Planning Board
Reviews and approves new housing developments, commercial buildings, and land subdivisions before construction begins.
243 items across 21 meetings.
July 9, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening, board report, and public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Vote expected on re-appointing Angel Khazadian as an associate Planning Board member.
💬 Discussed
Board will discuss how — or whether — to zone for data centers in Ashland, which could affect industrial/commercial land use.
💬 Discussed
Review of the board's task list plus updates from the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and Design Review Committee.
💬 Discussed
Update from the Community Preservation Committee on funded projects and priorities.
💬 Discussed
Regional planning collaborative update.
💬 Discussed
Status update on Ashland's long-range Comprehensive Plan.
💬 Discussed
Board to discuss reassigning internal leadership or staff roles.
💬 Discussed
Updates on the town's Housing Production Plan and the pipeline of 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and Subsidized Housing Inventory status — affects where new affordable units may be built.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.
June 25, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening items.
📋 Proposed
Ashland Historical Society seeks a scenic road permit to relocate a 10-ft stone wall section on Water Street to create a driveway at 2 Myrtle St (Map 14, Lot 6, Residential B zone).
📍 2 Myrtle Street / Water Street, Assessors Map 14 - Lot 6
💬 Discussed
Board will discuss modifying the existing performance bond for the 9-49 Homer Avenue development.
📍 9-49 Homer Avenue
💬 Discussed
Board updates on ongoing planning tasks, comprehensive plan implementation, and design review committee work.
💬 Discussed
Standing committee reports with no action items listed.
💬 Discussed
Board to discuss internal reorganization of member roles.
💬 Discussed
Staff update on the Housing Production Plan and status of 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and the town's Subsidized Housing Inventory.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.
June 11, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening items.
🔄 Postponed
Tilton Sunrise LLC seeks approval to build a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartments and 2 flex contractor bays at 55 Tilton Ave (Map 14, Lot 62) in the Downtown District–C zone; hearing continues June 25.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Ashland (Assessors Map 14, Lot 62)
💬 Discussed
Board reviews its ongoing task list and committee updates.
💬 Discussed
Standing committee and regional collaborative reports.
📋 Proposed
Board to reorganize member roles for the coming term.
💬 Discussed
Staff updates on active projects, the Housing Production Plan, and status of 40B (affordable-housing law) developments and the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
📋 Proposed
Approval of May 28 meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
May 28, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order at 7:20 PM; no Chair/Clerk's Report; no public comment.
✅ Approved
Board approved the site plan decision 4-0 with added illicit-discharge construction condition and a lighting/operating-hours condition to be confirmed by the Town Manager's Office.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Ashland
✅ Approved
Remaining peer-review escrow funds in the 53G account released back to the MetroWest YMCA now that review work is complete; approved 4-0.
💰 Remaining 53G account balance (amount not specified)
💬 Discussed
Board discussed hiring outside expertise to reorganize (not change) the Zoning Bylaw for clarity and cohesion; deferred to a future meeting.
💬 Discussed
Ms. Tesmenitsky will coordinate with Yolanda Greaves to schedule a joint meeting with the Select Board on Comprehensive Plan implementation.
💬 Discussed
Board agreed to publicly recruit design professionals via the Town Manager's Newsletter and Town webpage; Ms. Kendall will draft the outreach letter.
💬 Discussed
State recommended the Town's Housing Production Plan for approval; finalization expected within 2-3 weeks.
💬 Discussed
55 West Union Street 40B continued to June 23 for soil borings on sewer; if it and 61 Waverly are approved, Ashland would exceed the 10% SHI threshold — but the Board noted the SHI can drop quickly.
📍 55 West Union Street; 61 Waverly; 10-60 Main Street
✅ Approved
May 14, 2026 meeting minutes approved 4-0.
💬 Discussed
55 Tilton Street to be discussed at the June 11 meeting.
📍 55 Tilton Street, Ashland
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.
May 28, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening items.
📋 Proposed
MetroWest Facilities LLC seeks approvals to build a youth soccer field, tot-lot playground, permeable parking, two-way access driveway, and stormwater facilities on 1.9 acres at 240-260 Pleasant Street (Map 13, Lots 108 & 109), ancillary to MetroWest Christian Academy/Connect Church; site is in the Industrial, Groundwater Protection, and MBTA Communities Multi-Family overlay districts.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lot 108 & 109
📋 Proposed
Board will vote to release remaining funds from the 53G escrow account (applicant-funded review account) back to the YMCA.
💰 Escrow balance amount not specified
• Status unclear
Review and update of the board's ongoing task list.
• Status unclear
Update on Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee activities.
• Status unclear
Update from the Design Review Committee.
• Status unclear
Informational reports from regional and town committees.
• Status unclear
Staff updates on ongoing projects, the Housing Production Plan, and 40B (affordable-housing law) projects affecting the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
📋 Proposed
Approval of May 14 meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.
May 14, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Board approved 5-0 an ANR plan combining two parcels into five lots (three on Pond Street, two on James Road side), with no non-conforming lots created; owner authorization reviewed by Town Counsel.
📍 37 James Road / 123 Pond Street, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Draft decision reviewed with minor edits; board added a condition on Smart Turf hybrid infill material and continued the hearing to May 28 pending applicant feedback and Building Commissioner input.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Applicant requested continuance to June 11 to address Conservation Commission-required changes; Chair Kendall recused due to conflict of interest, motion passed 4-0.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Ashland
✅ Approved
Board approved 5-0 a 761 sq ft parcel swap between neighboring properties to allow a pool setback to be met; new lot line documented in minutes as 54.5-ft and 26.0-ft setback lines.
📍 40 & 42 Whittemore Drive, Ashland
✅ Approved
Both Planning Board warrant articles passed at Town Meeting: amending the Building Construction Bylaw for secondary suites and reforming the Design Review Committee structure; volunteers sought via social media and Town Manager Newsletter.
❌ Denied
CPC warrant article to use Community Preservation funds to purchase a property did not pass at Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Planning Director received a request from the YMCA to release remaining 53G escrow bond funds; item will appear on the next agenda after GCG review.
💰 Unspecified bond amount to be released
💬 Discussed
Ashland's Housing Production Plan has been submitted to the State and is under review.
💬 Discussed
Chair Kendall's tenure recognized; board will reorganize at June 11 meeting, with Mr. Montesino offering to step up as Chair.
✅ Approved
Both sets of prior meeting minutes approved 5-0.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:07 PM.
May 14, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of the meeting.
• Status unclear
Standing chair and clerk update.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews an ANR (Approval Not Required — lot division needing no subdivision approval) plan filed April 17, 2026 by Pendulum LLC for 37 James Road and abutting lots.
📍 37 James Road, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Proposed 1.9-acre development at MetroWest Christian Academy/Connect Church site to add a youth soccer field, tot-lot playground, permeable parking, and stormwater facilities; in an Industrial, Groundwater Protection, and MBTA Multi-Family Overlay zone.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Map 13, Lots 108 & 109
📋 Proposed
Applicant seeks to build a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartment units and 2 flex-space contractor bays in Ashland's Downtown District C zone.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Map 14, Lot 62
📋 Proposed
Board reviews an ANR lot plan filed May 5, 2026 by Kristen Brandt-Unton and Justin Unton for 40 & 42 Whittemore Drive.
📍 40 & 42 Whittemore Drive, Ashland
• Status unclear
Board reviews its task list and gets updates from the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and Design Review Committee.
• Status unclear
Standing committee reports from Community Preservation Committee, Metro West Regional Collaborative, and Comprehensive Plan update.
• Status unclear
Staff updates on ongoing projects, Housing Production Plan, and status of 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and Subsidized Housing Inventory.
• Status unclear
Board reviews and approves prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.
April 30, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order at 7:17 PM; chair noted a resident email will be reviewed before the next meeting.
💬 Discussed
Resident asked how the state overrides town bylaws on 40B (affordable-housing law); board noted the Housing Production Plan and Comprehensive Plan may create more local housing options.
🔄 Postponed
ANR (Approval Not Required, a by-right lot division) creating five lots from parcels at 137 Pond St and 37 James Rd was continued pending Town Counsel confirmation that the board can act given split ownership.
📍 37 James Road / 137 Pond Street, Ashland
✅ Approved
Board approved sending a bylaw change to Town Meeting that replaces the permanent 5-member Design Review Committee with a per-project ad-hoc committee of 3–5 members to ease recruitment; wording also clarified before closing the hearing.
🔄 Postponed
Board reached informal consensus to allow a Smart Turf hybrid infill (SBR + organic) turf field, citing PFAS review and comparison to existing town fields; formal vote continues to May 14.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Peer reviewer flagged parking loss on an adjacent parcel, stormwater running untreated, and impervious-surface impacts on the Nyanza Plume (a contaminated groundwater area); applicant will respond and hearing continues May 14.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Ashland
💬 Discussed
Housing Production Plan has been submitted to the state; board was copied on correspondence.
💬 Discussed
Board awaiting a date from Yolanda Greaves for a joint Planning Board/Select Board meeting to appoint the Implementation Committee.
💬 Discussed
CPC agreed on a negotiation ceiling of $845,000 to acquire a property in the Town Forest; the warrant article allows acquisition by eminent domain if needed.
💰 Up to $845,000
📍 Town Forest, Ashland
✅ Approved
Board approved updated fees that shift abutter-notice costs (previously capped at $50) and legal-ad costs ($180–$250 per ad) from the Town to permit applicants, consistent with surrounding towns; fee waivers may be requested.
💰 Legal ads $180–$250 per application; abutter fees previously capped at $50 now passed to applicants
✅ Approved
Minutes approved as amended.
🔄 Postponed
Approval tabled; board will review meeting video regarding YMCA discussion before voting.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:16 PM.
April 30, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening and opportunity for public comment.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews an ANR (lot division not requiring subdivision approval) plan submitted April 17 by Pendulum LLC for 37 James Road and abutting lots.
📍 37 James Road, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Proposed amendment to Bylaw Ch. 282 §9.6 to expand public participation in the Design Plan Review process.
📋 Proposed
MetroWest Facilities LLC seeks approvals to add a youth soccer field, tot-lot playground, permeable parking, and stormwater facilities on 1.9 acres ancillary to MetroWest Christian Academy & Connect Church; site is in Industrial District and Groundwater Protection Overlay.
📍 240–260 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lots 108 & 109
📋 Proposed
Tilton Sunrise LLC proposes a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartments and 2 contractor flex bays in the Downtown C zone.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Assessors Map 14, Lot 62
💬 Discussed
Board discusses and comments on its ongoing task list.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses the town's Housing Production Plan, guiding Ashland's affordable-housing strategy.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses progress on implementing Ashland's Comprehensive Plan.
• Status unclear
Standing reports from affiliated committees.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews proposed changes to planning application fees.
💰 Fee schedule revision — dollar amounts not specified in agenda
• Status unclear
Routine updates on ongoing projects, 40B (affordable-housing law) developments, and approval of March 26 and April 9 minutes; next meeting May 14.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
April 9, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Board endorsed ANR (Approval Not Required — confirms no subdivision, locks in current zoning for 3 years) for the combined ~11-acre site zoned Industrial/Residential/Pond Street Overlay; an abandoned condemned house will be demolished on Pond Street parcel.
