March 16–22, 2026

In a joint session with the School Committee, the Select Board approved a five-member structure for the Elementary School Building Committee and reviewed plans for an $8.8 million Trottier Middle School roof replacement heading to Town Meeting. Actuaries reported that Southborough's net retiree health care liability surged to $54.4 million, driven by an 88 percent spike in Medicare Advantage premiums. The board also finalized several Annual Town Meeting warrant articles, voting 3-2 to support the FY27 operating budget and backing an amended easement acquisition for Willow Street while postponing action on a $22 million roads bond and the Atwood tank soil remediation.

• Elementary School Building Committee charge

  Schools. Watch at 12:41 Neary School building project · 26 meetings

  Meeting jointly with the School Committee, the board debated the membership composition of the new Elementary School Building Committee charged with evaluating options for the Neary School. While the School Committee had favored five joint appointments, the Select Board voted to approve a structure where the Select Board appoints three members and the School Committee appoints two.

  • Committee charged with studying options for the Neary School project following the March 2 special town meeting vote
  • School Committee had voted 4-0 on March 11 to propose five joint appointments
  • Select Board voted 4-0-1 to retain three Select Board appointments and two School Committee appointments
  • Candidates will apply to a shared pool and be interviewed jointly on March 31, 2026

  Outcome: Charge approved 4-0-1 with Kathleen Cook abstaining; joint candidate interviews scheduled for March 31.

  Why it matters: The committee will direct the feasibility study and design options that will determine the future of Southborough elementary school facilities and major capital expenditures.

• Trottier Middle School roof replacement project

  Schools. Watch at 36:06 Trottier Middle School roof replacement · 5 meetings

  Assistant Superintendent of Operations Keith LaVoie presented plans and cost estimates for replacing the roof at Trottier Middle School through the Massachusetts School Building Authority Accelerated Repair Program. The total project is estimated at $8.83 million, with MSBA reimbursing 41.32 percent, leaving an estimated net town cost of $5.39 million to be funded by a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion.

  • Total gross cost estimated at $8,833,964 with an MSBA grant of $3,446,336
  • Net cost to the town is $5,387,628, proposed as a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion under Article 15
  • Project requires a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting on April 11 and majority approval at the May 12 ballot election
  • The roof was installed in 1998 with improper decking attachment and has suffered persistent leaks and mold risks
  • Replacement involves a 40-year PVC membrane for flat sections and shingles for pitched sections

  Outcome: Select Board later voted unanimously (5-0) to support Article 15 on the warrant.

  Why it matters: Approval commits taxpayers to roughly $5.39 million in excluded debt borrowing to fix chronic leaks and protect the town's middle school facility.

• OPEB actuarial valuation report

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 54:52 OPEB liability funding strategy · 3 meetings

  Consulting actuaries from KMS Actuaries presented the biennial valuation of Southborough's Other Postemployment Benefits liability as of June 30, 2025. The net liability increased from $38.7 million to $54.4 million, primarily due to an 88 percent spike in premiums for the town's Medicare Advantage plan and 27 percent increases in non-Medicare plans.

  • Total OPEB liability rose to $59,017,000 against trust assets of $4,645,000, leaving a net liability of $54,372,000
  • Funded ratio stands at 7.87 percent as of June 30, 2025
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage premiums jumped 88 percent over two years due to federal Inflation Reduction Act drug caps shifting costs to premiums
  • Town currently contributes $250,000 annually and plans to redirect Worcester Regional Retirement System pension funding to OPEB after full pension funding in FY37
  • Board members expressed concern that the current funding schedule is inadequate and requested modeling of alternative funding paths and benefit cost-share adjustments

  Outcome: Report received; actuaries will provide additional schedule projections to model paths to full funding.

  Why it matters: A $54.4 million unfunded retiree benefit liability poses a long-term fiscal challenge that could affect town credit ratings and require higher tax allocations.

• Atwood Road water tank soil remediation

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 2:00:22 Atwood property environmental remediation · 2 meetings

  DPW Director Bill Cundiff and consultant Tim Tease presented Option 2 for remediating lead-contaminated soil at the former Atwood Road water tank site. While the cleanup to state standards is estimated between $800,000 and $850,000, the Advisory Committee recommended postponing the appropriation to the fall to allow residents to determine future site uses, prompting officials to cancel current bids and plan a re-bid for fall Town Meeting.

  • Option 2 removes roughly 1,000 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soil to achieve an average concentration around 125 parts per million
  • Estimated project cost is $800,000 to $850,000, down from original estimates of up to $1.3 million
  • Site is exempt from Massachusetts Contingency Plan deadlines because contamination originated from applied paint on the former tank
  • Advisory Committee voted 5-0 to recommend postponing funding to the fall special town meeting
  • Town will cancel current bids, perform temporary site stabilization this spring, and re-bid in August

  Outcome: Town will cancel current contract bids and prepare Article 9 for action at the fall special town meeting.

  Why it matters: Taxpayers face an estimated $800,000 to $850,000 cleanup cost for municipal land contaminated with lead paint, with future development options tied to the site's remediation.

• Town Meeting warrant: Citizen petitions

  Town Meeting & elections. Watch at 2:25:27

  The board heard presentations on two citizen petitions proposed for the April 11 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Sponsor Jack Baron presented Article 34 to establish an independent finance committee to oversee town accounting and purchasing, which the board voted 1-3-1 not to support. High school students Lily Roy and Ali Feingold presented Article 35 proposing a plastic bag ban; the board advised them to postpone the petition and collaborate with the Board of Health on enforceable regulations for the fall.

  • Article 34 proposed a separate 5-member committee appointed by multiple boards with up to $20,000 in annual spending authority to review accounting compliance
  • Select Board voted 1-3-1 against supporting Article 34
  • Article 35 proposed banning single-use plastic checkout bags at Southborough businesses
  • Select Board members noted Article 35 lacked enforcement mechanisms and suggested working with the Board of Health to adopt regulations or bring a refined bylaw in the fall

  Outcome: Board voted 1-3-1 against recommending Article 34; took no action on Article 35 pending sponsor discussions with the Board of Health.

  Why it matters: Both citizen petitions propose binding town bylaws affecting municipal fiscal oversight and commercial retail operations in Southborough.

• Town Meeting warrant: Operating budget and town articles

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 2:44:40 FY27 operating budget · 7 meetings

  The board voted recommendations on remaining warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting. The board voted 3-2 to recommend the FY27 operating budget under Article 6 after adjustments to health insurance projections required deferring one DPW truck and shifting a $75,000 brush truck to the Amos Fund. The board deferred voting on a $22 million road and sidewalk borrowing package until a full debt impact presentation is given on April 7, while approving support for capital borrowing, zoning updates, and a donated easement on Willow Street.

  • Article 6 (Operating Budget): supported 3-2; members in opposition cited town tax increases of 4.6 percent and police department headcount additions
  • Article 12 (Capital Budget Borrowing): supported unanimously (5-0) with Atwood tank remediation removed
  • Article 13 (Roads and Sidewalks Borrowing): recommendation deferred to April 7 to review debt schedule impacts on median households
  • Article 17 (Zoning Bylaw IP District Uses): supported 4-0-1 (one abstention) to modernize allowed uses including data centers and fitness centers
  • Article 26 (Appointed Town Clerk): withdrawn by the Town Clerk due to a statutory 60-day gap requirement between Town Meeting and Town Election
  • Article 27 (Willow Street Easement): amended to remove purchase and eminent domain authority, supported 5-0 as an acquisition by donation

  Outcome: Articles 6, 12, 17, and 27 supported; Article 13 recommendation deferred to April 7; Articles 26 and 29/30 withdrawn.

  Why it matters: These votes set the Select Board's official recommendations for Town Meeting on the town operating budget, capital projects, zoning amendments, and land transactions.

Votes

Public comment

• A resident of General Henry Knox Road urged the Select Board and School Committee to build consensus and avoid division when structuring the Elementary School Building Committee. 32:26
• A resident of Atwood Road questioned whether the Atwood tank soil remediation and any future affordable housing proposals would be handled as separate articles at Town Meeting. 2:19:05
• A resident of Atwood Road asked how town contractors will verify that all lead contamination has been fully removed during soil excavation. 2:20:40

Next steps and dates mentioned

• March 31, 2026 at 6:30 PM: Joint Select Board and School Committee meeting to interview candidates for the Elementary School Building Committee
• April 7, 2026: Select Board meeting including presentation on town debt and Article 13 road borrowing impact
• April 7, 2026: Nominations deadline for the Laurie Sugarman Whittier Wellness Award
• April 11, 2026: Annual Town Meeting
• May 12, 2026: Annual Town Election ballot vote

At its March 18 meeting, the Capital Improvement and Planning Committee reviewed and voted on warrant recommendations for upcoming Annual Town Meeting articles. The committee unanimously recommended approval of non-bonded capital articles, water fund capital articles, school bonding items, and the MSBA-supported Trottier School roof replacement. However, members opted to defer recommendations on a $1 million water loop borrowing proposal and a multi-million-dollar road and sidewalk bonding plan to Town Meeting so they could obtain additional financial and cash-flow details.

