Deb Carney

It was good to see so many of my friends at the Pepperell Town Meeting last night! Participating in an event that has such a direct impact on our community is fulfilling. Here's a recap of some of the Articles:

¨ We voted to not join the Nashoba Boards of Health. Although the savings to the town sounded tempting, I also recall that old adage, "You get what you pay for?" In my real estate work, I've worked with local boards of health, and the Nashoba Board. If my client had a failed septic which needed a site visit, it was a lot easier to get our own health agent to oversee the matter. In contrast, if one person is overseeing multiple towns, as is the case with the Nashoba Board, it is harder and sometimes impossible to meet contracted time frames. In this weak real estate market and economy overall, it can be a deal breaker if dates aren't met.

¨ We voted to transfer $1million from the Stabilization Fund to cover a budget deficit. Although the transfer affect us slightly as a credit risk for future borrowing, the vote kept many of our current town services in full operation. I am so relieved, as making big cuts at the Senior Center and Library, as well as operational departments such as the Police Dept. would change our standard of living dramatically.

¨ Masy Systems was granted a tax break to encourage their expansion in Lomar Park. This break is not a huge one, but enough to show this local company that we want them to stay here, instead of moving to Ayer. Of their 32 full time employees, most are residents of Pepperell and Townsend. In addition, Masy anticipates adding 15 more jobs. Good news for them, good news for us!

That's my take on the night. Hope to see you all at the next Town Meeting!!

Deb Carney

Time to be thinking of fall events! Last year I attended the Friends of Pepperell's Annual Costume Sale, and there was such a great assortment of Halloween costumes to choose from. This year's sale is Saturday, October 4 at the Community Center, from 9 to 1. Prices are fantastic, and I'll be on hand to do another free giveaway to all attendees. Outside, the Farmer's Market will have their last day selling fresh local produce as they have each Saturday this summer.

The Friends of Pepperell established their group to promote the betterment of the Pepperell community, its people and recreation opportunities. Their most recent project is improving the playground area of the Town Field. They also have created "Pepperellopoly", a local version of a favority board game. to sponsor or purchase the game, log onto www.town.pepperell.ma.us and click on Community Orgs.

They're a great group of ambitious people who make things happen!

In some areas, the real estate is stagnant. In Pepperell, MA however, home sales have slowed in 2006 and 2007 but there is still activity and opportunity to be had.

In 2006 there were 119 successful home sellers who listed their homes and found buyers. In the most active price range of $250,000 - @299,999, 33 homes sold and almost half of them were under agreement in less that 2 months. In 2007 there were 87 homes sold and 23 of them were under agreement in less than 60 days. In a town our size, this is encouraging.

Buyers have a good selection of homes from which to choose, and sellers who price correctly and showcase their homes to outshine their competition are finding success.