Dear Palmer Community Members,

Thank you for opting into these emailed newsletters! Can you believe this is already our 8th edition? These newsletters compile information that we've shared during the Town Manager Report at the Town Council Meetings, updates from our team's Department Heads, and, depending on the timing, we use this newsletter to generate our posts for our official Facebook account, or we take those same posts and include them here. At the end of this newsletter, you'll see a new section featuring the eligible pets from our animal control facility. View entire newsletter

For this month's update, as we shared at the last Town Council Meeting, October 1st closed with no submissions to our second Request for Proposal (RFP) for Converse Middle School property. Town Council intends to meet in Executive Session at the next meeting to discuss alternative solutions and next steps in redevelopment/reuse of the parcel.

Alternatively, we have some very exciting news to share!

A New Home for DPW Headquarters

The Town of Palmer has acquired 1307 Park Street (former Jackson's Auto and Demore's Automotive) for $1.3 million, which includes the sale price, engineering, and legal fees, to serve as its new Department of Public Works headquarters. Moving headquarters from Bridge to Park Street will improve operations and provide accessibility while eliminating the cost burden of a brand-new facility. 


Learn more, townofpalmer.com/pressreleases

The Town of Palmer is honored to receive this $5 million MassWorks Award to replace a critical sewer siphon on Thorndike Street

The $5 million is the maximum amount awarded, and we are grateful it will help us tackle the proposed $7M project to replace the sewer siphon along Thorndike/Shearer St and install a new pump station off Shearer.

Outside of the MSBA funding for new schools, I believe this is the largest grant award the town has ever received! This is a significant win for the community as we continue to strengthen the area for economic development and lower the burden on ratepayers, which was noted at the last Town Council meeting in September.

We will also be working with MassDOT to combine paving of Thorndike St in conjunction with this project, which also helps reduce the overall cost of the project. 

After conversations with the DPW Director, we have decided to shift the sidewalks in front of Ocean State and Big Y to this project, given the construction requirements directly in this area. 

The bid package for remaining shared and complete streets improvements will be going out in the fall.

Share this press release, townofpalmer.com/pressreleases

Town of Palmer receives Community Planning Grant Award from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

The $150,000 from the Community Planning Grant Program will support the completion of a project with the Planning Department to develop and implement a form-based code for the Depot Village zoning district- specifically highlighting walkable mixed-use development, along with connections to the proposed rail station. Note: There will be stakeholder outreach where the community can be involved. 

Learn more, townofpalmer.com/pressreleases

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Economic Development Advisory Services pertaining to 1412- 1416 Main Street, Palmer

The Palmer Redevelopment Authority (PRA) requests submissions of qualifications from non-profit developers with extensive experience in developing mixed-use residential and commercial space in a downtown location. Each Respondent should be available to assist the PRA as it develops a conceptual plan for the new construction of a multi-story building on the PRA-owned parcel at 1412-1416 Main Street in Palmer.

The PRA is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in order to select a preferred development partner to provide the PRA with economic development advisory services and to assist the PRA in planning for the redevelopment of its Main Street property.

If interested, submit a Statement of Qualifications by November 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM by email or by mail to:

Palmer Redevelopment Authority
c/o Brad Brothers, Town Manager
4417 Main Street
Palmer, MA 01069

Quarter 2 Real Estate Taxes due November 1st

Precincts 2 & 3 polling location is Amvets Post 74 located at 2150 Main Street in Three Rivers

Precincts 1 & 4 polling location remains Divine Mercy/ Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, located at 2267 Main Street in Three Rivers

Election Information: State Election November 3, 2026

Polling Hours: 7 am - 8 pm

Polling locations:

Precincts 2 & 3 polling location is Amvets Post 74 located at 2150 Main Street in Three Rivers

Precincts 1 & 4 polling location remains Divine Mercy/ Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, located at 2267 Main Street in Three Rivers

Quick Links:

Palmer Town Clerk Election Webpage

2026 Information for Voters

Register to vote

Check my voter registration

Find an upcoming election

Find Your Polling Place

Vote by Mail

Vote Early

Vote Absentee

Find a Ballot Drop Box

Track Your Mail-in Ballot

Holiday Hours

Veterans Day

All town buildings and offices are closed for Veterans Day, November 11th. See you at the parade!

