Leominster officials move to update floodplain regulations to prevent federal funding loss

The Leominster Planning Board convened on February 3, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including minor modifications to existing approvals, zoning amendments, and updates on departmental reports.

The meeting began with a review of department head comments regarding a minor modification request. The health department approved the modification, while the public works and fire departments had no comments. The board discussed potential parking issues related to the busy store, noting that only five parking spaces were affected. After a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minor modification, which passed unanimously.

Next, the board addressed a waiver request for parking related to seasonal storage sales. The applicant requested to utilize 59 parking spaces from March 15 to October 1, 2025. This motion also received unanimous approval after a roll call vote.

A significant topic of discussion was the federally mandated update to the floodplain district ordinance. The board emphasized the urgency of this update, as failure to comply could result in losing eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program. A motion was made to petition the city council for the necessary ordinance amendment, which was also approved.

The board then turned its attention to zoning amendments concerning battery storage systems. However, the discussion was postponed pending a legal opinion from the mayor's office regarding the classification of battery storage under current zoning laws. The board agreed to revisit this topic in a future meeting.

In the director's report, updates were provided on the subdivision application process, including a draft checklist for new applications. The director noted the need for potential fee increases, as the current fees had not been adjusted in over 20 years. The board was encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

The meeting concluded with a reminder about mandatory training related to open meeting laws, and the director requested signatures from board members on related documents. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, bringing the meeting to a close.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to regulatory compliance and proactive planning for the community's needs. The next steps include further discussions on zoning amendments and the implementation of updated procedures for subdivision applications.