WESTFORD — The Westford Planning Board met on November 17 for a routine session that included updates on pedestrian improvements, review of a four-lot Approval Not Required (ANR) plan on West Street, and a request to release funds associated with the Groton Road / DiDonato Drive subdivision bond.
As always, the meeting opened with Open Forum, where Planning Board Vice Chair Bob Shaffer reported that the Pedestrian Improvement Committee is still waiting on finalized dates for its January public workshops. Those sessions will address proposed sidewalk improvements between the Regency property and Powers Road along Route 110. Dates are expected to be announced at the Board’s December 1 meeting.
ANR Plan for 37 West Street
Attorney Melissa Robbins, representing the Valley Family Trust, appeared with engineer Matt Waterman to present an ANR plan involving four lots at 37 West Street. Lot 1 will retain the existing home, while Lots 2, 3, and 4 would be created with frontage along Cowdry Hill Road, a little-known roadway with a complicated status.
Waterman outlined the proposed lot layouts, noting they range from 44,000 to 54,000 square feet, each with the required 200 feet of frontage. Wetlands have been flagged, and the team has already held preliminary discussions with Natural Heritage, which reportedly “likes the approach so far.”
Robbins then addressed the unusual history of Cowdry Hill Road, describing it as a discontinued public way – formally discontinued in 1943, well before subdivision control law took effect in Westford. Because of this, the Planning Board may still approve ANR plans, provided the board finds that:
- The road existed prior to subdivision control, and
- It is adequate for vehicular access.
The road today is a mix of gravel and pavement, with narrow spots but active use by existing homeowners. It also serves as an emergency access route for the Graniteville Woods development.
Board members expressed interest in inspecting the road, citing concerns about width, gravel conditions, and available utilities. Waterman noted that water service ends near the property on West Street, and the new lots would likely use wells and propane. Power availability will be confirmed.
At the request of several members, the board voted to continue the ANR hearing to December 1, allowing time for Town Counsel to review Robbins’ legal opinion and for interested members to conduct a site visit.
Groton Road / DiDonato Drive Bond Release
The board next reviewed a bond release request for the completed subdivision at 472–476 Groton Road (DiDonato Drive). With the roadway recently accepted as a public way at Town Meeting, the applicant sought release of the remaining 15% retainage.
Town Planner Joe Giniewicz confirmed all inspections and as-built plans were complete. The board waived the application fee, consistent with past practice, agreeing it was counterintuitive to charge applicants to request return of their own funds.
The board unanimously voted to release the remaining bond funds contingent on final recording of the deed by the Select Board.
Meeting Minutes and Schedule Adjustments
The Planning Board approved its September 15, 2025, meeting minutes. Giniewicz also highlighted changes to the board’s upcoming meeting calendar. Several Tuesday meetings in January, February, and April are being moved to Thursdays due to conflicts with the ongoing Route 40 Advisory Committee schedule. No board members raised objections.
The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for December 1, where members expect updates on the Pedestrian Improvement Committee workshops and a continued hearing on the 37 West Street ANR plan.
Watch the Planning Board meeting here:
