Select Board backs cultural district application

Select Board · Meeting of October 19, 2026

BELCHERTOWN — The Select Board voted unanimously to support Belchertown's Cultural District application. Grants Manager Dawn Cote reported the town has received more than $5 million in grants this year, including $1,865,500 for Sports Haven infrastructure and $47,600 for a Chestnut Hill recreation surface the board also endorsed. Cultural District Manager April Jasak-Bangs said the application is due Feb. 8, 2027, and described Gather as the town's "anchor project." The board also approved a winter parking ban from Nov. 1 through April 1, accepted a donated High Bluffs Road parcel, and asked for revisions to a department head ratification procedure.

In the full story:

• Opening and Public Comment
• Grants Update
• Community and Economic Development Planner
• Cultural District Application
• Gather
• Board members raised concerns
• Red Ribbon Week Signs
• Winter Parking Ban
• High Bluffs Road Deed
• Special Town Meeting Warrant
• Department Head Ratification
• Select Board Project Initiation
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 1,742 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 19, 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.