• FY27 capital request update: Atwood site remediation

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 2:07 Atwood property environmental remediation · 2 meetings

  The chair reported that the Select Board decided not to place the Atwood site remediation request, which involves a water tank, on the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant.

  • The project had been included on an earlier draft warrant.
  • Because it was removed from the warrant for this cycle, no immediate presentation or committee position is required.

  Outcome: No action taken; deferred to a future cycle.

• Town Meeting Article 9: Non-bonded general fund capital items

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 3:57

  The committee reviewed capital items to be funded via levy, free cash, ambulance, or cemetery funds without borrowing. Members discussed the removal of a $75,000 van request, which was handled separately through the Advisory Committee's reserve fund as an emergency replacement, allowing overhead doors to remain in the article.

  • Funded through the operating budget levy, free cash, or dedicated reserves.
  • The $75,000 van was funded via reserve fund transfer and removed from the warrant article.
  • Overhead garage door replacements remain in the article.

  Outcome: Supported 3-0.

  Why it matters: Funding capital items via available town funds and levy impacts tax rates and annual department operations without incurring long-term borrowing debt.

• Town Meeting Article 10: Water fund capital items

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 9:49 FY27 Water Enterprise budget and capital · 2 meetings

  The committee reviewed and endorsed capital requests funded directly through the town's enterprise water fund rather than the general tax levy.

  • Paid directly by water ratepayers out of the water enterprise fund.
  • Does not impact the general tax levy or require municipal bonding.

  Outcome: Supported 3-0.

• Town Meeting Article 11: MWRA zero-percent loan for Fisher/Presidential loop

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 10:43 Presidential and Fisher Road waterline looping · 2 meetings

  The committee reviewed an approximately $1 million borrowing article through the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for a water main loop at Fisher Road and Presidential Drive to address water stagnation and pressure. Because of questions about water rate impacts and Select Board objections, the committee opted to withhold a recommendation until Town Meeting.

  • Estimated cost is approximately $1 million via a zero-percent interest loan through the MWRA.
  • Debt service would be repaid over roughly 10 years through water rates, not the tax levy.
  • The committee deferred its recommendation to Town Meeting to clarify the background behind the Select Board's split vote.

  Outcome: Committee will report its position at Town Meeting.

  Why it matters: The project impacts local water flow and pressure and is funded directly through water utility charges assessed to municipal water customers.

• Town Meeting Article 12: School capital borrowing

  Schools. Watch at 17:15

  The committee considered a borrowing article covering three school improvement projects across the Southborough public school district.

  • Includes Finn School classroom flooring, districtwide security system upgrades, and school technology infrastructure.
  • Requires a two-thirds majority vote at Town Meeting.
  • Does not require a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion ballot vote.

  Outcome: Supported 3-0.

  Why it matters: Finances long-term facility, security, and educational technology infrastructure across the town's schools.

• Town Meeting Article 13: Road and sidewalk infrastructure bonding

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 19:44 Multi-year road and sidewalk borrowing · 5 meetings

  The committee debated a major bonding authorization of up to $22 million to $25 million for road paving and sidewalk improvements. Members raised concerns that authorizing the full sum at once without detailed year-by-year cash flow and project rollout schedules could jeopardize Town Meeting approval, and voted to hold their recommendation until Town Meeting.

  • Authorizes borrowing of up to $22 million or more for comprehensive road paving and sidewalks based on an AI road-condition assessment.
  • Original discussions considered smaller initial tranches of roughly $5 million.
  • A committee member will coordinate with the Department of Public Works superintendent and the town accountant to map out multi-year contracting and debt projections.

  Outcome: Committee will report its position at Town Meeting.

  Why it matters: A multi-million-dollar road authorization represents a major borrowing commitment that shapes municipal debt and roadway conditions across town for years.

• Town Meeting Article 15: Trottier School roof replacement borrowing

  Schools. Watch at 38:34 Trottier Middle School roof replacement · 5 meetings

  The committee reviewed the Trottier Middle School roof replacement project, which is partnered with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for state reimbursement.

