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Moak Has Irons in the Fire

Our outgoing Mayor John Moak is a finalist for the Pepperell Town Admnistrator position, according to an article on the Nashoba Publishing web site. He's one of two candidates, with the other begin Jason Hoch, former administrator of Littleton and Plaistow.

Moak told the Pepperell Selectmen that he'd be available in two weeks "and asked for an answer quickly because he expects other offers will be coming." His term runs until early Jan., but perhaps he has vacation time saved up.

From the article:

Moak had been an energy adviser who helped convert Newburyport's middle school electric heating into a solar power purchase agreement that is expected to save about $1.4 million over the next 20 years.

He recently worked on an administrative shutdown order to force the owner of the town's landfill to work more closely with the town to eliminate hydrogen sulfide, and has worked with three communities and the Army Corps of Engineers to replace eroding top soil covering sewer lines.

The article's description of Moak was a bit confusing as I don't know him to be an "energy adviser" to anyone. I also don't know about the eroding top soil of the sewer lines. Sounds like the reporter conflated some issues that probably came up during the interview?

Pepperell is an hour Southwest of here.

Towle Project Off the Market

The recent activity around the Towle Building might been a clean up aimed at enticing a buyer to take over the half-finished project.

But Jerry Lischke of Stoneridge says owner First Republic has asked him to take the entire project off the market. He wouldn't say why, but I have to think it wasn't drawing any significant interest. (How's that for insight?)

At least FR cleaned up Cashman Park. I just hope they winterized the old barn that still stands in the parking lot.

To be clear, the Towle Building was not up for sale, just the luxury housing project on the side and rear.

Clear the way

The boardwalk behind River's Edge is officially open for business and connects to the bike trail which, of course, isn't officially open for business. But it's open nonetheless.

Still no connection under the bridge, but could happen soon.

Good News

Congrats to Newburyport Business, the new weekly business news web site, for scoring the details on the fate of the (former) First Church of Christ building on High Street. Go here for details, but I'm happy to report it appears as if the building will be spared.

If that is the case, congrats and kudos to the buyer as well.

Oh! Christmas Tree?

I'm still not sure why this was lying out on Green Street.

But it found it's new home less than an hour later.

Charter Commission Meeting (Updated)

The Charter Review Commission will hold its second meeting on Tuesday night, 7 p.m at City Hall. At the first meeting, the commission appointed officers.

Steve Cole, of the School Committee Coles, is chairman. Kathleen Bailey is vice chairman and Shelia Mullins was named secretary.

Mullins says Marilyn Contreas, senior program and policy analyst for the Department of Housing and Community Development, will meet with the commission to go over responsibilities, answer questions and help get the ball rolling.

The public is encouraged to attend,but the first public hearing likely will be Dec. 9. All meetings are open to the public. Not sure if cable will be broadcast.