WESTFORD — The November 18 meeting of the Westford Select Board opened with multiple recognitions, public comments, and a full slate of public hearings ranging from utility pole placements to the annual tax classification hearing.
Board opens with recognitions
The evening began with two recognitions: the Westford Senior Center Billiards Team, winners of the Mass Senior Travel Eight-Ball League Northeast Division, honored for both their championship and the strong sense of community they’ve built; and Abigail Hennessy of Westford Academy, who captured both the Division 1 and State Girls Cross Country Championships.
Open Forum: Civic events & community issues
- The League of Women Voters of Westford invited residents to participate in a “Bearing Witness at ICE” demonstration in Burlington.
- Jennifer Claro, Director at the Cameron Senior Center, reported the center’s highly successful holiday assistance program serving more than 125 families, 105 seniors, and 180 children thanks to the generosity of the Westford community, with $36,000 raised in
donations. - Town Manager Kristen Las reminded residents to complete the Pay-As-You-Throw survey, with findings to be presented next week.
- Resident Meghan O’Connell raised topics ranging from interest in exploring residential tax exemptions as new apartment complexes come online, to clarification on the number of Zoning Board of Appeals alternate seats available.
Consent Agenda approved
The Board approved several seasonal and cultural events, including nativity and menorah displays on the Town Common, a community Hanukkah celebration, the Farm Festival of Lights, and a banner request for an upcoming 2026 event.
National Grid public hearings
The Board held multiple public hearings regarding pole installations and modifications requested by National Grid:
- Concord Road: New pole placements to support power reliability equipment.
- Hartford Road: A pole request involving a third-party communications antenna prompted questions about compensation National Grid may receive for pole attachments.
- Hildreth Street: The utility requested a continuance to December 9 after engineering corrections were needed.
All pole requests (except the continued case) were approved after public comment.
Pedestrian safety project easement approved
Town Engineer Paul Starratt presented an easement for the West Street/North Main Street pedestrian improvement project, benefiting residents of Graniteville Woods and students walking to local schools. The Board approved the order of taking, with all documents signed during the meeting.
Tax Classification hearing
Chief Assessor Will Naser delivered Westford’s fiscal 2026 tax classification presentation. Key points included:
- Overall property values increased about 7%, with residential growth outpacing commercial/industrial.
- The town’s taxable value is roughly $7.5 billion.
- The estimated single tax rate is $13.11 per $1,000 valuation.
- The average single-family home value is $852,100, resulting in an estimated tax bill of $11,171 before CPA surcharge.
Residents raised questions regarding the impact of adopting a split tax rate, the stability of the residential and commercial tax share over time, and effects on small businesses and commercial tenants.
The assessor clarified that moving to the maximum split would save the average homeowner roughly $700 per year, but would impose a significantly higher rate on local businesses. The Board voted to maintain a single tax rate for FY26.
Legislative update
State Representative James Arciero and State Senator John Cronin briefed the Board on:
- The limited progress of remote town meeting legislation, with similar bills in other towns currently stalled.
- The lack of momentum for legal non-citizen resident voting bills, which face constitutional and political concerns.
- The status of the Municipal Empowerment Act, expected to pick up again in January.
- Ongoing work with Westford and utilities (Eversource and National Grid) on electric grid reliability and capacity issues, no resolution yet.
Special Town Meeting review with the town moderator
Town Moderator Angela Harkness reviewed the meeting length, use of free childcare and shuttle services, and high volume of resident questions being the main reason for the length (7:02p – 10:50p) as opposed to any procedural inefficiencies.
Recommendations for improvement include providing article materials at least 1-2 weeks prior to the meeting, adding staff support to assist residents drafting amendments, clarifying policies on children attending meetings, and adjusting timing of pre-meeting briefings with staff. Residents also offered extensive feedback on transparency, pacing, and maintaining the community’s culture of trust during town deliberations.
Contracts and infrastructure updates
Town Manager Kristen Las chaired a long list of approvals, including road salt contract for winter, UAV drone for police and compact leader for DPW, engineering contracts and Boston Road improvement, and emergency boiler replacement.
The Board approved minutes from October 14 and 28 before adjournment.
Watch the Select Board Meeting here:
