Westford Board of Health Chairman Michele Pitoniak Crawford presided over the Oct. 20 meeting when a dozen or so residents from the Nabnasset section and neighboring Chelmsford expressed concerns over the possibility of having an asphalt plant at 540 Groton Road. Below, Crawford answers questions about the board’s role.
•Why was the Board of Health not included in the asphalt agreement settlement?
We were told that because Newport did not specifically include the BOH in the law suit we were not consulted in the asphalt agreement negotiations
• Would you please make a statement as to what the Board’s role will be regarding the asphalt plant going forward?
As it is the role of the BOH and Health Department to protect the public’s health, we will continue to monitor and assess the situation. If the plant is allowed to come into our town and they violate any agreements or cause any issues that could impact the public’s health we will be poised to take action.
•It was surprising to hear that with all the newspaper articles and Facebook posts, none of the board members were aware of the ongoing litigation over the past five or so years. How is this possible?
I cannot speak for other board members, but although we were aware that the town remained in litigation it’s been at least a year that we’ve heard anything other than occasional updates from staff that the town continues in litigation. We have not heard any specifics or anything directly from the Planning Board or Selectmen.
