Westford Roundup: Select Board Targets Road Grant, Bridge Contract; Robinson School Design Program Heads to MSBA Vote
Westford's boards and committees covered school construction, road repairs, water policy, and zoning for clean energy in a busy two-week stretch. Most meetings were held on agenda only, with minutes not yet published — meaning several expected votes are not yet confirmed in the public record.
Robinson School Project Reaches Key Milestone
Four town bodies — the Robinson School Building Committee, Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee — met jointly on July 21 to review the Preliminary Design Program (PDP) for the Robinson School project. The agenda included a schedule overview, key PDP components, and evaluation of preliminary options with conceptual cost estimates. A vote was expected on whether to authorize submission of the PDP to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Public comment was limited to two minutes per speaker. Minutes have not yet been published, so the outcome of the vote is not confirmed.
Select Board: Grants, Contracts, and Appointments
The Select Board's July 28 agenda included several financial items: accepting a $195,000 MassDOT grant for Flushing Pond Road reconstruction, approving a $90,972.19 contract with WSP USA for a Townwide Bridge Asset Management Plan, and signing an Order of Taking for the Stony Brook Bridge Rehabilitation Project. The board also planned to appoint members to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with five candidates for three seats.
A second July 28 Select Board summary — also marked as agenda only with minutes not yet published — listed approvals of the $195,000 MassDOT grant, a $31,000 surveying contract for the Conservation Commission, a $33,600 Economic Development Consulting contract, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Westford Housing Authority for Town Fuel Depot use. Because minutes are not yet published, these outcomes should be treated as unconfirmed.
The board also discussed a response to recent anti-Semitic graffiti incidents in town and heard an update on the Stony Brook Conservation Area.
School Committee: Superintendent Contract Vote
The School Committee met online on July 22 with a vote expected on a new contract for Superintendent Dr. Chris Chew. Minutes are not yet published.
Conservation Commission: Demolition Discussion and Enforcement
On July 22, the Conservation Commission discussed a proposed demolition at 5 Technology Park Drive with The Gutierrez Company. The agenda also included Certificate of Compliance requests for properties at 7 Tenney Road and 14 Frances Hill Road, enforcement monitoring at eight properties, and Community Preservation Act-funded projects at Nashoba Brook Conservation Area and Freedom Park.
Water Commissioners Discuss Demand Study and Restrictions
The Board of Water Commissioners met July 23 to discuss a water demand study for 219 Littleton Road, enforcement of outdoor water use restrictions, and identification of a new water source.
Planning Board: Clean Energy Zoning Hearing
The Planning Board held a public hearing July 27 on a proposed zoning amendment (PB 2612 ZNG) to add Section 6.6 for Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facilities, including Battery Energy Storage Systems, to align with the MA 2024 Clean Energy Act. The board also planned reorganization and appointments to several committees.
Health Insurance Discussions Continue
The Select Board held a health insurance listening session on July 23 for employees, retirees, and the public. On July 30, the Health Insurance Trust Fund Trustees reviewed the fund balance, claims utilization, and potential plan design changes effective March 1, 2027.
Other Meetings
- **Community Behavioral and Mental Health Committee** (July 27): Reviewed the Select Board's approval of a committee restructure and planned for September's Suicide Prevention Month.
- **DEI Committee** (July 29): Discussed upcoming community events including an International Block Party on August 25 and reviewed the Select Board's response to anti-Semitic graffiti.
- **Cultural Council** (July 30): Finalized FY26-27 grant guidelines and priorities and held officer elections.
Coming Up
- **Aug. 4 — Route 40 Corridor Study Advisory Committee**: Reviews the study report and prioritizes recommendations.
- **Aug. 5 — Affordable Housing Trust**: Discusses combining WRAP and WERAP funding pools and housing production updates for Town Farm Rd, 37 Powers Road, and 219 Littleton Road.
- **Aug. 6 — Finance Committee**: Considers a reserve fund transfer for the Westford Academy Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet a DEP compliance deadline.
- **Aug. 10 — Parks & Recreation Commission**: Updates on Roudenbush Tennis Court, Graniteville Ballfield Safety Improvement project, and DPW capital planning.