By Janet Stoica

Town Manager Ed Kazanovicz recently reported to the Board of Selectmen regarding Auburn’s share of the Opioid Settlement proceeds and advised the Board that “the Town has received $134,234.62 in fiscal year 2023 and $23,308.04 so far in fiscal year 2024. The funds were required to be recorded as General Fund revenue in 2023 and appropriated with a vote at Town Meeting. In May 2023 at the Annual Town Meeting, the town voted to create a General Fund Opioid Stabilization account for all future proceed deposits. The town has deposited the $23,308.04 received on August 23, 2023 and the remaining funds of $134,234.62 will be voted on at the next town meeting.”

“Discussions with the School Department, Public Health, Public Safety, and Youth & Family Services are currently underway to determine the best utilization of these funds for public education, awareness, treatment, and prevention relating to opioid abuse and addiction. Town administration will be requesting warrant articles to be voted on at the May town meeting for the settlement fund expenditures,” Mr. Kazanovicz stated.

Additionally, the town has issued a public press release regarding the status of 20 migrant families who were placed by the state in a local hotel. As of February 22, there are 95 rooms reserved by the state at a local hotel and 70 are currently in use. The total number of students that have been integrated into the Auburn public school system, according to School Superintendent Beth Chamberland, is 38. The state provided a one-time $1,000 per student funding for the first 22 students enrolled in September 2023. Auburn Family and Youth Services (“AYFS”) continues to supply food, snacks, and clothing on a weekly and as needed basis. The Town did incur costs for translation and transport services, however, regional partners were able to cover these costs. For those who would like to provide assistance and/or additional support to the families, the AYFS will be accepting monetary as well as other donations to support the individuals and families (food, clothing, diapers, personal care items, gift cards). Checks can be made out to the “Auburn Youth & Family Services” and should note “Migrant/Homeless Shelter” in the memo section and can be sent to or dropped off at 21 Pheasant Court, Auburn MA 01501. To donate online on the town website, please follow the link to the AYFS website.

The new Auburn Fire Station is to be located at the former Chuck’s Steak House property on Route 20 Westbound. Town meeting voters approved the $4 million funding request at the January 30 meeting by a vote of 82 yes and 6 no.

Eastland Partners’ 40B housing development is a three-phased project located off Albert Street in town. Known as The Reserves at Ashworth Hill the project began in July 2023 and the buildings have risen quickly. All 324 units will be counted towards the town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory (“SHI”). Of the total units planned 75% will be market rate. The unit mix includes 122 one-bedroom with 91 at market rate; 170 two-bedroom with 127 at market rate; and 32 three bedroom with 24 at market rate.