Acushnet: Board of Health Sept. 22, 2026

The Acushnet Board of Health convened on September 22 to address appointments, public health updates, and several ongoing property enforcement matters. The Board opened the meeting by appointing Mark Duong as the town's Tobacco Compliance Officer, discussing plans for youth education in schools, vaping enforcement, and regional coordination. In regulatory updates, the health agent reported that Golden Liquors at 142 South Main Street received an FDA warning letter for selling tobacco to a minor, and confirmed that all eight licensed tobacco retailers in town had successfully removed kratom products from shelves in compliance with town directives. The agent is working to draft updated local tobacco regulations modeled on Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on septic and property maintenance enforcement orders. The Board debated 12 Carroll Street, where a submitted septic repair plan had 20 code deficiencies, including insufficient well setbacks and placing a tank one foot from the dwelling. Despite dissent from member David, the Board voted 2-1 to grant the homeowner until the October 13 meeting to present an approvable plan before levying daily fines. The Board also reviewed 23 Frank Street, tabling it after hearing an engineer's cost-saving recommendations regarding sand and alternative systems, and noted that health violations regarding debris and standing water at 36 South Main Street had been resolved while property easement encroachment remains with town counsel.

In general business, the Board discussed a proposal by the new owners of Acushnet Liquors & Grocery (formerly Liquor Palace) at 270 Main Street to construct a separate smoke shop within the building, noting zoning and building code hurdles. The Board also acknowledged an ACO report of a rabid raccoon near Keene Road and announced an upcoming flu clinic hosted by SEMA at the Council on Aging on September 30. Following approval of standard warrants, the meeting was adjourned.

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