WESTFORD CENTER — Westford voters gathered on Monday night for Special Town Meeting, where they considered 10 warrant articles addressing clean energy regulations, municipal spending, town projects, and a proposed reduction to the town’s Community Preservation Act property tax surcharge.
Nine articles passed, while a citizens’ petition seeking to reduce the CPA surcharge from 3% to 2% failed.
Article 1: Amend Zoning Bylaw
Establishes local permitting requirements and development standards for small clean energy facilities, including battery energy storage systems. This article passed 362 to 50 under a two-thirds majority vote.
The proposed zoning amendments aim to establish local regulations for clean energy development as Massachusetts implements changes to its permitting process under the state’s 2024 climate legislation.
The Planning Board and the Westford League of Women Voters supported the proposal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local oversight of clean energy projects.
During discussion, residents raised questions about battery storage safety, environmental protections, and potential costs associated with the regulations.
Article 2: Adopt the Specialized Energy Code
Adopts the state’s Specialized Energy Code. This passed 251 to 173 under a majority vote. Following discussion over construction costs and energy efficiency requirements.
The code establishes additional energy efficiency standards for new residential and commercial construction, with implementation scheduled for Jan. 1, 2028.
Supporters argued that the standards would reduce long-term energy consumption, lower operating costs, and advance Westford’s sustainability goals.
However, some residents and officials expressed concerns about additional construction costs and whether the requirements should be implemented through incentives rather than mandates.
The article received support from the Planning Board, Select Board, and Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee.
A similar Specialized Energy Code proposal previously failed during the town’s 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
Article 3: Approve FY27 supplemental appropriations, transfers
Approved $393,977 in supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2027. Passed unanimously under a majority vote.
The funding includes:
- $260,531 for Fire Department personnel services
- $71,751 for Westford Public Schools
- $60,445 for the Finance Committee Reserve Fund
- $1,250 for the sealer of weights and measures.
Article 4: Appropriate PFAS settlement funds
Appropriates settlement funds related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. Passed 377 to 22.
The article addresses funds received through settlements involving manufacturers of the chemicals, which have been linked to water contamination concerns.
Article 5: Amend General Bylaws, establish revolving fund
Establishes a revolving fund for the Department of Public Works fuel station. Passed 355 to 20 under a majority vote.
Article 6: Revolving funds spending limits
Adjusts fiscal year 2027 spending limits for revolving funds. Passed 357 to 24 under a majority vote.
The article establishes a $10,000 spending limit for the new Department of Public Works fueling station fund and increases the East Boston Camps spending limit from $80,000 to $150,000.
The increased limit would allow for additional cabin roof repairs and maintenance at East Boston Camps. The changes do not appropriate additional funding, and expenditures remain limited to available fund balances.
Article 7: Approve capital appropriations
Included two motions related to capital appropriations. Both passed by majority votes.
The first motion, which appropriates $220,000 from free cash to replace the town’s fire alarm monitoring equipment and the Robinson School generator. This passed 345 to 36.
The second motion, which expands the permitted use of $100,000 previously approved for townwide digitization to include permitting software. This passed 366 to 17.
Article 8: Authorize the Select Board to grant a sewer easement
Authorizes the Select Board to grant a sewer easement benefiting a proposed development at 35 Town Farm Road. Passed 348 to 32 under a ⅔ majority vote.
The easement would allow the installation, operation, and maintenance of sewer infrastructure supporting the development, which includes preserving a historic building.
Article 9: Authorize Select Board to petition General Court for one All Alcohol on Premise License, Gutierrez Company
Authorizes the Select Board to petition the Massachusetts Legislature for an additional all-alcohol restaurant license. Passed 339 to 43 under a majority vote.
The proposed license would support a restaurant planned as part of a redevelopment project by the Gutierrez Company.
Town officials must seek legislative approval because Westford has already issued the number of licenses permitted under existing state law.
The managing director of development said the proposed restaurant would serve both tenants of the property and the broader Westford community.
Article 10: Reduce Community Preservation Act property tax surcharge
A citizens’ petition proposing reducing the Community Preservation Act property tax surcharge from 3% to 2%. Failed 89 to 289 under a majority vote.
The proposed reduction, which would have taken effect in fiscal year 2028, generated discussion about municipal finances, property taxes and the future of CPA-funded projects.
Speaking in support of the proposal, resident Dennis Galvin raised concerns about the town’s financial outlook, including rising operating expenses, employee benefits and other budget obligations.
However, opponents said that reducing the surcharge would limit funding available for historic preservation, open space, recreation and affordable housing projects.
The Finance Committee did not recommend the proposal, voting 1 to 5 on a motion to support it.
During discussion, representatives of the Westford Housing Trust and League of Women Voters spoke against the proposed reduction, citing the importance of CPA funding for community projects.
Voters ultimately rejected the proposal by a substantial majority of votes.
Special Town Meeting concluded at approximately 9:25 p.m.
