.
Liborio Pusateri was unanimously confirmed (8-0) to the Cultural Council.
Sasha Cuerda was unanimously confirmed (8-0) to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Upon appointment, Cuerda stated, “I’m happy to participate and help navigate growth in the town and make sure we are achieving our goals across the community.”
Jennifer Kovacevic was unanimously confirmed (8-0) to the Tri-County Regional School Committee for the Town of North Attleborough. During her appointment, Kovacevic stated, “I have lived in North Attleboro for 30 years…I can be an advocate for North Attleboro and for our students.”
New Business
Borg provided an update on cannabis regulations following legislation signed by Gov. Maura Healey in April that restructured the Cannabis Control Commission and made significant changes to Massachusetts cannabis law. The new law requires municipalities to follow state standards designed to promote participation in the cannabis industry by social equity businesses.
As part of the update, Borg discussed Host Community Agreements (HCA), which establish the conditions under which a cannabis business operates within a municipality. Native Sun is currently the town’s only active licensed cannabis operator, while Green Leaf is in the process of obtaining HCA approval. Pure Roots is the only business with an abandoned HCA.
North Attleborough has not been approached by any businesses seeking to establish a social consumption facility, according to Borg.