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Peter Kush, Candidate for Ayer Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
In his professional life, Peter Kush has worked to support residents in finding safe, stable and affordable housing. A Worcester native, he graduated from Clark University. He has held housing positions at the South Worcester Neighborhood Center, the Worcester Housing Authority and currently works as a housing coordinator for the Genesis Club in Worcester. Peter…
Planning Board Learns About New Building Proposed in Downtown Ayer
(Feb. 24, 2026) – A developer presented plans for a new four-story building with 11 apartments and a small commercial space in downtown Ayer this week. The Planning Board opened the public hearing for 63 Main Street, where the applicant is seeking site plan approval and a special permit for off-site parking. The project falls…
Who is Running for Local Office in Ayer?
Written by Sara Withee (Feb. 20, 2026) – A month after nominations opened, five residents have returned the paperwork to run for local office in May, according to a list released by the Ayer Town Clerk’s office. The annual town election will be held on May 12, 2026. Meanwhile, there are 12 open seats, including…
Feb. 19, 2026 Newsletter
Town of Ayer’s Health Insurance Costs Come in Lower Than Expected for FY2027, Read. Check out other articles: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1893221/emails/179873215180440811
Town of Ayer’s Health Insurance Costs Come in Lower Than Expected for FY2027
(Feb. 17, 2026) – The Town of Ayer has learned its health insurance costs will rise by 6.2 percent in FY2027, a much lower-than-expected increase, according to the Select Board meeting video from Tuesday. The health insurance increase will add about $161,688 to the budget, much less than the 20 percent – or $500,000 increase…
Where the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District Budget Stands
(Feb. 11th) – The Ayer-Shirley Regional School District has now made preliminary budget presentations to both the Ayer and Shirley Select Boards. On Feb. 3rd, the school district met with the Ayer Select Board, Finance Committee and Town Manager, presenting a preliminary budget reflecting an 11.9 percent increase in Ayer’s operating assessment & debt and…
Participate in Our Candidates Guide 2026
We’re building a Candidates Guide web page so residents running for local office in the May 12th Annual Town Election can introduce themselves to other residents. Learn more.
Rate Review Committee Recommends Water and Sewer Rate Increases; Maintains Same Stormwater Rate for Second Year
(Please note: on Feb. 24th, we updated our coverage to reflect that the committee voted to raise the sewer rate by 4 percent, not 5). (Feb. 10, 2026) – The Rate Review Committee has voted to recommend a 3 percent increase on water rates and 4 percent on sewer rates for FY2027. Meanwhile, the committee…
State Fire Marshal Orders No Further Blasting on Lincoln Hill Project Pending Investigation
(Feb. 6, 2026) – The State Fire Marshal has ordered no further blasting related to the Lincoln Hill project, pending completion of an investigation into a large “flying rock” discharging onto a residential property, damaging a shed, according to the Town of Ayer. The Town of Ayer issued a statement on Friday, Feb. 6th. This…
Feb. 5, 2026: Ayer News Update
Check out a few local stories from the week. We have updates on the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District budget and the Capital Planning Committee’s discussion on the Sandy Pond Beach House project. We also wrote about a new four-story building coming to Park Street. This will bring commercial space and 12 new apartments to the center of town. This is the one of the first major projects to be approved under Ayer’s Downtown/Park Street Form-Based Code District zoning.