Freetown Roundup: Assessors to Discuss PILOT Agreement, Planning Board Hearings Ahead on Composting and Manufacturing
Freetown's recent committee meetings focused on event recaps, building projects, and litigation strategy, while several upcoming meetings have been cancelled or postponed. The most consequential discussions ahead involve a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement for 18 USRV Way and Planning Board hearings on commercial composting and manufacturing permits.
Board of Assessors — PILOT and Litigation
The Board of Assessors met July 28 via Zoom. The agenda listed approval of prior minutes, a status update on the PILOT agreement for 18 USRV Way, and an executive session to discuss real estate value and negotiations for that same property. The board also planned to enter executive session on litigation strategy for three pending lawsuits: S&S Freetown, LLC vs. Board of Assessors (136 South Main Street), Crystal Springs, Inc. vs. Board of Assessors (35 Narrows Road), and Zitano vs. Board of Assessors (2 Zitano Way). Minutes have not yet been published.
Zoning Board of Appeals — Meeting Cancelled
The July 29 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was cancelled. Two public hearings that had been scheduled will not proceed: Case #622 at 161 County Road, Map 227 Lot 50, an appeal of a violation notice, and Case #623 at Edward G Pina Lane, Map 241 Lot 28.02, also an appeal of a violation notice. Agenda items for minute approval from May 20 and June 24, 2026, and board reorganization were not taken up.
Council on Aging/Library Building Committee
The Council on Aging/Library Community Building Committee met July 24 to discuss a communication plan from the Owner's Project Manager, site permitting steps and process, and an update on the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners process. The committee also planned to schedule permanent meetings for the next two months. No votes or decisions were listed on the agenda.
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission met July 30 to discuss a request from the Freetown Veterans group to relocate the stone monument at 4 Corners to Chace Road Veterans Park. The agenda noted strong resident opposition to moving the monument from the Assonet Village Historic District. The commission also planned to review a feasibility study grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the Village School House, discuss bandstand fence repair and power washing, and consider recognition of restored historic homes outside the historic district.
Library Trustees
The Board of Library Trustees met July 30. The agenda included discussion of hiring a part-time position, updates on the Preservation Project and the MBLC/Building Committee, review of payroll, expenditures, and circulation statistics, and discussion of the Director's mileage.
Parade & Fireworks Committee
The Parade & Fireworks Committee met July 23 to recap the Strawberry Festival, the fireworks display, and the July 4 parade, including pros and cons of each event. The committee also planned to address replacing 30 flags and bunting, sponsor thank-you letters and tax receipts, four committee vacancies, and finances.
Local Emergency Planning Committee
The Freetown Fire Chief was scheduled to meet July 21 to review proposed bylaws and discuss the status of the Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan. No detailed agenda items were listed.
Coming Up
- **Planning Board, August 4:** Public hearings on a special permit for commercial composting at 0 Thomas Lucas Lots, Off Chace Road, and a special permit for a 21,500 sf manufacturing building and six 875 sf contractor bays at 186 Middleboro Road. Also on the agenda: a two-lot residential subdivision at 71 High Street, discussion of Fall Town Meeting bylaw changes regarding data centers, construction bays, and ADUs, and review of stormwater and subdivision rules.
- **Board of Selectmen, August 3:** Cancelled.
- **Council on Aging/Library Building Committee, August 4:** Postponed.
- **Council on Aging, August 5:** Cancelled.
- **Building Committee, August 12:** Cancelled. The original agenda included updates on the COA/Library joint building, the Village School grant, South Main Street corridor land for future fire station needs, and committee vacancies.