WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Board of Health held a brief 30-minute meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Town Hall.
EEE & West Nile Virus
Wilmington Health Director Shelly Newhouse reported that there’s been no positive tests for EEE or West Nile Virus in Wilmington mosquitos this summer.
“We do typically get a positive West Nile Virus positive. We have in years past. Testing is still ongoing. We could still wind up with one, but Wilmington is currently considered low risk. There’s been no positive tests in town and we hope it stays that way,” Newhouse told board members. “The town’s Animal Control Officer has visited all the horse owners in town. All horses are inoculated. Owners have been given fact sheets and are aware of the seriousness.”
Newhouse noted that the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project is continuing to conduct regular sprayings in Wilmington, but will stop once the night temperature drops to 55 degrees.
Highland Estates Subdivision Plan Approved
The Board approved a modified subdivision plan for Highland Estates. Highland Estates is a conservation subdivision on Hopkins Street, near Sarafina Way, with 17 houses proposed next to 7 acres of open space along Lubbers Brook. The developer made changes to lot lines as a result of relocating a septic tank, which necessitated the Board of Health to reapprove the plan before the Planning Board is able to proceed.
Update On New Restaurants
Health Director Shelly Newhouse updated the board on new restaurants opening in town. Newhouse recently conducted a first wave of pre-opening inspections of Michael’s Place Bar & Grille on Lowell Street and Tremezzo Pizzeria on Shawsheen Street (formerly Uncle Mickey’s).
“I think Michael’s Place Bar & Grille will be opening soon,” said Newhouse, noting she was just in last week to conduct an inspection of the equipment and new bar. “And Tremezzo Pizzeria is moving right in shortly.” Newhouse says she will need to conduct additional inspections at each restaurant prior to their openings.
In response to a question from Board of Health Chair Elizabeth Sabounjian, Newhouse revealed she was as much in the dark as residents are regarding the status of Casa Blanca, which is slated to move into the old Chili’s location at the Wilmington Crossing. Casa Blanca was originally eyeing a September 2018 opening, but the Mexican chain was affected by the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, closing its Andover location for two months.
“I haven’t heard anything from [Casa Blanca] in awhile. It seems like they’ve stopped doing any work in their building,” responded Newhouse.
Newhouse also noted that the Wilmington Farmers Market’s fall season runs until Sunday, October 13, 2019 on the Swain Green. And organizers will likely again hold a monthly indoor Winter Market similar to last year.
The Board of Health also reviewed several food inspection reports and approved their August Meeting minutes. The Board next meets on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 5:30pm in Town Hall’s Room 9.
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