Town of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Energy Switch Massachusetts (https://energyswitchma.gov/ #/) is a web site sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities that allows consumers to shop for an electricity supplier. Electricity consumers in Massachusetts have a choice regarding who provides their electric supply. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has developed this website to assist consumers in shopping for electric supply products.

Town of Bridgewater to Host
Pathways to Progress: Central Square
Traffic & Pedestrian Improvements Session

Public invited to give feedback on Sept. 4

More information - https://41518511.hs-sites.com/town-of-bridgewater-to-host-pathways-to-progress-central-square-traffic-pedestrian-improvements-session

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has informed the East Bridgewater Board of Health that three mosquitoes collected from the northwest quadrant of East Bridgewater have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The Town will receive additional information from DPH later this week, including a likely change of the of the risk level for East Bridgewater from Moderate to High.

Residents and visitors should take additional precautions to avoid being bitten. More information on doing so is available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mosquito-borne-disease-prevention

Additional information will be posted once it becomes available.

The Town of East Bridgewater will conduct In-Person Early Voting on Saturday, August 24th and Monday, August 26th through Friday, August 30th at the East Bridgewater Town Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room, 175 Central Street.

Hours:

Saturday, August 24 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Monday, August 26 from 8:30am to 8:00pm
Tuesday, August 27 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Wednesday, August 28 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Thursday, August 29 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday, August 30 from 8:30am to 5:00pm

Visit https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voting-information/vote-by-mail.htm to request a Vote By Mail Ballot

Visit https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/TrackMyBallot to Track Your Ballot

Deadline to update voter registration in person at Town Hall is 5:00pm on Saturday August 24th. The deadline to register to vote or change your voter registration on-line is Saturday, August 24th at 11:59pm.

Visit https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/ to update voter registration

Sample ballots are available at https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/home/news/2024-state-primary

The East Bridgewater Town Clerk’s Office wants to keep you informed about early voting, the upcoming elections, and its office operations. As they are amid a busy election season, they’ve had to make some adjustments to ensure they provide accurate and efficient service.

Updated Office Hours:

• Thursdays: The Town Clerk’s office will open at 11 AM instead of the normal 8:30 AM opening time, allowing them to focus exclusively on election-related tasks through the state primary election on September 3rd.

They appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Town Clerk’s office at 508-378-1606 or [email protected]

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Friday afternoon that they have found an increase in positive West Nile Virus and the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus in the mosquito population in our area. The risk is now raised to moderate for WNV and EEE. Due to the increase in EEE virus detected in mammal biting mosquitoes in the towns of Carver and Middleborough, the risk in those towns has been raised to high (serious).

Recommended public health measures include using mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient and avoiding peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn. The MDPH will continue enhanced surveillance activities in this region. Please click on this link to access risk maps updated with Friday’s positive results: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update.

Residents can contact the Plymouth County Mosquito Control District - https://www.plymouthmosquito.org/ or (781) 585-5450 to request spraying in their area.

Any questions or concerns, please contact the East Bridgewater Board of Health at 508-378-1612 or [email protected]

Sidewalk Work - North Bedford Street - August 5 - August 9

District 5, 1000 County Street, Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 857-368-5000, TTY: 508-880-6102 www.mass.gov/massdot

District 5 Municipality Work Notification Form

MassDOT will be conducting work in your community in the near future. The following project information is being forwarded for distribution to appropriate Municipal Departments.

Please direct all public questions and complaints to the District 5 Maintenance Office.

Project Location (City/Town): East Bridgewater_Route 18

Estimated Start Date of Work: 8/5/2024 Project Type: Sidewalk Replacement

MassDOT District 5 Contact Phone Number: (857) 368-5000

Description of Work: Sidewalk Repair East Bridgewater_Route 18_North Water Street to Grove Street

Contractor: Lawrence Lynch Corp, Peter Kelly Project Manager

Hours of Operation (Day/Night): Mon – Fri, 7am – 3:30pm.

Description of Traffic Management: Traffic Setups per Traffic Management Plan

Estimated Duration of Work: 8/5/24 - 8/9/24

Additional Information: Contract #120570 (all dates are estimated and weather dependent)

PLEASE NOTE ***Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency situation.

For additional traveler information, please visit MassDOT’s Travel Information Service at mass511.com

This year Mass Cultural Council hopes to build on the information and resource sharing it provides the creative and cultural sector through publications like Artists Opportunities and Opportunities & Resources for Orgs by also hosting other private and public grant makers in virtual convenings to outline their programs and answer questions.

These informational virtual convenings, our new Spotlight Series, kicks off next week on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 1:00pm. We expect this to be a one-hour virtual meeting.

Join us and leaders from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to learn about their new program, the FY25 Massachusetts 250 Grant. (https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-fy25-massachusetts-250-grant)

This is a competitive grant program that will award funds to support programming and interpretation that tell the stories of the American Revolution in Massachusetts and will increase tourism and travel to and within Massachusetts.

Eligible projects will have a direct connection to the American Revolution in Massachusetts, connect to historic themes of revolution and independence, and/or celebrate the significant firsts in Massachusetts history that make the state special. Grant funds can be used for programming and marketing.

Grants will range from $5,000 to $100,000 and applications are due on August 26, 2024. Eligible applicants include any municipality, public agency, tribal entity, or nonprofit organization (501(c)3, 501(c)5, or 501(c)6) which is operating in Massachusetts.

Register here (https://massculturalcouncil.org/event/spotlight-massachusetts-250-grant-program/) to join Mass Cultural Council and MOTT for this first Spotlight on public resources administered by partner agencies that may be of interest to the creative and cultural sector.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Dog registration for 2024/2025 is underway. The license is valid through June 30, 2025

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate with the expiration date must be on file with the Town Clerk's office
• To download the mail-in registration form visithttps://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif516/f/uploads/dog_renewal_website.pdf
• For a list of rabies vaccination clinics in our area visit https://massnrc.org/rabies/editors/clinics.aspx
• To renew online visit https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/home/pages/online-bill-payment

For more information, contact the Town Clerk's office at (508) 378-1606 or [email protected]

July 24, 2024

Position Opening

Water & Sewer Superintendent

The Town of East Bridgewater is accepting applications for the position Water & Sewer Superintendent in the Department of Public Works.

Under general direction of the Director of Public Works, the successful candidate is responsible for the daily management and operation of the Town’s Water & Wastewater systems in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations. The Water & Sewer Superintendent directs, coordinates, and supervises field personnel; advises developers, engineers, and others on policies for new construction, permits and easements; utilizes SCADA, GIS, and various MIS programs; assists with customer service; participates in the preparation of capital improvement plans, budgets, and annual reports.

The ideal candidate will have considerable experience in Municipal Water and / or Wastewater Systems in a progressive capacity, including supervisory experience. The successful candidate shall possess strong management skills, leadership, training, and communication skills. Computer skills and SCADA system knowledge is also required.

• Hold a minimum Massachusetts Grade 2-D and Grade 2-T water licenses.
• Hold or have the ability to obtain a Massachusetts Wastewater Collection System license.
• Complete job description available at https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov

Compensation: Annual Salary Range $105,000 to $130,000

• Salary to be commensurate with education, experience, and skills together with a comprehensive benefits package.

Deadline for application is Open until filled. Applications received before August 2, 2024, preferred.

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter with the Town’s standard job application (which can be found on the Town’s website): https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/about-us to [email protected]

Town of East Bridgewater Seeking Volunteers For Town Boards

EAST BRIDGEWATER – Town Administrator Charles Seelig and Select Board Chairman David Sheedy are asking residents to step forward and volunteer to fill a number of open positions on town boards and committees.

There are currently seats open on several important town boards, including the Finance Committee, Conservation Commission, and Council on Aging.

"Community involvement is essential for a thriving town, and participation by residents makes a difference," said Chairman Sheedy. "Prior experience is not needed. Residents with all different backgrounds and levels of experience are encouraged to apply."

Residents interested in serving on any of the East Bridgewater boards and committees can visit the Town’s website (https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif516/f/uploads/new_appt_form_0.pdf), complete the "Application for Appointment" and email the application to Ly Nguyen at [email protected]

Applications may also be delivered to the East Bridgewater Select Board office at Town Hall, 175 Central St., East Bridgewater.

The Select Board will start considering applications for appointments on a rolling basis at upcoming meetings.

The following is a list of town committees, with the number of openings in parentheses:

Agricultural Commission - Alternate (2)
Arts Council (6)
Conservation Commission (1)
Conservation Commission - Alternate (1)
Council on Aging - Associate (1)
Finance Committee (2)
Historical Commission (3)
Historical Commission - Associate (1)
Patriotic Activities Committee (3)
Recreation Commission (1)
Recreation Commission - Alternate (1)

East Bridgewater
Police Department
Michael Jenkins,
Police Chief
153 Central St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Media Contact: Hannah Sammut
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

East Bridgewater Police Arrest Juvenile in Connection to Shooting Outside of Condominium Complex on July 4

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Michael Jenkins reports that the East Bridgewater Police Department arrested and charged a 17-year-old East Bridgewater juvenile in connection with a shooting that occurred on the evening of July 4.

A MALE JUVENILE, AGE 17, OF EAST BRIDGEWATER, was arrested and charged with:
• Armed Assault with Intent to Murder
• Assault and Battery with a Firearm
• Discharge of a Firearm within 500 Feet of a Building
• Possession of a Loaded Firearm without License
• Possession of a Firearm without License
• Possession of Ammunition without License

Shortly before 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, East Bridgewater Police received a 911 call reporting that a person was shot on Robins Street, in the Pompohono Pines condominium complex.

The victim, a 17-year-old male, had been riding a motorized scooter with another passenger when he was shot by the driver of a vehicle as it passed them on Robins Street.

The passenger of the scooter subsequently called 911, and a good Samaritan on Robins Street brought the victim and the passenger inside their home to wait for first responders to arrive.

Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male who had been shot in the stomach in the good Samaritan's home. Police and East Bridgewater Fire Department paramedics rendered aid to the victim, who was then transported by East Bridgewater Fire Ambulance (VERIFY) to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Through the officer's investigation, the JUVENILE was identified as the alleged suspect in the shooting. The investigation determined that the victim and another 17-year-old male were riding on a motorized scooter on Robins Street when the suspect drove up next to the scooter in a minivan, allegedly shooting the victim in the stomach. Police determined that the suspect and victim are known to each other.

On Wednesday, July 10 at approximately 6 a.m., the East Bridgewater Police Department, WEB Major Crimes Taskforce and the SEMLEC Swat team arrested the JUVENILE without incident in his home after obtaining an arrest warrant.

The Juvenile was arraigned at the Brockton District Court on Wednesday. (VERIFY)

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

# # #


A message from the East Bridgewater Police Department

Central School Building Committee Update – July 9, 2024

The East Bridgewater School Building Committee has started accepting proposals from designers and architects to conduct a feasibility study and schematic plan for options for the
Central Elementary School.

The application period started on July 3 and will end July 31.

The Town will host a site visit at the Elementary School on July 10th for interested applicants.

Three individuals, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Gina Williams, Facilities Maintenance Manager Brian Kiely, and Town Administrator Charlie Seelig, will represent East Bridgewater at the meetings of the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Designer Selection Panel. The Central School Building Committee will make recommendations to the three individuals about their preferences for designers and architects. The Designer Selection Panel will review the applications, choose finalists for interviews, and select a firm.

A contract with the firm will be executed in late September. After that, the Building Committee, the Town’s Owner’s Project Manager, LeftField, and the architect will commence work on the feasibility study which will examine all the possible options available to the Town for the future Central Elementary School.

For more information about the Central Elementary School Project including the Feasibility Study Agreement and town’s vote to appropriate $1.5 million to cover the cost of the feasibility
study and schematic design please visit the town website at

https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/central-school-building-committee

Residences at Meadow Brook - Frequently Asked Questions

With the initial hearing for "Residences at Meadow Brook" development is scheduled for July 10 in the auditorium of the Jr/Sr High School at 7:30pm, residents and other interested parties are asking questions about Chapter 40B, the comprehensive permit process, and the proposed development. This "FAQ" will be updated on occasion.

What is “Chapter 40B”?

Chapter 40B refers to a specific statute in the Massachusetts General Laws which enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions. It was enacted in 1969.

The proposed project, “Residences at Meadow Brook” includes 25% affordable units.

The affordable units must be affordable to households with incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the HUD region (East Bridgewater is in the Brockton Metro area) in which the units will be located.

The average median income in the area in FY2024 is $109,900.

(https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2024/2024summary.odn?STATES=25.0&INPUTNAME=METRO14460MM1200*2502318455%2BEast+Bridgewater+town&statelist=&stname=Massachusetts&wherefrom=%24wherefrom%24&statefp=25&year=2024&ne_flag=&selection_type=county&incpath=%24incpath%24&data=2024&SubmitButton=View+County+Calculations)

The income limits are dependent on the number of individuals in the family

Persons in Family
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8
$68,500

$78,250

$88,050

$97,800

$105,650

$113,450

$121,300

$129,100

Examples of base salaries in East Bridgewater beginning on July 1, 2024:

1st year teacher with a bachelor’s - $50,430.00
1st year patrol officer - $50,034.07
1st year firefighter - $57,497.15
1st year public works employee (laborer) - $46,009.60

Anyone at these salary/wage levels would qualify to rent or buy one of the subsidized units for this project depending on whether their households/families had other sources of income.

Potential condominium owners and renters still need sufficient income in order to purchase or rent these units so that someone without sufficient income do to so would likely not be able to participate in this program.

Was this project previously voted on at a town meeting?

No. There were votes on appropriating funds for the construction of a sanitary sewer line along the west side of North Bedford Street from Highland Street to just short of the Whitman/East Bridgewater Town Line. Approval of the appropriation was not approval of the proposed housing development.

Do residents get to vote on the project?

Chapter 40B specifies that the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals makes the decision whether to approve the application for the necessary permit. Residents are welcome to attend and participate in the public hearings, voice their opinions, and ask questions about the project but residents do not get to vote on the project.

Why was an email sent out about the proposed development since some individuals do not get emails?

Under Chapter 40B, the minimum standards for notification about the public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals are:

A minimum of 14 days before the date of the public hearing a notice (legal ad) shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation (the Brockton Enterprise in this case) in the city or town.

A minimum of 14 days before the date of the public hearing, a notice is mailed to the petitioner, abutters, owners of land directly opposite on any public or private street or way, and abutters to the abutters within three hundred feet of the property line of the petitioner. The list of individuals who will receive this notice can be found at https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/zoning-board-appeals/files/abutters-list-east-bridgewater

The Town is supplementing these notices by posting information on the Town’s web site in the “News and Announcements” section (anyone can subscribe to these notices by signing up at https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/subscribe) and it is also posting information on its page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085874475581)

How does East Bridgewater compare with other communities in its percentage of subsidized housing units?

The Commonwealth has a table showing the Chapter 40B subsidized housing inventory for the 351 communities in Massachusetts:

https://www.mass.gov/doc/subsidized-housing-inventory-2/download

As of June 30, 2023, East Bridgewater’s percentage was 3.39% (176 units out of 5,186 housing units). Other examples are Dover at 2.82%, Lexington at 10.77%, Westwood at 10.59%, and Newton at 8.67%.

Nearby communities include Bridgewater 10.70%, Hanson 4.79%, Halifax 1.17%, West Bridgewater 4.20% and Whitman 3.48%.

Aside from any new housing units being built since June 2023, this project would increase the number of housing units in East Bridgewater to 5,426 and the number of subsidized units to 356 (20 condominiums will be subsidized units and while only 40 apartments will have that specific designation, all 160 apartments count toward the total per the State statutes and regulations). That would increase the percentage for East Bridgewater from 3.39% to 6.86%.

As most comprehensive permits for these developments are approved, a major factor in determining how many subsidized developments are built in each community is where developers decide to build the developments. Since a majority of the units in each development are sold or rented at “market rates”, developers will look for sites that are attractive to households looking to buy or rent in those locations. In addition, land has to be available.

How will the project interact with wetlands on the property?

As mentioned in the project proposal, 39.54 acres of the 64.09 acres of the property have been designated as wetlands. Developers that wish to do work within 100 feet of wetland must obtain a Notice of Intent from the Conservation Commission under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40. The ZBA does not have the authority to waive state requirements although it can waive municipal requirements.

I'm interesting in applying for one of the affordable units - how do I do that?

The application process for the affordable units won't begin until construction is underway. During the construction period, the developer will begin to market the affordable units under an affirmative fair housing marketing and resident selection plan (AFHMP) approved by the Subsidizing Agency (MassHousing).The overriding purpose of the AFHMP is to provide for outreach to protect classes of people under Fair Housing laws who may be less likely to apply for the housing (including because of the housing location) and to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to apply for and purchase or rent the affordable units. If local preference has been approved by the Subsidizing Agency for any units in the development, it will be carried out in accordance with the AFHMP. The availability of applications as part of this process will be publicized on the Town of East Bridgewater's web site and other venues.

What is the connection between this proposed project under Chapter 40B and the MBTA Communities Zoning requirement?

There is no connection between the two. All communities in Massachusetts are affected by Chapter 40B, not just the MBTA communities. Chapter 40B went into effect in 1969. The MBTA Communities law went into effect in January 2021 and only affects those communities that are served by the MBTA or are adjacent to communities that are served by the MBTA.

Chapter 40B requires that 10% of the housing in a community must be affordable to households with incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the each particular community's HUD region (East Bridgewater is in the Brockton Metro area).

The MBTA Communities Law requires communities to zone for 15 units of housing per acre for a certain number of acres in each community (depending on the number of housing units already in the community, the size of the community, and what type of MBTA service is provided). It does not require that housing be built on those acres nor does it require that any of the housing be affordable according to the Chapter 40B standards.

The East Bridgewater Planning Board is reviewing proposals for rezoning various sections of East Bridgewater to meet the MBTA Communities Law. Town Meeting will need to vote on these proposals and it is likely that the Planning Board will bring these proposals for a vote at a Special Town Meeting in the fall of 2024.

The proposed Chapter 40B development is independent of any decision by the Town concerning the MBTA Communities Law. A decision on the development does not trigger any action concerning the MBTA Communities Law nor does a decision on the MBTA Communities Law trigger any action concerning this proposed development.

What are the reasons that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)can deny a comprehensive permit?

Chapter 40B authorizes a ZBA to approve as proposed, approve with conditions, or deny a comprehensive permit application. The Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) will not overturn local denial of a comprehensive permit if a municipality meets any of the statutory minima (which East Bridgewater does not) or another safe harbor under Chapter 40B regulations. Except for these circumstances, however, the HAC has generally not supported denials if the ZBA could have granted a comprehensive permit with reasonable conditions to protect health, safety, open space, and site and building design concerns. Accordingly, ZBAs should view denial of a comprehensive permit as a "last resort" measure to take only when there is no practical way to approve the project with conditions.