  • Qualifies for an estimated 40-plus percent reimbursement from the MSBA.
  • Requires a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting as well as a majority vote for a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion at the May annual town election.
  • School officials reported the existing roof has experienced leaks since shortly after its original installation.

  Outcome: Supported 3-0.

  Why it matters: This multi-million-dollar school roof replacement requires a ballot-level debt exclusion that directly affects property tax bills over the term of the bond.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• Prior to Town Meeting: Coordination between committee member, town accountant, and DPW superintendent on road bond scheduling
• Upcoming Town Meeting: Annual Town Meeting and committee votes on Articles 11 and 13
• May 2026: Annual Town Election ballot vote on Trottier roof debt exclusion

The Southborough Advisory Committee recommended an FY27 town budget of $73,455,973 after removing $820,000 for the Atwood site remediation to allow for further review of project scope and requirements. The committee approved a $75,000 Reserve Fund transfer to replace a condemned facilities utility van. Members also reviewed 36 draft articles for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, voting to recommend approval on 22 articles including capital bonding, road maintenance, and a proposal to change the Town Clerk from an elected to an appointed position.

• FY27 operating and capital budget review and vote

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 1:20 FY27 operating budget · 7 meetings

  The committee reviewed the latest FY27 budget model, which stood at a 4.64 percent year-over-year expenditure increase with a $553,000 levy balance. Key adjustments included shifting a $75,000 fire brush truck to the Ambulance Fund, deferring a $262,425 DPW dump truck lease to next year, and modeling employee transitions to high-deductible health plans. The committee debated school technology bonding and voted 3-2 to keep the $365,000 school technology capital bond before voting 5-0 to recommend the overall town budget of $73,455,973, which removed $820,000 for Atwood site remediation pending confirmation of DEP requirements.

  • Recommended total FY27 expenditures of $73,455,973, representing an estimated 4.64 percent increase over FY26.
  • Removed $820,000 for Atwood site remediation from the spring warrant, deferring action to fall unless DEP rules require immediate bonding.
  • Voted 3-2 to support a $365,000 capital bond for school technology infrastructure and classroom equipment.
  • Deferred a $262,425 DPW dump truck to next fiscal year to reduce expenditure totals.
  • The town anticipates long-term annual savings of up to $750,000 if municipal employees migrate toward high-deductible health plans.

  Outcome: Recommended FY27 budget total of $73,455,973 by a 5-0 vote, excluding the $820,000 Atwood site remediation article.

  Why it matters: Determines the municipal and school spending plan presented to voters at Annual Town Meeting on April 11, directly affecting residential property tax rates.

• Reserve Fund transfer for facilities utility van

  Buildings & facilities. Watch at 21:10 Facilities Department replacement van · 3 meetings

  The committee considered a request from the town administrator for a $75,000 transfer from the Reserve Fund to replace a facilities utility van. The 2018 vehicle was recently condemned by town mechanics due to severe rot and structural issues on its undercarriage. Using the Reserve Fund enables the town to order a replacement immediately rather than waiting for FY27 capital appropriations.

  • Transfer amount: $75,000 to the Facilities Equipment account.
  • The 2018 utility van was taken out of service due to structural undercarriage failure.
  • The department had been paying rental fees while operating out of rented vehicles.
  • Approved unanimously 5-0.

  Outcome: Approved 5-0.

• Town Meeting warrant articles review and recommendations

  Town Meeting & elections. Watch at 42:50

  Members examined the 36 articles drafted for the April 11, 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant to determine which items to recommend, put on consent, or hold for further testimony. The committee voted to recommend a consent batch of 19 articles covering recurring appropriations, capital bonds, and bylaws. It also voted to recommend Article 15 (Trottier school roof replacement bond), Article 16 (special legislation petition for a Costco liquor license), Article 26 (changing Town Clerk to an appointed role), and Article 29 (delinquent tax payment agreements).

  • Voted 5-0 to recommend consent batch articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 27.
  • Voted 5-0 to recommend Article 15 for the Trottier Middle School roof replacement project and Article 16 for a Costco liquor license.
  • Voted 5-0 to recommend Article 26 to transition the Town Clerk position from elected to appointed by the Select Board.
  • Voted 5-0 to recommend Article 29 authorizing the treasurer-collector to enter into delinquent tax installment agreements.
  • Held planning and zoning articles 17 and 31 through 34, Article 28 regarding Willow Street easements, and citizen petitions 35 and 36 for future meetings or Town Meeting.

