WESTFORD — Welcome to the April 17 edition of Weekend Wrap-Up. Here, we highlight the most important news you may have missed this week in Westford.
Select Board to consider proposed gun shop bylaw
A proposed zoning bylaw — which would regulate new firearms dealerships in Westford — is up for consideration by the Select Board.
The proposed bylaw, which would regulate future firearms businesses that could open in town, would not impact businesses that have already received preliminary approval, such as a future shop at 359 Littleton Rd.
The draft bylaw could limit new businesses within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, religious institutions or existing firearms businesses.
The draft bylaw would not impact sportsmen’s clubs, such as the Westford Sportsmen’s Club or Stony Brook Fish and Game Association.
Under the draft bylaw, new firearms businesses would be allowed under a special permit in the Commercial Highway and Industrial Highway districts, which both fall along the Littleton Road corridor.
The proposal could limit the number of firearms businesses within Westford at one given time. Currently, the draft bylaw would allow five registered firearms businesses within the town, up from three in the original draft proposal.
The town could not impose a moratorium on new firearm businesses during discussions on the proposed bylaw and before consideration at Town Meeting, according to town counsel.
Beaver Brook Bridge construction begins, bridge scheduled to open in September
Construction is underway at Beaver Brook Bridge.
Originally scheduled to close in June, Beaver Brook Bridge was closed on Nov. 18, 2022, seven months ahead of schedule, after the Massachusetts Department of Transportation identified a number of structural concerns with the bridge.
“The reason for this closure is due to severe deterioration of the corrugated structural pipes and the loss of fill that the corrugated pipes are intended to support,” a Nov. 17, 2022 press release from the Westford Department of Public Works read.
Approximately $2 million in federal funding will cover the project. The federal funding will cover 80% of the entire project, with the remainder covered through state-level contributions. The reconstruction project will add sidewalks, two bicycle lanes and upgraded traffic equipment.
Over $300,000 has been appropriated for the design and construction of the project through a number of town meetings dating back to 2016.
The bridge is scheduled to open by the end of September. Residents and businesses will continue to have access to their properties.
“The Contractor is highly motivated to get the road open to traffic by the end of September,” Cronin told WestfordCAT.
Project updates can be found on the project website and the Westford Department of Public Works Facebook page.
WA Capstone Spotlight: Dexter Poole
WestfordCAT is delighted to spotlight three Westford Academy Capstone students who are working with staff until graduation in June.
Dexter Poole is spending his final month at Westford Academy on his capstone project, where he is working with Production Technician Rachel Dodos to hone his content creation skills.
“It’s a good space to gain experience, I’ve never been around high-tech film equipment [before],” he told WestfordCAT.
Poole created intro sequences for WestfordCAT’s sports coverage and will be involved with creating promotional materials for local businesses.
He has plans to attend trade school with a focus on HVAC technology. He will be graduating from Westford Academy on June 2 at 5:30 p.m.
