Select Board tables Gilbertville housing bid

Select Board · Meeting of October 13, 2026

HARDWICK — The Hardwick Select Board tabled a redevelopment bid for 179 Main Street in Gilbertville after Historical Commission members raised accessibility and affordability concerns. Town Administrator Justine said town counsel had not answered prior questions on bond consideration, prompting the delay to the board's October 26 meeting. A commission member identified as Liz said the market-rate proposal left "no provisions for Hardwick residents, local residents" and flagged a wet basement planned for three apartments.

The board separately approved an $817.16 tax abatement for 20-22 Jocelyn Road, declared a 2001 Ford F-550 and a 2015 Ford F-250 surplus, and appointed Elizabeth Buck and Ann Kidd to the Hardwick-New Braintree Cultural Council. Justine reported the town is headed toward its "healthiest free cash year" in a decade. Select Board member William F. Tinker flagged a $18 starting wage as a barrier to hiring MART drivers.

In the full story:

• Meeting Minutes and Records Backlog
• Cultural Council Appointments
• Surplus Vehicle Declarations
• 179 Main Street, Gilbertville Redevelopment Bid
• Tax Abatement, 20-22 Jocelyn Road
• Town Administrator's Report
• Board Roundtable: Staffing and Wages
• Visitor Comments
• Executive Session
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 3,089 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.