  Outcome: Recommended approval of 22 warrant articles across several motions and held remaining articles for further review.

  Why it matters: The committee's recommendations guide voters at Annual Town Meeting on bonding, zoning changes, and town operational governance.

Votes

Public comment

• A resident and School Committee member commented on the $365,000 school technology item, stating that it funds new interactive smart boards across all classrooms that currently lack them rather than routine replacements of older technology. 38:39
• A resident and town official reminded the committee that the Planning Board would hold public hearings on all zoning warrant articles at its meeting on March 23. 1:36:20

Next steps and dates mentioned

• March 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM: Planning Board public hearings on zoning warrant articles
• March 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM: Advisory Committee meeting to review remaining articles and draft voter letter
• March 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Tentative Advisory Committee meeting
• April 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM: Annual Town Meeting

The Wastewater Study Committee reviewed preliminary discussions with Westborough officials regarding potential regional wastewater collaboration along Route 9 near the Dell property, including pursuing a state One Stop planning grant. The committee also examined a draft District Improvement Financing plan using an interactive parcel mapping tool to define a proposed funding district encompassing 580 parcels along Route 9. Members discussed siting requirements for treatment and effluent disposal, economic return metrics, and plans to brief the Select Board in April ahead of the Fall 2026 Town Meeting.

• Regional coordination with Westborough and One Stop grant

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 6:13 Route 9 and I-495 gateway corridor study · 4 meetings

  Committee members reported on an introductory meeting with Westborough officials, including Westborough's town manager, economic development coordinator, and DPW director. The discussion centered on exploring regional wastewater treatment options along Route 9 and on the Dell property. The committee also considered applying jointly or taking the lead on a state One Stop Community Planning grant of roughly $100,000 to fund professional planning and regional feasibility work.

  • Discussions focused on mutual Route 9 corridor needs and potential treatment and disposal sites near the municipal boundary.
  • The committee is targeting a regional application under the Massachusetts One Stop for Growth Community Planning grant program.
  • Grant application deadlines are in early June, with informational seminars occurring in early April.
  • A follow-up meeting with Westborough officials is anticipated in late April after their town meeting.

  Outcome: Claire Reynolds will prepare a draft regional grant expression of interest and follow up with Westborough officials.

  Why it matters: Regional collaboration could lower capital and operational costs for Southborough commercial wastewater infrastructure along Route 9.

• District Improvement Financing draft and parcel mapping

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 19:18 Route 9 wastewater infrastructure plan · 10 meetings

  The chair presented an interactive GIS tool and a draft District Improvement Financing (DIF) plan to help fund future wastewater construction. The model currently outlines a proposed district covering 580 parcels along Route 9 with approximately $785.8 million in total assessed value, representing about 1,547 acres. The committee discussed technical challenges of finding 15 to 20 acres of suitable soils for effluent discharge, the difference between treatment plant footprint and discharge fields, and economic data from a 2018 UMass Donahue Institute study showing broad commercial tax base expansion from wastewater investment.

  • The modeled DIF boundary contains 580 parcels totaling $785.8 million in assessed value and 1,547 acres.
  • DIF captures a portion of tax revenue from new commercial development within the designated district to pay debt service on infrastructure.
  • The physical treatment plant requires less than one acre, but effluent discharge fields need an estimated 15 to 20 acres of suitable soils.
  • A 2018 UMass study cited indicated each dollar invested in municipal wastewater projects stimulated $15 in private investment and added $14 to local tax bases.
  • The committee aims to bring a DIF district proposal to the Fall 2026 Town Meeting.

  Outcome: Members will refine parcel boundary criteria, review soil maps, and schedule a presentation for the Select Board.

  Why it matters: A DIF district would allocate future tax growth from Route 9 commercial expansion to pay off sewer infrastructure debt, shielding existing taxpayers from general-fund tax increases.

Next steps and dates mentioned

• April 21, 2026: Select Board meeting attendance and wastewater status update
• April 23, 2026: Next Wastewater Study Committee meeting
• Fall 2026: Target date for bringing a DIF district authorization warrant article to Town Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a 1.5-foot front setback variance for a porch addition at 12 Darlene Drive. Public hearings for a special permit at 34 Turnpike Road and a 40B comprehensive permit at 250 Turnpike Road were both continued to April 15 while applicants gather peer review responses and departmental approvals. The board also reviewed preparations for the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning bylaw article appearing on the April 11 Town Meeting warrant.

