Boxborough Planning Board approves earth removal permit, schedules ADU bylaw hearing

BOXBOROUGH -- September 30, 2024, Boxborough Planning Board approves earth removal permit and schedules ADU public hearing. The board voted 4-0-1 at its September 30 meeting to approve an Earth Removal Permit Application by French Brothers Boxborough LLC for a project at 100 Codman Hill Road, with conditions including a $5,000 performance bond and conformance with the July 25, 2024 site plan approval; member Rebecca Berner abstained, saying she was "a little uncomfortable signing off on a permit that we haven't seen all the language." The board voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on an accessory dwelling unit bylaw amendment for October 21 at 7:05 p.m., directing town counsel to opine on whether the town can exceed the state's 900-square-foot ADU size protection. Members raised substantive concerns about a separate draft proposal to convert Industrial Commercial parcels along Route 111 to the Business district, with member Cindy voicing that the town needs to "take a better look" at use definitions before restricting current businesses, and the articles were tabled for further development. Town Planner Alec announced that Boxborough has completed its Green Community designation after Littleton Electric Light and Water signed the required agreement, unlocking an initial state grant.