Why is it so difficult to build affordable housing in MBTS? Why hasn’t the Manchester Affordable Housing Trust been able to get a project done? And what is the difference between “Affordable Housing,” the official classification by the State of Massachusetts that come with standards, mandates, and penalties ...
As my term on the MERSD School Committee draws to a close, I could share many reflections on my three years as a Manchester representative. Among these: my profound pride in being part of this …
The Manchester Essex Regional School District has given me so much. Thanks to the incredible teachers in this district, I’ve gotten into my dream college. I love this …
We understand if the currently proposed MERSD budget for next year fails to be adopted that the result would be the loss of 22+ positions, most of which are teaching positions. This will have …
One of the pleasures of living in the decades I have is watching the return of raptors – bald eagles, osprey, hawks large and small – from the devastation of DDT. Now new poisons, Second …
The upcoming vote on Gloucester’s compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act (3A) may be the most consequential decision residents will make regarding local governance and zoning. At …
Although I am running unopposed for the position as Town Moderator, I thought it would be appropriate and helpful if I wrote about my reasons for running. My first truly direct experience with …
I am gratified by the interest shared in these columns and on social media by Manchester residents regarding the vitality of our downtown. The Downtown Improvement Committee, which I chair, …
As a new resident of Essex, over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to pay closer attention to the workings of town government, trying to better understand the roles of the Essex Board of …
This letter is the collective effort on the part of the “Rainbow Pride Coalition,” a coalition of various Pride organizations and entities on the North Shore and Merrimack Valley of …
I’m writing to urge the communities of Manchester and Essex to recognize we’ve built together over the years. My children have attended both Essex Elementary and Manchester …
It seems—and I say seems because there hasn’t been much other than rumor that I’ve heard—that the heart of downtown Manchester is about to have its most visible change since …
Much has been and will be written about M&E town budgeting and taxes. Property owners will weigh the costs and benefits of all public departments as Town Meetings approach, with a likely …
I am writing to encourage the citizens of Essex and Manchester-by-the Sea to support the local public schools. Now more than ever is the time to invest in our local public institutions, …
I write as a resident and parent who is joining the chorus of voices from both Manchester and Essex who are deeply concerned about the proposed cut of the middle school principal from the …
Governor Healey’s proposed budget includes a pharmacy assessment that will cause many pharmacies to close. This will require that patients travel longer and pay more to get medications, …
I’ve been a resident in this town for 70 years and have lived down the street from Tuck’s Point in Manchester for 43 years. I know that the “Rotunda” brings a smile to …
I write today in response to Rob Fitzgibbon’s letter to the editor (Manchester Cricket, 2/7/25), deemed a “reflection” on my February 6th letter. I welcome the discourse and …
We are the Co-Chairs of Spaulding Education Fund. We write in response to Rob Fitzgibbon’s February 21st Letter to the Editor in which he suggests that residents donate to Spaulding …
As an Essex resident and a mother with three children who will be in the Middle and High schools next year, I am deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed MERSD budget on our …