Planning Board — June 9, 2026

The applicant presented updated plans addressing DPW comments, new drainage systems (replacing porous pavement with conventional asphalt), and a FEMA Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) that removed part of the site from the floodplain. Board members and abutters raised concerns regarding the narrowness of the proposed 4-foot sidewalk, the implications of the reduced floodplain, and the potential for increased flooding and mosquito issues. Opposing counsel requested a deferral to allow for peer review of stormwater and floodplain data.

The Board expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of explanation in FEMA's decision and consensus grew regarding the need for further due diligence. The hearing was officially continued.

The hearing is continued to the next meeting on June 23rd.

a speaker noted receipt of a thorough email from the Chelmsford Planning Board Chair regarding their process. The board discussed whether the proposed bylaw should encompass both residential and commercial areas; a speaker expressed a preference for covering both, while acknowledging the need for a public process.

The Chair expressed a preference for a bylaw covering both residential and commercial areas but remains open to public feedback. The topic remains a placeholder for future discussion.

a speaker will follow up with the Chelmsford Board Chair.

a speaker explained that the Governor's administration is pushing for a consolidated permit process for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar to simplify local permitting. Staff discussed the need to establish a permitting process by the fall to meet new state regulations, specifically addressing battery energy storage systems and their potential environmental/fire risks including ambient heat, fire suppression, and contaminated water runoff. a speaker noted that the state often requires compliance before issuing final regulations.

The town is working to prepare a permitting process to meet state deadlines. Staff is currently researching how to handle these requests and will provide more information at the next meeting.

Staff will provide more information at the next meeting.

a speaker noted there are no formal applications in Bedford yet, though one existing facility straddles the town line. Discussion turned to whether data centers are being treated like clean energy by the state; a speaker clarified they are not currently receiving the same regulatory push. a speaker argued that high land and power costs in Massachusetts might prevent the massive data centers seen elsewhere from appearing in the area.

Staff is monitoring the landscape and preparing background information.

a speaker will provide a list of data centers across the Commonwealth at a future presentation.

Updates included Select Board decisions on Pride banners, DPW contracts, and upcoming Route 62 work. The Depot Park architect is developing designs for the former VFW site. Additionally, a discussion occurred regarding the 'ghost bike' memorial at the Route 62 crossing, with a focus on whether it constitutes a distraction.

No formal board actions were taken on these items.

The architect will continue developing Depot Park designs.

The department is currently operating with a staff of one. However, a candidate has accepted a position, and interviews for a second position are ongoing.

The department expects to be at full staff by mid-July.

Staff will provide an update on the second position at the next meeting.