WESTFORD — The League of Women Voters of Westford hosted a virtual preview session on Oct. 16 to help residents prepare for the upcoming Special Town Meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at Westford Academy.
League moderator Vicky Geary opened the event, noting that the League’s mission is to encourage informed participation in local government. She thanked town staff and board members for joining in to explain the 13 warrant articles up for vote.
The preview session covered a wide range of proposals from budget adjustments and capital projects to zoning updates, licensing changes, and solar energy initiatives.
Financial and capital articles
Finance Director Dan O’Donnell and Town Manager Kristen Las presented the first several articles, beginning with a routine authorization to pay an outstanding solid waste bill from FY24.
Article 2 seeks approval for FY26 budget adjustments totaling $134,000, including additional funding for Select Board expenses, training for the Treasurer/Collector’s office, legal services, technology upgrades for the Fire Department, and veterans’ services.
Article 3 requests $376,300 in cash for several capital appropriations, including firewall upgrades for town and school networks, sidewalk snow-clearing equipment, a new town ambulance, design work for the Colonial Drive bridge repairs, and the Nutting Road Community Fields renovation project — which is now a $1 million request, a significant reduction from the earlier $2.1 million estimate.
Department of Public Works Director Kyle Fox attributed the lower cost to competitive bids and the department’s decision to handle inspections in-house. He confirmed that the old turf field will be fully recycled and not landfilled, and that the new surface will remain turf due to its higher usability compared to grass.
Zoning and housing articles
Articles 4 and 5 involve proposed zoning bylaw amendments, which was a major focus of the meeting. Assistant Town Manager Jeff Morrissette outlined updates to Westford’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw to align with the state’s Affordable Homes Act, defining “protected use” ADUs allowed by right and “local” ADUs requiring a special permit. The change would also expand the allowable size for local ADUs from 900 to 1,250 square feet.
Town Planner Joseph Giniewicz discussed another zoning change modifying the existing Table of Uses that would give flexibility for certain small businesses through a special permit process, aimed at improving economic development and diversifying commercial use.
Article 6 proposes a modification to the MBTA Communities multifamily overlay district in the Technology Park East area. Developer Israel Lopez of the Gutierrez Company explained that the change would remove two existing parcels and add another, resulting in a slight net decrease in the overlay area. The proposal supports plans for two four-story condominium buildings geared toward residents aged 55 and older, with the potential addition of a restaurant or brew pub.
Planning officials confirmed that the adjustment would keep Westford compliant with state MBTA zoning requirements.
Article 7 introduces a tiered site plan review process to streamline permitting for smaller projects, reducing costs and time for small businesses.
Personnel and licensing changes
Article 8 seeks to modernize the Personnel Bylaw, shifting the authority to classify or reclassify town positions from Town Meeting to the town manager with oversight and approval from the Personnel Advisory Committee. Las noted that similar practices are common in other municipalities.
Article 9 would allow the Select Board to convert beer and wine licenses for on premises consumption to all-alcohol licenses, aligning with a new state law passed June 30, 2025. This measure would benefit three local restaurants currently holding beer and wine permits.
Energy, infrastructure, and citizen petition
Articles 10 and 11 address infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. One would authorize the town to enter into long-term wastewater service contracts, while the other would allow the Select Board to lease municipal property for solar installations, potentially on the Blanchard School roof. Officials said the town is still evaluating whether purchasing or leasing solar equipment is the more cost-effective option.
Article 12 seeks acceptance of DiDonato Drive as a public way, following DPW inspection and Planning Board approval in 2023.
Finally, Article 13, a citizens petition, asks the town to request an additional all-alcohol off-premises license from the state for Main Street Convenience. Owner Arjun Patel said the expanded license would allow the shop to sell spirits and ready-to-drink beverages, helping it remain competitive while continuing to serve as a family-friendly neighborhood store.
Looking ahead
Geary reminded residents that a recording of the session will be available on WestfordCAT’s YouTube channel and the League of Women Voters website.
In addition, Town Moderator Angela Harkness will be hosting two informal Q&A sessions on the special town meeting process and the Warrant articles. The sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 10AM – 12PM and 4PM – 6PM at Town Hall, Conference Room B.
Watch the League of Women Voters – 2025 Special Town Meeting Warrant Review:
