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Planning Board sets timeline to begin public hearings on battery storage and solar zoning changes
Summary
Staff told the board that NIMCOG and the Clean Energy Committee will assist with proposed zoning bylaw amendments on battery energy storage systems and solar uses; the board proposed late‑July or early‑August dates to allow materials to be ready for an October special town meeting.
The Westford Planning Board directed staff to begin the public‑hearing process for proposed zoning‑bylaw amendments addressing larger battery energy storage systems and solar energy uses.
Staff said NIMCOG is assisting with drafting materials and that initial drafts could be available in early August. Board members discussed starting an informational process in late July (July 27) or early August (Aug. 3) so hearings and revisions could be completed in time for a special town meeting in October. The board emphasized the need to be clear to the public that the amendments will address how battery‑energy storage systems and large solar installations are treated in zoning and that the language may change through the public‑hearing process.
Mike Binsky of the Clean Energy Committee was present and the board asked staff to confirm room availability before scheduling formal hearings. Staff and board members noted an October 1 statutory date that makes starting the process sooner advantageous if the town wants to retain local regulatory control while state rules take effect.