• 12 Darlene Drive front setback variance

  Zoning & development. Watch at 0:31 12 Darlene Drive setback variance

  Homeowners at 12 Darlene Drive requested a variance to build a covered front porch addition extending six feet from the home, encroaching 1.5 feet into the required 30-foot front setback. The architect explained that when the house was originally constructed in 1994, a Shell oil pipeline easement forced the dwelling closer to the street than neighboring homes. Neighbors submitted letters in support, and board members found the request modest and justified by site conditions.

  • 12 Darlene Drive in Residence B district
  • Variance requested under Section 174-8.3 D(3)(a)
  • Porch addition extends 1.5 feet into the 30-foot setback
  • Fourteen-day period to file decision, followed by a 20-day appeal period

  Outcome: Approved unanimous (4-0)

• 34 Turnpike Road special permit continuance

  Zoning & development. Watch at 13:07 34 Turnpike Road special permit · 4 meetings

  Petitioner Erasmo Barroso requested a special permit under Sections 174-19 and 174-9 for alteration of a pre-existing non-conforming structure at 34 Turnpike Road. The applicant's attorney requested a continuation to allow time to provide updated survey plans, address an encroaching overhang, and obtain outstanding Board of Health approval for the replacement septic system installed in 2022. The board agreed to continue the hearing without taking substantive testimony.

  • 34 Turnpike Road in Residence B district
  • Issues involve an encroaching roof overhang, site drainage, and pending Board of Health sign-off on the septic system
  • Town building inspector requested that the building on site be secured immediately
  • Abutter in attendance was instructed to submit written comments and photos to town staff

  Outcome: Hearing continued to April 15, 2026, at 7:15 PM

• 250 Turnpike Road 40B comprehensive permit update

  Housing. Watch at 29:05 250 Turnpike Road 40B development · 14 meetings

  Ferris Development Group provided a procedural status update on its proposed 40B comprehensive permit for 250 Turnpike Road and 0 Parkerville Road. Counsel reported that the Board of Health approved the project's septic plan in December, and the developer submitted revised site plans, stormwater reports, a buffer zone mitigation planting plan, and an updated waiver list. The developer requested a continuation to April 15 so town peer reviewers and applicant engineers can confer.

  • 250 Turnpike Road and 0 Parkerville Road (Park Central site)
  • Board of Health approved septic design in late December
  • Revised site plans narrowed the roadway between two detention basins to reduce the culvert length for wildlife passage
  • Added a waiver request to evaluate site lighting under multi-family standards rather than residential standards
  • Deadline to close the public hearing currently stands at April 29, 2026

  Outcome: Hearing continued to April 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM

  Why it matters: Comprehensive permit applications under Chapter 40B significantly affect local housing inventory, traffic, and environmental resources.

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw article prep

  Zoning & development. Watch at 38:40 Accessory Dwelling Units zoning amendment · 4 meetings

  The board discussed its role in presenting and explaining the proposed ADU bylaw amendment at Annual Town Meeting on April 11. Board members discussed recent questions raised by the Planning Board regarding conversions of single-family homes into two-family structures versus ADUs, and reiterated that ADU approvals must still satisfy all Board of Health, building code, and wetland requirements. The board agreed to prepare a concise one-page informational handout comparing current zoning code to the proposed changes.

  • Article is sponsored by the Select Board for Town Meeting on April 11, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
  • One-page informational handout must be submitted to the town clerk's office by April 9
  • Proposed bylaw sets a 1,200-square-foot maximum for ADUs and eliminates the special permit path for larger units
  • Board members will attend the Planning Board hearing on March 23 to coordinate on any remaining questions

  Outcome: Board members agreed to draft a one-page informational sheet for Town Meeting

  Why it matters: Town Meeting zoning votes change allowable residential uses and development rules town-wide.

Votes

Public comment

• An abutter to 34 Turnpike Road asked how neighbors can submit questions, concerns, and photographic evidence regarding property conditions prior to the continued hearing. 27:40

Next steps and dates mentioned

• March 23, 2026: Planning Board public hearing on ADU zoning bylaw
• April 9, 2026: Deadline to submit one-page ADU handout to the town clerk for Town Meeting
• April 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM: Annual Town Meeting
• April 15, 2026, at 7:15 PM: Continued public hearing on 34 Turnpike Road special permit
• April 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM: Continued public hearing on 250 Turnpike Road comprehensive permit
• April 29, 2026: Statutory deadline to close the public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road
• May 6, 2026: ZBA regular meeting
• June 10, 2026: ZBA regular meeting