If a community does not meet one of the statutory tests described above, then "consistent with local needs" means balancing the regional need for affordable housing against local health, safety, open space, and site and building design concerns. These concerns must be valid, compelling, and documented. Over time, HAC has established high standards for a ZBA to demonstrate consistency with local needs: demonstration of verifiable local concerns about the health and safety of residents of the proposed housing, the surrounding neighborhood, or the community as a whole; and serious building and site design deficiencies that cannot be rectified with conditions of approval; and establishment that the local requirements imposed by the ZBA are essential for protecting these public health, safety, design or environmental or open space concerns. These standards are very difficult to meet. If the HAC overturns the ZBA's denial of the permit, the ZBA must then issue a permit to the applicant, subject to instructions in the HAC decision about conditions that may be contained in the permit. Thus, the ZBA loses any leverage it might have had to get a better development for the community.

What is the connection between the proposed development and the Commonwealth's migrant housing program?

There is no connection between the proposed development and the Commonwealth's migrant housing program. The development received initial approval from the State in October 2022. The issues surrounding migrant housing developed in 2023. In addition, the residents who live the proposed development would have to have sufficient funds to pay the monthly rent and/or the monthly mortgage payment including any other housing expenses. This is not a "free housing" project.

How much money has the Town paid to the developer in connection with the project or the sanitary sewer?

The Town has not paid any money to the developer in connection with the project or the sanitary sewer. The Town has received $629,425 from the developer for its connection to the sewer system and is scheduled to receive an additional $629,424 from the developer as housing is built on the property.

July 8, 2024
Job Posting
Council on Aging
Van Driver
Per Diem – 5-10 hours/week

Non-Union Position
$16.50/Hour

Summary: Under the supervision of the Council on Aging (COA) Director or other staff, assumes overall responsibility for providing transportation for community residents age 60+ and disabled residents of any age as scheduled by the COA. Wednesdays and flexibility with scheduling is a must.

Duties:
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing door-to-door transportation service driving the COA’s 8 or 12 passenger vans and providing light assistance to clients and/or their parcels while maintaining confidentiality and keeping accurate records. Complete job description available upon request.

Qualifications:
Valid MA driver’s license.
Current CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
Ongoing training provided by MAurbanTAP as arranged by the COA is mandatory.
Must be willing to undergo a criminal background check (CORI).
CDL license is not required.

Full job description available at https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif516/f/uploads/van_driver_2024.pdf

Application available at https://www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/about-us/files/employment-application

Council on Aging reserves the right to amend the job description at any time in line with professional standards and in response to changes in technology.

Letter of interest and resumes should be submitted directly to the Council on Aging via mail (Nancy Hill, East Bridgewater Council on Aging, 355 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333 or email ([email protected]) by July 22, 2024.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced today that both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus have been detected in the mosquito population in neighboring towns close to East Bridgewater in this week’s testing. As a reminder, mosquitoes do not respect town boundaries and take this as a reminder to “spray up” when enjoying outside activities, on details and working outside, especially during the dawn and dusk hours of the day. Typically, EEE outbreaks are in three year cycles and this is very early in the season to detect both species.

Here is an excerpt from the announcement.

BOSTON (July 3, 2024) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed in mosquito samples collected on June 30 in the town of Carver in Plymouth County. No human or animal cases of EEE have been detected so far this year.

Today’s finding increases the risk level of EEE to moderate in the communities of Carver, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, and Wareham.

“The last EEE outbreak cycle in Massachusetts occurred in 2019-2020 and since then, there have been no human cases of EEE reported in the state,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Today’s finding alerts us to the presence of EEE in Massachusetts this year. Combined with yesterday’s announcement of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, we are asking everyone to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. We recommend that people use mosquito repellent when they are spending time outdoors so they can celebrate the July 4th holiday and enjoy the rest of the summer without being bitten.”