WESTFORD — The Planning Board convened on Sept. 15, 2025. This meeting reviewed the latest round of hearings on the 37 Powers Rd. housing proposal among other items — utility projects, zoning amendments, and featured decisions on subdivisions.
37 Powers Rd. Multifamily Proposal Continues
This large-scale, most talked about proposal continued from the Aug. 18 meeting, and again became the highlight of the evening, with Attorney Melissa Robbins and the project team presenting revisions since August. The project team members – Nick Campanelli and Ian Remy from Copley Wolff – started the presentation with an overview
of the redesigned parking areas among some other key changes.
- Redesigned parking areas, with one lot “green banked” for potential future use.
- Relocation of indoor amenities between two proposed clubhouses.
- Expanded open space, including central green, pollinator meadow, and a nature
play area. - Connectivity commitments to extend sidewalks to Trailside Way and fund
additional pedestrian connections to local trails. - Addition of public EV charging stations and solar panels on 50% of garage roofs.
In response to a question regarding the bus shelter from the board member, Joan Croteau, Robbins said, “we are very careful about having a designated parking area for a drop-off in the morning and in the afternoon.”
Board members discussed building articulation, pedestrian access, and waiver requests. While the board is supportive of the five-story design, they noted that building articulation requirements may require a formal waiver.
“I think the five-story design is much better than four-story, we just need to show some visuals,” said Bob Shaffer of the Planning Board.
The proposed mitigation package continues to be under review that includes signal timing studies, transportation donations, and enhanced affordable housing commitments. A draft decision is expected at the board’s next meeting, a special meeting scheduled for Sept. 29. Final votes could occur as early as October 2025.
General business
The board approved final decisions for 478 Groton Rd. / Stanley Way. The routine preliminary subdivision decisions were also finalized for Powers Road Valley and 37 Powers Rd. without controversy.
Other Business
The board approved a stormwater management permit for New England Power Company related to utility infrastructure, after addressing environmental concerns. The Works Café received administrative approval to install an exterior walk-in cooler. Zoning Bylaw Amendments Under Review The board reviewed several proposed zoning amendments, including for Tiered Site Plan Review, Principal Uses Table that would allow special permit review for some uses previously prohibited, MBTA Communities Overlay to add one parcel and remove two in Technology Park East, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Bylaw changes to align with the state’s new law requiring ADUs by right while clarifying distinctions between attached and detached units.
Next Steps
The Planning Board scheduled a special meeting for Sept. 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. to continue reviews of the 37 Powers Rd. proposal, the MBTA overlay amendments, and zoning bylaw changes.
