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Westford Selectboard votes to defend original Tier 1B designation under Act 181
Summary
After an extended discussion and public comment, the Selectboard voted 4-0 (with one recusal) to defend the town's original Tier 1B submission to CCRPC and asked the Planning Commission and CCRPC rep to draft a response for the next meeting.
The Westford Selectboard voted to defend the town’s original Tier 1B designation under Act 181 after a detailed presentation by the Planning Commission and comments from the CCRPC representative. Vice Chair Julia Andrews chaired the discussion while Chair Pat Haller recused himself, and the motion to defend the original submission passed 4-0 with one recusal.
Planning Commission Chair Max Tyler summarized the commission’s earlier recommendation to opt in to all eligible Tier 1B areas but noted there are three options: full opt-in, a narrowed opt-in, or opting out. Ben Bornstein, CCRPC representative, told the board that statewide guidance remains broad and recommended clarifying language from LURB; he said Westford’s inclusion statement and local context mean town staff and commissioners should be explicit about what they are seeking to defend.
During public comment several residents and property owners raised concerns and questions about how Tier 1B would affect development costs, wastewater feasibility, and local control. After discussion, Selectboard member Casey Mathieu moved to "defend the original Tier 1B submission," seconded by Nick Nichols; the motion carried 4-0 with one recusal. The board asked CCRPC and the Planning Commission to prepare the formal response and bring it back at the next meeting for review.
