Otis Planning Board accepts Towhee Trail withdrawal, approves Reservoir Road easement; gets Terranova contamination update

At its May 11, 2026 meeting the Town of Otis Planning Board accepted withdrawal of a Towhee Trail special-permit application, approved a Reservoir Road easement plan and heard an update on contamination at the Terranova site.

Susan, the applicant for the Towhee Trail special-permit application, appeared by Zoom and requested to withdraw the application so she can redesign and return with a new plan. Committee member Hal Kobrin moved to allow the withdrawal without prejudice; Chair Mark Anthony seconded and the board approved the motion unanimously.

On a separate item the board noted the Town of Otis Reservoir Road easement plan had been reviewed and approved last year; Committee member John Fletcher moved to approve the plan as presented, Gordon Middleton seconded and the motion passed with all members in favor.

Under other business, Ross Knowles updated the board that the Terranova site remains contaminated and that much work remains before resolution. Stacy said the town’s options include waiting for natural attenuation of the contamination or allowing "21J" to run its course, which could strengthen the town’s case for state funding. No formal votes on remediation were taken at this meeting.

Votes at a glance: - April 13, 2026 minutes: motion passed (Gordon Middleton moved; Hal Kobrin seconded; unanimous). - Towhee Trail special-permit withdrawal: motion passed (Hal Kobrin moved; Mark Anthony seconded; unanimous). - Reservoir Road easement plan approval: motion passed (John Fletcher moved; Gordon Middleton seconded; unanimous).

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.