RECENT NEWS
2024-01-14
OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE, PARKS COMMISSION TO MEET WITH SELECT BOARD TO DISCUSS PARCEL TRANSFERS
The Open Space committee and the Parks Commission will be meeting with the Select Board
on Tuesday, Jan. 16th at 7:10 pm. at Town Hall. For the purpose of discussing the Open Space Committee recommendation for transferring 51 Parmenter Road (Parcel 136-0006) and 0 Shirley Reservoir Lake (Parcel 137-0012) to the Parks Commission.
The Parks Commission is requesting "Care and Control" of these two parcels for the purpose of opening up these parcels for public access to Lake Shirley.
"O" Shirley Reservoir Rd, also known as Stump Cove, was given to the town for public access when the new dam was built.
This lot includes considerable water frontage along Fire Rd 12.
51 Parmenter Rd is a pie shaped lot at the corner of Parmenter Rd and Johnson St. The lot is sandwiched between two residential properties. This land was purchased by the Town around 1990 for use of a storm drain and for a snow dump area for plowing the roads.
Please consider attending the meeting in person, or by Zoom.
Open Space Committee Agenda (PDF)
2023-10-06
DAM OPENING OCTOBER 15, 2023
The annual lake drawdown will begin on Oct. 15. The dam keepers will be opening the gates to start the annual drawn per our Order of Conditions. The drawdown process will continue until Dec. 1. The lake level drops about 3 inches per day depending on rainfall. Draw down is the most natural, effective method for killing weeds. So hopefully there will be a good frost before snowfall to kill the weeds along the shoreline. Should you have issues with your well during the drawdown, please contact the Lunenburg Conservation Commission (LLC). The LLC will notify the LSIC of any reported issues and discuss steps to limit the drawdown, or will more closely monitor the situation if warranted.
2023-07-03
LAKE AQUATIC TREATMENT TO TAKE PLACE TUESDAY, JULY 11
Areas of Lake Shirley will be chemically treated to control invasive and nuisance aquatic vegetation on Tuesday, July 11. The entire lake will be closed to all water uses (including swimming, boating and fishing) on the day of treatment only. Furthermore, water from the lake cannot be used for livestock watering until July 13, 2023, drinking/cooking until July 15, 2023 and irrigation until July 17, 2023. PDF | Warning PDF
2023-07-03
2023 LAKE SHIRLEY PRE-TREATMENT REPORT
The 2023 Lake Shirley Lake Survey and Treatment Plan is now available. PDF
2023-02-05
AUTHORIZATION FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION
The Lunenburg Lakes Action Committee is a group of people working together on behalf of waterfront property owners on Lake Shirley, Hickory Hills, and Lake Whalom that have been affected by the drastic tax increases sent out in the FY2023 property assessments. Please see the linked letter and authorization below allowing the committee to move forward with Legal representation for all who sign up. Please sign and return via USPS mail no later than February 10. Authorization Letter (PDF)
2023-04-11
PRESS RELEASE: IMPORTANT UPDATES RELATED TO FY 2023 REAL ESTATE TAXES
On January 17, 2023, the Lunenburg Select Board voted to initiate an investigation as authorized by Section 3-2(e) of the Lunenburg Town Charter into the process that contributed to the FY23 property valuation and tax assessments... MORE (PDF)
2023-02-13
Lunenburg Tax Assessment Investigation Team,
The Lunenburg Lakes Action Committee has completed an analysis of FY22 and FY23 taxes. This action was begun as a response to Chairperson Jeffreys comment made at the Feb. 7 Selectboard meeting. His comment was “Taxes in Lunenburg went up an average of $428”, which by all accounts is a reasonable and modest increase.
Chairperson Jeffreys would have been more accurate if he had said, taxes went up an average of $3,590.64 for the 429 waterfront homes and $0.82 for the 3159 non waterfront homes, for an overall average of about $428.
In fact, in FY23, the 429 single family waterfront homes added $1,540,385.19 to the tax budget while the other 3159 single family homes in Lunenburg, added just $2,603 total! Again, 3159 homes added only $2,603 less than one waterfront home!
The tax increase on waterfront homeowners covered the entire FY23, 2.5% increase in tax levy of $678,277. In addition, the tax increase paid enough to cover the ($500,550.08) loss from property tax reduction on condo’s, commercial and industrial properties. On top of all that, waterfront property owners contributed an additional $362,000 to the town budget.
