At the October 17 Java with John gathering at the Acton Senior Center, Town Manager John Mangiaratti led a discussion that covered everything from infrastructure improvements and library programs to school initiatives and housing development. The monthly event, which is broadcast live on Acton TV, continues to serve as an informal yet informative venue for residents to hear the latest town updates and ask questions directly of local officials.
Community Events and Senior Center Programs
Senior Center Director Sharon Mercurio opened the morning with announcements. The annual jewelry sale — one of the Friends of the Acton Council on Aging’s biggest fundraisers — would return on October 23–24, featuring shopping and lunch at “The Bistro.” Funds raised help keep many Senior Center programs free for Acton residents.
Mercurio also previewed an upcoming End-of-Life Education Series, beginning November 10 with a film screening of Caregiver: A Love Story and a group discussion afterward. The session is open to all caregivers, regardless of age or residency. In addition, the nursing staff would offer a “Fall Prevention and Healthy Living” workshop for older adults on October 23.
Town Manager Updates: DPW Project and Bell Tower Repairs
Taking the microphone, Mangiaratti provided updates on several major projects. Chief among them is the long-planned Department of Public Works (DPW) facility replacement on Forest Road. The Town has spent the past year studying alternative, lower-cost design options after residents raised concerns about the original proposal’s size and expense. The Select Board would discuss the latest recommendations from the Building Committee at its next meeting on Monday, October 21, and residents were encouraged to attend or tune in via Acton TV.
Mangiaratti also reported unexpected structural issues in the Town Hall bell tower, which forced the temporary silencing of the hourly chimes. Engineers found wood rot and movement in the tower’s framing when the bells rang at noon earlier in the week. Repairs will likely be funded through Community Preservation Act (CPA) and historic preservation grants.
Downtown and Local Business Development
On a brighter note, Mangiaratti celebrated visible progress on the Kelley’s Corner Infrastructure Project, which has transformed the busy intersection near Route 111 and Main Street. “It’s been a mess for two and a half years,” he said, “but the last few weeks you can really see the vision taking shape.” Once completed, new turn patterns, including a renamed Caroll Spinney Way in honor of the late puppeteer and Acton resident, will improve traffic flow and pedestrian access.
Acton’s Restaurant Week would also kick off this month, giving residents a chance to sample specials and support local dining establishments. “I hope you eat local year-round,” Mangiaratti said, “but maybe try a new spot next week.”
Library Highlights: Programs and Redesign Plans
Olivia Winrod, Adult Programming Librarian at the Acton Memorial Library, shared an update on the library’s expanding offerings. Upcoming events include a murder mystery evening on November 12, hosted in partnership with True West Brewing Company, and a repeat, afternoon session on November 15 at the West Acton Citizens Library.
Other programs include monthly crafting workshops, a sewing and embroidery club, and free technology classes held at both library branches. Winrod also noted that the library is preparing for a major interior redesign, which will involve reorganizing collections and public spaces to improve accessibility and function.
School District Initiatives: Sustainability, AI, and Reorganization
Peter Light, Superintendent of Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools, joined the discussion to highlight district-wide initiatives. Among the most celebrated: the arrival of three new electric school buses, purchased with $2 million in federal and state grant funding. “It’s good for kids, great for the environment, and at no cost to taxpayers,” Light said.
The district also received a $3 million IRS refund for its geothermal energy system at the Boardwalk Campus, savings that will help fund a $4 million HVAC replacement at the high school without additional taxpayer burden.
Light addressed several broader issues as well, including the rise of antisemitism in schools and the formation of a new task force supported by a state grant to combat hate and bias speech. He also introduced an Artificial Intelligence Working Group, which will explore how AI can be used responsibly in education while preparing students for its growing role in society.
Looking ahead, the superintendent outlined the ambitious AB Forward strategic planning process, which may include school reorganization to align resources with shifting enrollment and financial realities. Nine possible options are under consideration, ranging from maintaining the current structure to consolidating or closing buildings. “We just can’t run our schools the same way we have,” Light said. Community feedback forums are scheduled throughout the fall, with details available at abschools.org.
Community Q&A: Housing, Traffic, and Real Estate
The question-and-answer portion of the program covered a range of topics, including affordable housing projects, traffic safety, and retiree health insurance. Mangiaratti clarified that affordable housing developments vary in ownership and financing. The McManus Manor project on Main Street, developed by the Acton Housing Authority, will provide 41 units of senior housing on land purchased from the town. Other developments, such as Powder Mill Place, include a mix of market-rate and affordable apartments.
He also confirmed that Acton will transition retiree health coverage back to Blue Cross Blue Shield in early 2026, though rising costs remain a challenge.
Questions about redevelopment in South Acton Village led Mangiaratti to outline plans for mixed-use housing and commercial spaces near the commuter rail station, part of a broader effort to enhance the area’s vibrancy and accessibility. The sale of two municipal parcels there will generate roughly $600,000 for the town.
Collaboration and Civic Engagement
Throughout the morning, Mangiaratti emphasized Acton’s commitment to collaboration among town departments, schools, and residents. “Acton is the best place in the world to work,” he said, “and I hope you’d agree it’s the best place to live.”
The event closed on a light note when one attendee thanked the Department of Public Works for the newly repaired roads. Mangiaratti relayed the praise with a smile: “They don’t get too many compliments, so that one will mean a lot.”
You can watch “Java with John – October 17th, 2025” on Acton TV. The next “Java with John” is scheduled for November 14 at the Acton Senior Center.
Greg Jarboe is the Acton Exchange beat reporter for the Council on Aging. This article was written in part by ChatGPT under the supervision of the author, who fact-checked the story against the video uploaded to ActonTV’s YouTube channel.