Thanksgiving

Town Administration Building: Closed Wednesday, November 25th at 12 pm through Sunday, November 29th. Please call ahead to ensure staff availability on Wednesday.

Library: Closed Wednesday, November 25th at 3 pm through Thursday, November 26th.

Council on Aging: Closed Thursday, November 26th through Sunday, November 29th

Note: Town Hall will be closed Thursday, December 3th for Staff Training

Veterans Day Parade

Join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Line-up: 11:00 a.m.

Parade kickoff: 11:45 a.m.

Formation and Step-Off: AMVETS Post 74 | 2150 Main Street, Three Rivers, MA

To participate or sign up, please contact the Veterans Services Department:

call 413-707-5050, or email veterans@townofpalmer.com

Please share and help us bring the community together to honor our veterans!

Follow the Veterans Services NEW Facebook Page for timely updates and resources

LAST CHANCE- Yard Waste Distribution Center

Open on the following Saturdays & Sundays from 9 am - 3 pm:

November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

Palmer Yard Waste Facility will open to residents to drop off clippings and leaves at the compost area across from Burleigh Park on the highlighted days below.



Remember:

• Bring your ID confirming Palmer residency
• Lawn debris must be in brown paper bags (no plastic bags)
• Do not leave bags up against locked gate

Questions? Call our Department of Public Works (DPW) at 413-283-2615.

Subscribe Today!

Get important alerts directly to your devices

The Town of Palmer has joined Regroup to improve and more effectively communicate emergency alerts to residents, replacing the previous provider, CodeRed/Crisis 24. 

Messages from Regroup include:

• Emergency Alerts & Public Safety
• Water Service Notices (From your District)
• Road Closures & Impacts
• Weather Advisories from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Community Announcements

Subscribe to ensure you receive these messages

We need your help sharing our Palmer Community!

Participate in our Photography Contest NOW- December 31, 2026

The Town of Palmer seeks participants for our photography contest! We are looking for photos showcasing our community- scenery, popularly identifiable spaces and buildings, people, pets, events, programs, activities.

The winning photo will be featured on the cover of the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report! 

Learn more

Inspectional Services Department

Catching mistakes early can save you time and money on your next project.  While on the field lately, we've noted a few common inspection errors or deficiencies that have come up during different phases of construction in both residential and commercial projects.

Review this resource to review your project before requesting an inspection.

Remember, always follow the applicable code requirements, approved plans, and manufacturer's installation instructions.

If you have any questions about your project or building codes, please reach out to one of our inspectors anytime.

Visit the department's webpage for contact information

Work with us!

The Town of Palmer seeks community-minded professionals to support local initiatives and support community members. If you are driven by service, collaboration, and making a positive impact, we want to hear from you.

We're hiring:



• Plow Contractors for Winter Season 2026-27
• Part- Time Health Inspector
• DPW Grade 2 Laborer - Highway Division
• Per- Diem- Animal Control Officer

Click on the opportunities above to learn more and/or apply

Stephen Salmond

Stephen, Class of 2028 Student at Pathfinder Tech, recently collaborated with the Conservation Commission to complete his Eagle Scout Project with Troop 164. After hearing about the commission's concerns regarding the steep downslope on the Red Bridge Trail at Barker Street Conservation Area, Salmond planned, developed, and constructed gradual steps to break up the slope and make the path more easily walkable.

"I chose this project because I have always had a passion for hiking and biking trails, as I always stay active and go on adventures with my troop. I also wanted to give back to my town in any way possible, as I have grown up in Palmer and have made lasting memories in the town," says Stephen.

Thank you to Stephen for your attentiveness and diligence in seeing this project through!

Stephen is in Grade 11 at Pathfinder and is a Student Ambassador and Electrical Student.

Nominate a community member!

Do you know someone in town that is working hard to make Palmer an even better place? Let us know! We want to acknowledge all the amazing people that make our town so great! Nominate someone you think deserves an extra shoutout of appreciation. Click the button below to open the form

Upcoming Meetings

Learn what is happening in your community and tune into our upcoming meetings.