We have heard some say, ‘waterfront property owners don’t pay enough’. In FY22, waterfront property owners paid an average 20% more in taxes for their property than non-waterfront property owners. The lot sizes are smaller, and the houses are typically smaller. In FY23, the average waterfront property owner now pays 77% more for that same lot and house!
Waterfront property owners have paid their taxes, filed abatements, hired professional appraisers, helped our neighbors through sleepless nights and now are doing the work that should have been done by the Principal Assessor last fall! This must stop!
We believe the attached spreadsheet has the data you need to bring to the DOR to prove the tax increases in Lunenburg were Disproportionate between Classification Codes.
Regards,
Lunenburg Lakes Action Committee
LLAC Tax Analysis (Excel Spreadsheet)
PDF Summary of the Spreadsheet (PDF)
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AUTHORIZATION FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION
2023-02-05 - The Lunenburg Lakes Action Committee is a group of people working together on behalf of waterfront property owners on Lake Shirley, Hickory Hills, and Lake Whalom that have been affected by the drastic tax increases sent out in the FY2023 property assessments. Please see the linked letter and authorization below allowing the committee to move forward with Legal representation for all who sign up. Authorization Letter (PDF)
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2023-01-16
THIRD QUARTER TAX BILL
Dear Lake Residents,
The third quarter tax bills have been sent out to all residents. The Lunenburg Assessor has reassessed all waterfront property in Lunenburg. There is an increase in the land valuations assessment by 135% on all waterfront properties in Lunenburg.
Your tax bills need to be paid by February 1st. It is recommended that everyone file an abatement form (attached), which needs to be filed by February 1st as well. If you do not pay your tax bill in full by February 1st, you will not be able to move to the next step in the process, which is the State Appellate Tax Board.
There will be more information coming on how to complete the abatement form if you would like to wait until after Tuesday's meeting to file it with the assessor.
The Select Board and Assessor will be discussing this tax increase at their next meeting being held at the Lunenburg Middle High School, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Based on the discussions/outcome from the Select Board meeting, we will form our next steps in this process.
Zoom is available. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to attend the meeting remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89961606176 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 899-6160-6176# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address.
Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. In the event that the Zoom meeting connection fails, this meeting will still be held in person. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair.
We are asking all to attend, strength in numbers. Please share this information with your neighbors, and offer rides to neighbors unable to drive to the meeting.
Tax Certification Presentation - PDF
Tax Abatement Form - PDF
Kindest regards,
Joanna Bilotta
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2023-01-03 - TOWN OF LUNENBURG PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENT
Dear Lake Shirley Residents!
IMPORTANT: The Town of Lunenburg has reassessed our Lake communities property taxes and on average lake front real estate assessments have increased 50-80%. Our Lake community has been hit especially hard with increased tax assessments compared to our non-lake residential neighbors. You cannot see your 2023 assessment online. You must send an email to: Sheila Craigen scraigen@lunenburgma.gov and request a copy of your 2023 Assessment and a Tax Abatement Form. Linked here is a copy of the abatement form. This form must be postmarked no later than no later than 2/1/2023.
This topic was discussed at the January 3, 2023 Selectmens meeting, which is available to view you at https://youtube.com/watch?v=CYJr7pP6mpY&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
We will be discussing this 2023 tax increase at the monthly Lake Association meeting being held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the Bull Run.
Kindest regards
Joanna Bilotta
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2021-2022 LAKE SHIRLEY LAKE MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT
The 2021-2022 Lake Shirley Lake Management Annual Report is now available - PDF
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PAID MEMBERS IN NEED OF LSIC LICENSE PLATE AND PAID STICKERS...
June 7, 2022 - If any paid members need an LSIC license plate or a 2022 paid sticker please reach out to Sue Jewell at sue.jewell@comcast.net
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LAKE SHIRLEY ANNUAL SPRING NEWSLETTER
The 2022 LSIC Spring Newsletter has been released. You can download a PDF version of the newsletter here.
