WESTFORD — A $225 million development is transforming the former Westford Earth Materials site at 37 Powers Rd. into a residential community.
The Planning Board unanimously approved a definitive subdivision plan and stormwater management permit in order to create a subdivision resulting in two lots with associated driveways and utilities. For the already approved 37 Powers Road Project, this subdivision would protect the property from zoning changes for some years.
This conversation was just one of several that have been had over the last couple of years. The project, located in one of Westford’s main industrial areas, aims to offer a new standard of living, with easy access to nature and local amenities, according to the project website
The development will feature 530 rental units across five structures, with building heights of up to five stories. Housing options will include studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The project will be built in two phases, the first will include 330 units. Phase 2 will add 200 units.
Also, 10% of the units are promised to be designated as affordable for households earning 80% or less of the area median income, in compliance with state and local regulations.
The site is approximately 35 acres, with 19 of that on developable land after environmental buffers and wetlands are accounted for. Parking will feature 800 spaces. The design also includes walking paths and green areas.
In previous discussions, developers have said that they want to prioritize a neighborhood-like layout, including open space and community amenities, rather than isolated buildings.
Open space will cover roughly 63% of the site, which includes over 380 native trees, 180,000 square feet of native plantings, and 112,000 square feet of recreation areas for residents. The development will include a wellness loop, to encourag walking, jogging, and outdoor activities within the community, while maintaining environmentally sensitive landscaping.
Site access and circulation have also been carefully planned to ensure multiple entry and exit points and avoid dead-end configurations, which support emergency access and smooth internal traffic.
The Powers Road development is the first submitted under the MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District, approved at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting. Once completed, the community will provide a balanced mix of amenities, connectivity, and sustainable design, having the potential to be one of the largest and most thoughtfully planned residential projects in Westford to date.
