Voters in Acton will head to the polls for a special election on Jan. 8 to elect a selectman and vote on two measures prompted by citizens' petitions turned in last week.

One measure allows for the recall of the town's selectmen and the other will halt most development for 180 days while the town updates its zoning ordinances.

The petitions are in response to a series of tumultuous town public hearings and meetings in which residents have argued over the appropriateness of a proposed trash transfer station. In a separate controversy, questions have been raised about whether a town selectman got his property fairly reassessed.

Another selectman has resigned over the assessment issue, saying his fellow selectman and town employees did not follow standard protocol.

A new selectman to fill that seat will be elected in the January vote. Nominating papers for candidates are available and must be turned in by Nov. 30.