On a warm Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025, the Acton Senior Center buzzed with energy as residents gathered for a special summer edition of Java with John — the informal, caffeine-fueled conversation series hosted by Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti. With an open format and a full room, Mangiaratti offered community updates, fielded questions, and fostered the kind of civic engagement that makes Acton special.
“This is my eighth year as Town Manager,” Mangiaratti began, “and I truly feel like part of the community.” His remarks quickly moved into updates on infrastructure projects, community development initiatives, and staffing changes at Town Hall — all with the casual, conversational tone that defines Java with John.
Local Projects Brewing Along
Among the most anticipated updates were the ongoing infrastructure projects shaping the future of Acton:
- Woodbury Lane Community Space: Behind Town Hall, a long-abandoned house is being transformed into an indoor-outdoor community space. Funded through federal, state, and CPA sources, the project is set to wrap up in October. “We’re turning a lemon into lemonade,” said Mangiaratti.
- McManus Manor: The senior affordable housing project, under construction near the old Kennedy Landscaping building, is making visible progress. When complete, it will provide 41 new homes for residents aged 60 and older.
- Dog Park in Progress: Thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation, a new dog park is coming to Acton. Mangiaratti noted it will be “an Acton-style dog park” — thoughtfully designed and community-oriented.
- Kelley’s Corner: After more than two years of roadwork, sidewalks are being poured, lights installed, and the finish line is finally in sight. The project — often criticized for its duration — is on schedule to be completed this winter, with landscaping planned for spring. “You did it,” Mangiaratti told the crowd, thanking them for their patience.
- Sewer and Road Upgrades: Multiple projects, including the sewer extension to support new housing near the Maynard line and upgrades to Prospect Street and Powdermill Road, are in motion. These efforts aim to accommodate growth while improving safety and aesthetics.
Town Hall: Updates, Changes, and New Faces
Mangiaratti spoke candidly about the challenges of staffing in today’s competitive job market. In response, Acton has reduced the Town Hall workweek to 36 hours without sacrificing service quality — a move he says helps with both recruitment and retention.
He also introduced several new hires:
- A fire prevention officer, Jeff Dalton, dedicated to reviewing building plans and promoting community safety.
- A new treasurer/collector and accounting staff.
- Assistant Recreation Director Mike Collins, praised by the Council on Aging for his work developing senior-friendly programs.
A dose of economic development
Economic Development Director Patricia Costa shared two initiatives aimed at fostering local pride and commerce:
- A Town-wide banner contest to create visual identities for Acton’s key neighborhoods — Kelley’s Corner, West Acton, Great Road Corridor, and South Acton.
- A proposed grant program offering tax credits to businesses that commit to hosting public art by local artists.
Costa also noted that several new eateries are coming to town, including two new restaurants in the Trader Joe’s Plaza, an Indian restaurant in Woods Plaza (at the intersection of Great Road and Main St.), and a revamped restaurant space in the former Red Raven/Scupper Jack’s location in North Acton, now under redevelopment by McGovern Auto.
Big conversations, big questions
After updates, the floor opened to resident questions — a hallmark of Java with John.
Residents raised concerns about:
- Sewer capacity: With the treatment plant nearing its permit-limited threshold, future connections may be limited unless new discharge land is found.
- Old High Street: Could it be reopened to enhance biking safety? Mangiaratti promised to look into it.
- The vacant McDonald’s at Kelley’s Corner: Frequently mentioned as an eyesore, it remains in limbo — but Mangiaratti hinted that once construction wraps up, investment may follow.
- Road safety at Route 2 and Piper Road: Residents reported dangerous red-light running and urged stronger enforcement. Mangiaratti promised to speak with police and explore options. [For the longer term, the state Department of Transportation is working on a redesign of this intersection, as recently reported by the Acton Exchange.]
One resident suggested turning the new Woodbury Lane community space into a seasonal coffee and ice cream spot. “That’s a great idea,” Mangiaratti responded. “I can see pop-ups and food trucks working well there.”
The future of Acton’s aging DPW facility also drew attention. Assistant Town Manager Tom Begin explained that a peer review is currently underway to evaluate designs dating back to 2013, balancing the need for new space with the town’s evolving mix of in-house and outsourced public works services.
Collaboration with Maynard and Other Regional Plans
In a noteworthy move, Acton’s Select Board recently agreed to hold a joint meeting with the Maynard Select Board to discuss shared interests — a welcome sign of regional cooperation.
Another public hearing is ongoing regarding a proposed indoor tennis and pickleball facility in North Acton, behind the Crossroads Plaza. The Select Board will resume deliberations on August 25.
Wrapping Up
As always, Mangiaratti reminded residents not to rely solely on Facebook rumors for Town updates. “My email is manager@actonma.gov,” he said. “If you have a question, ask me. That’s what we’re here for.”
With laughter, applause, and plenty of caffeine, this summer’s Java with John session proved once again that good governance in Acton begins with good conversations — and good coffee.
Even if you didn’t make it to the Senior Center, you can watch “Java with John – July 22nd, 2025” on Acton TV. However, you will need to make your own cup of coffee.
Greg Jarboe writes on a variety of topics for the Acton Exchange. He is a former editor of the Acton Minuteman newspaper and a former chair of the Acton Select Board, and a current member of the Acton Finance Committee, the Public Works Facility Committee, and the Economic Development Committee.
