Pepperell roundup: Assessors sign FY2027 warrants; ZBA continues hearing on 180-unit 40B project
The Pepperell Board of Assessors approved a set of FY2027 tax warrants and abatement reports at its July 21 meeting — the only body in the past two weeks with published minutes confirming decisions. Several other boards held hearings and discussions on major items, including a 180-unit rental development at 59 Leighton Street, but outcomes are not yet available because minutes have not been published.
Board of Assessors signs FY2027 warrants
The Board of Assessors met July 21 and handled procedural items only. Members approved June meeting minutes and timecards through the current payroll period. The board signed FY2027 Preliminary Real Estate, CPA, and Personal Property warrants, as well as Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment 4 of 2026. Posting reports for the preliminary real estate, CPA, and personal property commitments were also signed. The board approved Motor Vehicle Abatement reports for May and June and approved Senior Work Off applications for FY2026. No policy discussions occurred.
ZBA continues hearing on 180-unit 40B rental project
The Zoning Board of Appeals continued its public hearing July 29 on a Comprehensive Permit application for a 180-unit multi-family rental development at 59 Leighton Street, 59A and 41A Lowell Road. The properties total 14.8 acres and are owned by Mass Ave Rentals, LLC. Of the 180 units, 45 are designated as affordable for households at or below 80% of area median income. The board also planned to review minutes from its May 6 meeting. No decisions were listed on the agenda.
Select Board discusses FY2027 budget, liquor license extension
The Select Board met July 30 to discuss and potentially act on a liquor license hours extension for 170 Main Street, a fortune teller license, and acceptance of a gift of benches for the Albert Harris Center. The board also received a FY2027 budget update, reviewed financial policies, and discussed police union collective bargaining agreements. In a separate joint meeting with the Planning Board that same day, the Select Board was scheduled to appoint a full member to the Planning Board. Outcomes are not yet published.
Housing Authority holds FY2027 Annual Plan hearing
The Pepperell Housing Authority met July 20 at 4 Foster Street, voting on approval of previous minutes, financial reports, and payments for May and June 2026. The board also voted on election of officers — Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Vice Treasurer — and on Positive Pay participation. A public hearing on the proposed FY2027 Annual Plan covered the Capital Improvement Plan, Maintenance and Repair Plan, current operating budget, responses to Performance Management Review findings, and a list of waivers from EOHLC regulations.
Planning Board discusses Fall Town Meeting articles, subdivision rules
The Planning Board met July 20 and July 28 to discuss potential warrant articles for the Fall Town Meeting and subdivision regulations. The board also considered a nomination for the NMCOG replacement on July 20. No votes or decisions were listed on either agenda.
Recreation Commission considers gazebo renaming
The Recreation Commission met remotely July 29 to discuss and potentially vote on renaming a gazebo at the request of Don Shattuck. Other items included softball use of Lower Varnum Fields, an update on the Skate Park, a Bartelson Field update, and lights at the Community Center. No outcomes are published.
Other meetings
The Invasive & Native Plant Advisory Committee met July 23 to review July 9 minutes and discuss projects and action items. The Pepperell Celebrates Committee met July 31 to review its charge and elect a Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Cultural Council met August 1 to discuss mural damage repair, fundraising, and a Fall fest booth. None of these agendas listed specific dollar amounts or decisions.
Coming up
- **Planning Board** — August 3, to discuss draft warrant articles 1 through 4 and subdivision regulations.
- **Conservation Commission** — August 4, with public hearings on the 40B complex at 59 Leighton Street, the completed Burke's Pond Emergency Dam Removal at 2 Blood Street, a 4-story mixed-use building at 81 Main Street, and an ADU at 9 Chace Avenue. The commission will also review proposed zoning changes for the Fall Town Meeting on November 3.