Board continues solar bylaw hearing, elects Shaffer chair
The Westford Planning Board continued its review of a new clean-energy zoning bylaw and elected new leadership.
Planning Board · Meeting of July 27, 2026
WESTFORD — The Westford Planning Board continued its review of a new clean-energy zoning bylaw and elected new leadership. The board voted 5-0 to continue the public hearing on PB 2612, which would create zoning rules for battery storage and solar facilities, to August 17, after NMCOG Deputy Director Kelly Lynema said the town must start accepting applications under state law by October 1, 2026 regardless of local rules. Members Bob Shaffer and Joan Croteau pushed back on language allowing large facilities "by right" in residential districts, with Shaffer saying "I certainly don't want to see it by right." Resident Paul Morse warned of low-frequency noise from battery systems, saying state standards "don't pick up the boombox hum." The board also elected Shaffer chair and Croteau vice chair, 5-0 each, and approved its May 18 minutes 4-0-1, with new member Tom Themeles abstaining.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,078 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of July 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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