Westford community garden opens; sunshelter plans hinge on $1,500 stamped drawings

The Westford Agricultural Commission reported that the town community garden was tilled and officially opened for the season on May 4, 2026, and members discussed permit requirements and costs for a planned sunshelter.

Pooja Kapoor, minutes taker and Community Garden Committee representative, said the Building Commissioner’s Office requires stamped architectural drawings to approve the sunshelter and that providing those drawings will cost about $1,500. She also said sonotube footings will need inspection before concrete is poured, which will add to footing costs.

Why it matters: committee members said these up-front permitting and inspection costs will affect whether the project can proceed this year and whether AgCom needs to seek funding from the Community Preservation Committee or other sources.

Mark O’Lalor, who presented on behalf of the Finance Committee and the commission, volunteered to consult staff in the Building Commissioner’s Office (Eric/Ernie were named in the discussion) and to raise the issue with Bob Jeffries of the CPC fund board committee to explore funding or procedural options.

Pooja also reported gardeners’ preferences and management steps: roughly half of surveyed gardeners preferred tilling at opening, and she recommended continued education on soil practices to avoid compaction. She suggested gardeners could self-spread winter rye and hairy vetch seed at season close to protect soil structure. Mark proposed increasing the garden’s visibility by participating in the Apple Blossom Parade.

What’s next: the commission will seek clarification from the Building Commissioner’s Office on drawing and inspection requirements and will pursue funding or procedural assistance with the CPC fund board if needed. The garden will continue to operate for the season while those steps proceed.