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NEW LOCATION FOR LSIC MONTHLY DIRECTOR'S MEETING
Starting in August, 2022, the LSIC Monthly Director's Meeting will be held in-person at The Bull Run Restaurant at 215 Great Road in Shirley. The meeting will be held at 7 pm on the second Wednesday of each month. Please contact the LSIC for more information. Agenda
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SPRING 2022 NEWSLETTER
2022-05-01 - Spring 2022 LSIC "Eagle Newsletter". PDF
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GREEN GRASS AND CLEAR WATER
Creating and maintaining a good looking, healthy lawn that is safer for the environment! Many of us value having nice lawns and enjoy the time we spend working on them. However, some lawn care practices can create water quality problems. Plants need nutrients to grow, but excess nutrients, including the nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers, can run off our properties when it rains and cause problems in local waterbodies. Too many nutrients in our water can trigger algal blooms that cloud water and rob it of oxygen. Here are some easy practices for creating and maintaining a truly healthy lawn that looks great and is safer for the environment!
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PDF GUIDE TO BOATING LAWS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2020-06-05 - Here's the link to Boat Massachusetts: Your Guide to Boating Laws and Responsibilities - from the Massachusetts Environmental Police. PDF Guide
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MASSACHUSETTS LAKES & PONDS GUIDE
Massachusetts has over 3,000 lakes and ponds that provide opportunities for recreation and valuable habitat for a wide diversity of plants and animals. However, over the years, many citizens of Massachusetts haveobserved a decline in the health of their lakes and ponds. More
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LSIC BY-LAWS POSTED (AS AMENDED June 27, 2020)
The Mission of the LSIC is to ensure the quality of life for residents and visitors through the protection and preservation of the quality of Lake Shirley’s water, aquatic life, and the watershed, as well as the promotion of a safe environment for recreational use. By-Laws | PDF
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LAKE SHIRLEY PRESENTS ANNUAL REPORT TO CONSERVATION COMMISSION
2020-05-06 - At the Conservation Commission meeting on May 6, 2020, Lake Shirley provided its annual report to the conservation commission. Two consultants, Dominic Meringolo from Solitude and Wendy Gendron from ARC, provided presentations. Watch Presentation
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DRAWDOWN UPDATE - LCC VOTES TO APPROVE 5-YEAR NOI
The LSIC has been working with the Lunenburg Conservation Commission (LCC) since September 2018, on the Lake Management Plan order of conditions. In July 2019, LSIC hired Wendy Gendron, Aquatic Restoration Consulting, CLM Aquatic Ecologist/Owner, to submit a new Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Lunenburg and Shirley Conservation Commission. I am happy to say that the LCC voted to approved a five year NOI on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. PDF
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LAKE SHIRLEY PRESENTS ANNUAL REPORT TO CONSERVATION COMMISSION
2020-05-06 - At the Conservation Commission meeting on May 6, 2020, Lake Shirley provided its annual report to the conservation commission. Two consultants, Dominic Meringolo from Solitude and Wendy Gendron from ARC, provided presentations. Watch Presentation
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DRAWDOWN UPDATE - LCC VOTES TO APPROVE 5-YEAR NOI
The LSIC has been working with the Lunenburg Conservation Commission (LCC) since September 2018, on the Lake Management Plan order of conditions. In July 2019, LSIC hired Wendy Gendron, Aquatic Restoration Consulting, CLM Aquatic Ecologist/Owner, to submit a new Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Lunenburg and Shirley Conservation Commission. I am happy to say that the LCC voted to approved a five year NOI on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. PDF
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SPAWNING RELATED FISH KILL FACT SHEET (PDF)
2018-04-11 - WHAT IS A FISH KILL? An event where large numbers of fish die, sometimes indicating a problem in the body of water but not always. Fish kills can be caused by a variety of factors including dissolved oxygen depletion, extreme water temperatures, spawning stress, fish diseases or introduction of pollutants. Most fish kills are natural events. [Read PDF]
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WHEN DO I NEED TO CONTACT THE LUNENBURG CONSERVATION COMMISSION?
2017-09-28 - From the desk of Matt Marro, Lunenburg Conservation Commission Agent:
When do I need to contact the Lunenburg Conservation Commission?
I am planning a Project - Do I need to contact the Conservation Commission?
If you are planning to do any work within 100' of a Wetland, or within 200' of a river (this includes any stream that runs year-round) or a pond, you should call the Conservation Administrator, who may make an appointment to walk your project with you. Based upon information gathered during this visit, the Administrator will advise you on a course of action, which may include:
- No Conservation Commission action is required (it is clear that the law does not apply to my project)
- File a Request For Determination of Applicability (a public meeting to answer the question -does the law apply to my project ?)
