Wenham Gov. Meetings

Wenham Select Board 10.20.26

Deirdre Pierotti called the Wenham Select Board meeting to order on October 20, 2026. Town Administrator Steve provided updates on early voting, the November 3 state election, hydrant flushing, bagged leaf collection, the Affordable Housing Trust survey, and the December 19 Wreaths Across America ceremony. Council on Aging representatives Jim Reynolds and Jeannie Moran presented services, outreach, community partnerships, the senior tax work-off program, and activities supporting seniors, who account for 33% of Wenham’s population. The board approved a new public meeting posting policy and the FY28 budget memo. Members also discussed capital requests, free cash estimated at $2 million–$2.3 million, and the April 1, 2027 town meeting schedule.

Wenham FinCom 10.14.26

The Wenham Finance Committee (FinCom), including members Bob, Ernie, Alex, Sarah, and Tom, discussed FY26 and FY28 budget processes, liaison assignments for departments like education, public safety, general government, and human services, and communication issues with the school district and Hamilton. Key topics included free cash policy, the impact of a $750,000 one-time property tax collection, long-range planning for capital projects (DPW, fire station, community center), the Iron Rail property’s future, and challenges of Wenham’s 97.6% residential tax base. The committee also addressed meeting scheduling, benchmarking against peer communities, and strategies to minimize residents’ financial burden.

Wenham Planning Board 10.14.26

The Town Planning Board meeting on October 14, 2024, addressed an ANR application for 29-33 Arbor Street, owned by Janet Burt, involving a lot line adjustment that created a non-conforming lot, which the board endorsed with appropriate notations. The board discussed Iron Rail property redevelopment, referencing studies by Dodson & Flinker and Cambridge Econometrics, Select Board recommendations, and the creation of new zoning districts (commercial/municipal and residential, possibly Chapter 40Y starter homes) to support economic growth, housing diversity, and recreation, while considering access, wetlands, and future subdivision. Updates included Penguin Hall’s auction, Affordable Housing Trust’s action plan with MAPC, and upcoming subdivision rules meetings.

Wenham Select Board 10.6.26

The Wenham Select Board meeting on October 6, 2026, included announcements from Steve about the Community Preservation Committee’s CPA funding application deadline (October 15), the Wenham Veterans Committee’s Wreaths Across America ceremony (December 19, $17 per wreath), and new town signage. The board appointed Thomas Regan to the Finance Committee and recognized Sally Barbara Black’s decades of service. Diane, the Town Clerk, detailed logistics for the November 3, 2026 state election, including two precincts, nine ballot questions, vote-by-mail, and early voting dates. The board updated the notary policy to restrict services to Wenham residents and nonprofits, discussed Pingree Park’s community center proposal, and addressed Iron Rail property redevelopment, including Scout Barn use, DPW needs, and potential land disposition. The board also reviewed FY27 goals, objectives, and budget process changes.

Wenham Community Preservation Committee 9.24.26

Janet Burt, chair of the Wenham Community Preservation Committee (CPC), led a public hearing on September 4, 2026, regarding community preservation needs, with notices posted on WenhamMA.gov and Hamilton-Wenham newspaper. The CPC, a nine-member board with two openings, discussed the 3% real estate tax surcharge generating over $7 million since 2005, funding 70+ projects in historic preservation, affordable housing, open space, and recreation. Application deadlines are October 15 (Part One) and December 3 (Part Two), with no exceptions. The Spring Road Habitat project’s status remains unclear, and upcoming applications may include fire department lead remediation and town hall digitization.

