Chelmsford assessors move into executive session over abatements and KP Law valuation review

The Chelmsford Board of Assessors voted July 23 to adjourn to an executive session under Massachusetts General Laws to consider abatement and hardship-exemption records and strategy on pending litigation. The motion, made by Board member Gabriel Francisco and seconded by Chief Assessor Samuel P. Chase, passed on a roll-call vote with both members voting aye and the Board leaving for executive session at 10:35 AM; the minutes record the Board returned at 11:20 AM.

The agenda specifically lists a request from KP Law (T. McEnaney) to review FY2026 property valuations for two commercial parcels—299 Chelmsford St. (Stop & Shop) and 92 Chelmsford St.—and indicates that matter was removed to executive session for confidentiality under MGL Chapter 30A §21(a)(7), MGL Chapter 59 §60 (records of abatements), and Chapter 214 §1B (right of privacy). The executive session designation means deliberations on those property valuation and abatement matters were held outside the public record because the files are confidential or litigation strategy was involved.

The executive-session motion and its statutory citations were recorded in the minutes as the formal justification for closing that portion of the meeting. No public debate on the merits of the valuations appears in the open minutes; the record shows the items were handled in executive session and does not provide a public outcome beyond the Board's return to open session at 11:20 AM.