- File an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) (to establish exactly where the wetland boundaries and buffer zones are)
- File a Notice of Intent (the law clearly applies to my project, I want to present my project to the Commission; The Commission will review my plans, possibly request certain data, and apply the laws and protocols. If the Commission determines that the work can be done without harm to the environment, it will issue an Order of Conditions, clearly laying out the steps that must be taken to protect the wetlands near my project. They will monitor the project, and if violations are seen, may take enforcement action)
- Or other forms of information or communication, to determine if Conservation Commission action is required
The law applies to work within the Wetlands or buffer zones ( under by-law we have a 30 foot no touch zone and a fifty foot no structure zone), including but not limited to: work which changes grades (cutting or filling), tree clearing, and construction (driveways, buildings, septic systems, etc.) and adding sand to a beach.
Some minor activities are exempt from the law, including but not limited to: common landscaping tasks, driveway maintenance ( sealing and filling of cracks), certain home improvement projects, fencing that does not create a barrier to wildlife movement, and stacking of cordwood.
If you are not certain whether your activities are exempt, a call to the Conservation Administrator can be very helpful, and is always a good idea.
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AN ACT PROTECTING LAKES AND PONDS
Effective as of April 9th, 2013 - This important law makes it illegal in Massachusetts to introduce nuisance species to the state’s lakes and ponds, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Please clean all visible plant material from your boat, trailer, and any recreational equipment before you leave a lake and then clean your equipment. If not, you could face significant penalties under the law. The law can be found here.
Additional Lakes & Ponds Literature from www.mass.gov Eneragy and Environmental Affairs website is available below:
- Brochures
- Established Non-native Species
- Potential Invaders
- Forms & Publications
- Weeds Watcher Program
- Boat Ramp Monitor Program
- More Publications
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MASSACHUSETTS LAKES & PONDS GUIDE
Massachusetts has over 3,000 lakes and ponds that provide opportunities for recreation and valuable habitat for a wide diversity of plants and animals. However, over the years, many citizens of Massachusetts have observed a decline in the health of their lakes and ponds.
This is a starting point for concerned citizens who wish to learn about lake ecology and ways they can protect the future of their lake or pond. The first section will help you understand the basic concepts of watersheds and the ecology of lakes and ponds. It covers the importance of a watershed approach to lake and pond protection and the ecology and cycles within a lake system.
The next two sections address the main causes of reduced water quality and outline ways that you, as a concerned citizen, can adopt a proactive role in preventing further degradation to our water bodies. There is also information for people who wish to go one step further and begin or join a lake association, apply for grants or obtain additional education publications. Act now and protect your lake’s future!
You will need Acrobat Reader to view the guide, which is divided into chapters for ease of downloading.
Chapter 1 Understanding Watersheds
Chapter 2 Lake & Pond Basics
Chapter 3 Lake Issues & Management
Chapter 4 Actions You Can Take to Protect Your Lake
Chapter 5 Resources
You can also download the complete Lakes and Ponds Guide:
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GRAPHIC: ICE THICKNESS GUIDELINES
2016-12-17 - To promote safety on our lake, here's a link to a simple graphic that displays safe minimum ice thickness guidelines. Ice Thickness Guidelines
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Overview of Massachusetts' Recreation Vehicle Laws
The following activities are prohibited in accordance with Massachusetts’s recreation vehicle laws. For the complete law refer to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 90B (Sections 20-35) and 323 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 3.00 PDF
- Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Operating on public ways or upon the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway.
- Failure to come to a complete stop when crossing a public way (must yield to motor vehicle traffic).
- No person under 16½ years of age shall operate across a public way.
- Operating so as to endanger any person or property.
- Operating at an unreasonable, improper, and unsafe speed for existing conditions.
- Operating on land of another without permission of the owner. (Permission may be given to an individual or group).
- Operating within 150 feet of an occupied residence without permission of the owner unless operating on the property of another for which permission has been granted.
- Operating in a manner so as to harass or chase wildlife or domestic animals.
- Operating on a wetland such as a bog, marsh, or swamp so as to destroy or damage the wetland, if such area has been designated and posted as a protected wetland area.
- Operating in Wildlife Management Areas.
Visit http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/323cmr30.pdf
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Ice Safety Tips From Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. A clear layer of 4-inch ice is a good, safe thickness for foot traffic. An ice strength table and safety tips are posted here. Links to winter weather related preparedness tips and a video on ice safety from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources can be found here.
Ice Safety Chart - PDF