Conservation Commission

November 2nd at 6:30 PM

Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609
Watch previous meetings here

PUBLIC HEARING- 
Community Development Block Grant

November 16th at 5:30 PM

Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609

Planning Board

November 16th and 30th

Please see the posted meeting agenda for time and location

Town Council

NEW DATE: November 23rd at 6:30 pm
Town Council Room, Town Administration Building
4417 Main Street | Palmer, MA 01609

Watch previous meetings here

Please verify posted meetings with our website and note, 
Agendas are posted according to Open Meeting Law at least 48 hours in advance.

Community Strong Wellness from 1 - 4 pm

November 5th, 19th, 24th*, December 3rd, & 17th

Palmer Public Library | 1455 N. Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069

Looking for help with:

• Housing?
• Problematic Substance Abuse?
• Mental Health?
• Food Insecurity?
• Domestic Violence?
• Health Insurance?
• Anything else?

Join the Palmer Public Library, the Palmer Police D.A.R.T. team, and a group of public health professionals and see how we can help. Free lunch included! 

*Special Thanksgiving Lunch

Hartsprings Donation Drive with Troop 64

November 7th from 10 am- 1pm
Town Administration Building | 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069

Declutter while making a meaningful impact on our community! Donate your items to benefit Palmer Troop 64!

Accepting donations of: 

• All cloth items
• Clothing (all sizes, styles, ages, and genders)
• Bedding and Draperies (NO PILLOWS)
• Shoes
• Small appliances
• Electronics
• Kitchen ware
• Household goods
• Sporting goods
• Toys
• Books (no encyclopedias, textbooks, or library books)

Items NOT accepted:

• Firearms
• Lawn equipment
• Furniture (Furniture is accepted at our partner, Savers, locations and Attended Donation Sites)
• Large appliances
• Baby items such as strollers, cribs, carriages, etc.)
• Box backed televisions
• Mattresses/Box springs
• Rugs

Save the Date: Light up Palmer Community Celebration

November 28th from 3- 6 pm
Depot Park, Corner of Main & Walnut

This annual event brings festive joy and fun for the entire family! Stay tuned for more event details as we get closer to the event by visiting our Community Events Webpage

Programs hosted by Palmer Public Library
1455 N. Main Street | Palmer, MA 01069

Free events for all ages all month long!

Highlights:

• Adults: Art with Crayons for Adults: Create Georgia O'Keeffe’s "Lake George, Autumn" 11/3 at 6:30 pm
• Local Author Book Fair 11/7 from 10 am - 1 pm
• 6th Annual Sandy Nichols Book Sale 11/16- 11/28
• November Authors Scavenger Hunt 11/12- 11/25

Weekly program highlights:

• Tots & Tykes Playtime|Mondays at 10 am
• Mah Jongg Club|Mondays from 12:30 - 3:30 pm
• Teen Scene|Tuesdays from 2- 5 pm
• Music for Munchkins|Wednesdays at 10:30 am
• Open Tech Help | Fridays at 12

Programs hosted by Palmer Senior Center

Memorial Hall 1029 Central Street | Palmer, MA 01069

Events all month long for Adults aged 55+!

Highlights:

• Memory Cafe 11/19 at 11 am
• Lunch & Learn: Sherifff Dept 11/23 at 11:30 am
• Thanksgiving Party 11/18 at 11 am
• Friends Fundraiser: Lasagna Dinner 11/18 at 4:30 pm
• Christmas Wreath 11/230 at 4:30 pm

Weekly Programs:

• NEW- Jazz Class Thursdays at 10 am
• Coffee Social|Daily at 8:30 am
• Breakfast/Trivia|Tues. & Thurs. at 9:30 am 
• Blood Pressure Clinic | Thursdays at 9:30 am
• Movie Afternoons | Fridays at 12:30 pm
• Exercise options including: Healthy Bones/ Balance, Chair Yoga, Zumba, Gentle Stretch, Strength Training, Tai Chi- PLUS Tues. & Thurs. evening Piyo Exercise 
• Craft activities including: Card Designs, Painting, Knit/Crochet, & more!

Mill Towns Regional Animal Control Animals need furever homes!