MAPC is working with Meister Consultants Group on a pilot Solar Thermal program with MassCEC. We are working with Chelsea, Winthrop, Concord and Quincy to develop procurements for solar thermal installations on municipal buildings. This webinar is an opportunity for municipalities to learn more about this program and the incentives available for solar thermal systems.

The webinar is scheduled for January 18th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Register here.

Register here!

Join the North Suburban Planning Council on Thursday, April 11th to talk about MassDOT’s RailVision plan.

After regular community updates the group will hear from Alexandra Markiewicz from MassDOT Planning and have a discussion building upon the group’s Suburban Mobility Study from 2017.

Solar Remote Permitting & Inspection Best Practices: COVID-19 Impacts and Long-Term Potential

Please join MassCEC, MAPC, and SolSmart to learn about best practices on remote permitting and inspection during COVID-19, and the long-term potential of those practices. The webinar will feature guest speakers from three Massachusetts communities; Gardner, Brockton, and Lowell. If you have questions regarding registration, please contact solar@masscec.com.

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7565282524044732684

Register Here

We invite you to join the MetroWest Collaborative at MAPC for our annual trails forum. Our host this year is the City of Framingham. The forum will provide an update of regional trail accomplishments and share progress in Framingham for linking the downtown, Farm Pond, Cushing Park and other City destinations with a connected trail network.

The event includes breakfast, a welcome by Mayor Sisitsky, several presentations, and a walking tour of trail projects adjacent.

Specific milestones to be celebrated this year:

• The City recently completed the purchase of the CSX right-of-way to extend the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail into Framingham
• Purchase agreement for ~50 acres of conservation land on the Framingham/Sherborn line that will provide key trail connections
• The East Coast Greenway has relocated their route in 2023 to pass through Framingham

Optional afternoon walking tours look at two additional locations in Framingham where we are looking to create a continuous shared use path between the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and the Upper Charles Trail

Agenda:

8:15 a.m. – Breakfast and mingling

9:00 a.m. –  Welcome and Introductions

9:15 a.m. –  Metrowest Greenway status report from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council

10:00 a.m. –  Framingham Trails Focus

11:00 a.m. –  Walking Tour of current and proposed trail projects (about 2 miles long adjacent to Cushing Park). The tour will include the following projects or trails:

• Sudbury Aqueduct
• Chris Walsh Trail
• Framingham Station Access
• Development projects and trail potential

12:30 p.m. –  Formal event ends with additional optional walking tours after lunch

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch Break for those continuing the afternoon tours

Afternoon Walking Tours:

Walking Tour #1 at 1:30 p.m. –  South Framingham to Sherborn (Meet at Bates Park on Bates Road)

Walking Tour #2 at 3:00 p.m. – Bruce Freeman across Route 9 to Framingham State University (Meet at Oak St in front of Village Hall)