Wenham Select Board 9.22.26

On September 22, the Wenham Select Board, including Deirdre Pierotti, Gary Cheeseman, Finn Sprague, Peter Clay, and Benjamin Tymann, met at Town Hall. Key topics included updates on the Route 1A project, municipal fiber ring, and Pingree Park community engagement. The board discussed the condition and future of the Iron Rail Scout Barn, with input from Boy Scouts and staff, highlighting significant structural and safety concerns, potential costs ($500,000–$2 million), and the need for a working group to explore options for a new youth/community center. The board also approved a YMCA North Shore partnership, advanced Iron Rail site zoning for mixed uses, and set April 1, 2027, as the tentative date for annual town meeting at the high school. Updates on Penguin Hall’s tax lien and safety status were provided.

Select Board Iron Rail Community Forum 9.17.26

The Wenham Select Board held a community forum on June 11, 2026, to discuss the future of the Iron Rail property (80 acres), focusing on three developable sites: the Iron Rail building (site 1), soccer fields (site 2), and land near the cemetery (site 3). Key entities included Iron Rail Gymnastics Academy (400+ members), Boy Scout Barn (Troop 28, 100+ years), and Hamilton-Wenham Youth Soccer. Major topics were a $6 million repair estimate, potential land lease or sale, zoning changes (including Chapter 40Y for middle-income housing), and preservation of community organizations, with strong public support for maintaining existing uses and calls for more stakeholder engagement and financial clarity.

Wenham Finance & Advisory Committee 9.16.26

The Town of Wenham Finance and Advisory Committee meeting included introductions of new and existing members with backgrounds in finance, economics, and public service, including Bob, David Doggett (Morgan Stanley), Sarah Bishop (Millennium Challenge Corporation), Alex (small business owner), and Tom (Hanscom Field CFO). The committee discussed the Iron Rail property, reviewing financials (FY24 rental income: $172,000; rehab estimate: $6 million; annual debt service: $441,000), and considered options such as long-term ground lease versus sale, with input from Kate and Steve. Site 3 housing development scenarios were analyzed for school impact and tax revenue, referencing Chapter 40Y and Three-A studies. The committee also addressed liaison assignments, upcoming capital planning, and budget drivers like education, insurance, and public safety regionalization.

Wenham Planning Board 9.9.26

Chair Ann Weeks called the Town of Wenham Planning Board meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., with members Dave Anderson, Scott Schoenberger, Dan Pasquarello, and Ann Weeks present. The board discussed Select Energy’s petition for site plan approval and a special permit for a large-scale solar photovoltaic installation at 91 Grapevine Road (Iron Rail property), including Eversource interconnection, a 210ft setback variance, and a 20-year decommissioning bond. The board reviewed subdivision regulation updates (1984 rules), peer review funding (MGL c.44 §53G), and forms, with input from Conservation Commission (David Miller) and legal counsel (Robin). The Pingree Park survey and pickleball noise concerns were raised by residents of the Boulders. Updates on Iron Rail property zoning, Penguin Hall auction, and meeting minutes (June 10, July 8, 2026) were addressed. Next subdivision regulation review scheduled for October 28, 7 p.m., Senior Center.

Wenham Select Board 9.8.26

The Wenham Select Board meeting on September 8, 2026, included a police ceremony led by Chief Kevin DiNapoli recognizing Sergeant Mike Mrsa’s retirement, Sergeant John Phillips’ promotion, new hires Officer Dumas and Matt, and a unit citation for Officers Kerkorian, DeLucia, and Dumas for a dog rescue during an August 27, 2026 structure fire. Public comments addressed Penguin Hall property bankruptcy, water arrears, and safety concerns, and opposition to Hamilton-Wenham Recreation Department’s pickleball classes at Pingree Park due to noise. Chief DiNapoli presented a one-year update on the town-wide 25 mph speed limit, showing an 18% drop in accidents and 40% fewer speeding complaints. The Iron Rail Working Group’s recommendations for site development, including land lease, recreation, and housing, were discussed, with input from Hamilton-Wenham Youth Soccer, Iron Rail Gymnastics, and Wenham Scouts. The Select Board also approved Purple Heart Community signage, firefighter appointments, and heard updates on town hiring and library events.