Protesters outside the Plymouth County Correctional Facility – a detention facility for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – demand the release of a 19-year-old Afghan man identified only as Rihan, who was allowed into the U.S. as a legal immigrant after his father served as an interpreter for American troops in Afghanistan. He […]
Tag: Feature
Posted inGovernment
Neighbors’ protests fail to stop Pulte condo project
Despite months of impassioned protests by neighbors, the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday approved Pulte Homes’ 163-unit affordable condominium development in North Plymouth. Each of the five ZBA members said they opposed the project, but those voting in favor of it said they feel encumbered by state laws giving developers much leeway to […]
Posted inGovernment
Town meeting codifies ICE restrictions, rejects Town Square rehab
By a narrow margin, Town Meeting members on Saturday voted to codify in-town law restrictions on police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The hour-long ICE discussion was the culmination marathon spring gathering of Plymouth’s legislative body lasting 9 hours. The debate over an ICE bylaw, expected to be the most contentious part of […]
Posted inGovernment
Town Meeting to decide contentious issues
Saturday’s Town Meeting will focus on fiscal restraint, local immigration policy, and the timing of the twice-yearly gathering of 162 residents who will decide each issue. The session is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at Plymouth North High School. On the table are decisions to spend up to $100,000 on July 4 and […]
Posted inGovernment
With finances slim, Town Meeting to decide whether to spend more on parades, fireworks
You know the old saying: “Everyone loves a parade.” I suppose the same goes for Fourth of July fireworks displays, although Plymouth’s dogs may, uh, beg to differ. Then why are so few people willing to come up with a few dollars to support these annual festivities? And why should the town have to dip […]
Posted inGovernment
Schools rehire private bus contractor until 2031
Plymouth Public Schools is signing up for another five years with First Student to provide yellow-bus transportation for students. The School Committee approved the contract by a unanimous 7-0 vote Monday. The contract begins in July and runs through fiscal year 2031. The $6 million a year the schools spend on yellow-bus transportation represents 9.3% […]
Posted inGovernment
Keith drops out of Select Board race
The Select Board race has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of Stevie Keith, one of five candidates running for two open seats in the spring election and the only fresh face in the field. Keith, 38, said a family health issue makes it impossible for him to continue his campaign. “This was not […]
Posted inCulture Calendar
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on farewell tour at Memorial Hall
You’re invited to submit a listing for this column: It’s easy. Email your information to listings@plymouthindependent.org at least 10 days in advance. A good quality photo without type on the image – sent as a jpeg attachment – helps. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, continuing its “All the Good Times: Farewell Tour,” is stopping in […]
Posted inGovernment
Proposal to revamp Town Square unveiled
Ambitious efforts to return Town Square to some of its former pedestrian-friendly charm were unveiled at this week’s meeting of the Select Board. Among the proposed enhancements include nine new trees, cobblestone pavement, and native landscaping, according to town planners. “It is probably the most historical longitude and latitude in North America,” said Select Board […]
Posted inGovernment
Airport Commission sues Town over interference
A burgeoning feud between Town Hall and the Airport Commission over which has ultimate authority to run the airport is now in court. The Plymouth Municipal Airport Commission filed suit Wednesday claiming Town Manager Derek Brindisi has overstepped his authority by meddling illegally in airport affairs. The lawsuit – filed against Brindisi and the town […]