📍 37 James Road / 137 Pond Street, Ashland
✅ Approved
Board approved Special Permit, Site Plan Review, Design Plan Review, and Site Alteration Special Permit for the YMCA project 5-0 after finalizing decision language on parking signage, tree protection, and de minimis drainage/parking changes.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Hearing continued to April 30 after board raised PFAS concerns about proposed synthetic turf infill; applicant must provide full manufacturer ingredients list, EPD (Environmental Product Disclosure), and confirm PFAS-free status for the entire turf system including shock pad.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Hearing continued to April 30 pending peer review completion and outstanding engineering details; Chair Kendall recused herself due to a conflict of interest.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Ashland
💬 Discussed
Standing Design Review Committee has disbanded due to recruitment difficulty; proposed bylaw would replace it with per-project ad-hoc advisors (3–5 members) drawn from a Board-maintained list; public hearing scheduled April 30.
💬 Discussed
Final draft incorporating latest comments expected imminently; will be submitted jointly with Select Board to the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), with approval retroactive to submission date.
💬 Discussed
61 Waverly St received ZBA and Conservation approvals and is ready for groundwork; 55 West Union St continues at ZBA through May; 10-60 Main St remains before Conservation Commission.
📍 61 Waverly St / 55 West Union St / 10-60 Main St
💬 Discussed
No new CPC projects; a warrant article is pending for possible purchase of a land parcel for the Town Forest.
💬 Discussed
Joint Planning Board/Select Board meeting rescheduled; applicant posting made via Michael Herbert's newsletter; boards aim to reconvene and form the Implementation Committee in early June.
✅ Approved
March 12 meeting minutes approved 4-0.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 10:01 PM.
April 9, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening items.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews an ANR (Approval Not Required — certifies no formal subdivision needed) plan for 37 James Road and abutting lots proposed by Pendulum LLC.
📍 37 James Road, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Board reviews an ANR plan for 137 Pond Street proposed by Pendulum LLC.
📍 137 Pond Street, Ashland
📋 Proposed
MetroWest YMCA seeks special permits and site plan approval to build a full-service YMCA, Early Learning Center, soccer fields, walking paths, and parking on 12.55 acres in the Rail Transit District (RTD-C/RTD-D), Map 13 Lot 178.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Assessors Map 13, Lot 178
📋 Proposed
MetroWest Facilities LLC seeks site plan approval to add a youth soccer field, tot-lot, permeable parking, and stormwater facilities on 1.9 acres ancillary to MetroWest Christian Academy & Connect Church; site is in the Groundwater Protection Overlay District, Map 13 Lots 108 & 109.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lots 108 & 109
📋 Proposed
Tilton Sunrise LLC seeks approval to build a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartment units and 2 flex-space contractor bays in the Downtown District–C zone, Map 14 Lot 62.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Assessors Map 14, Lot 62
💬 Discussed
Board discusses ongoing work items including a proposed Design Review Committee bylaw, housing production planning, and comprehensive plan implementation.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews proposed changes to planning application fees.
💰 Fee changes — amounts not specified in agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
💬 Discussed
Staff and committee updates including status of 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.
March 26, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Meeting called to order at 7:18 PM via Zoom only; no public comment received.
🔄 Postponed
Hearing continued to April 9, 2026 at applicant's request, pending additional peer-review consultant comments; Chair Kendall recused.
📍 55 Tilton Ave, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Metrowest Christian Academy/Connect Church proposes a synthetic turf athletic field and paved parking lot on a 1.9-acre Industrial District site within the Nyanza Plume area; continued to April 9 pending turf safety data and Conservation review.
📍 240-260 Pleasant St, Ashland
💬 Discussed
Board voted informally 6-0 in favor of the YMCA project but kept the public hearing open pending Town Counsel confirmation on the phased Restoration (surety) bond structure; continued to April 9.
💰 Restoration bond amount TBD pending Town Counsel review
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Ashland
💬 Discussed
Revised DRC structure would use ad-hoc 3-member committees appointed per application (triggered for projects with 6+ parking spaces); Board plans to discuss April 9 and publish for April 30.
💬 Discussed
Planning Board/Select Board joint meeting originally set for April 1 is being rescheduled due to Passover; new date to be coordinated.
💬 Discussed
Staff will draft an updated fee schedule to recover costs for abutter notifications and legal ads, which the Town is currently absorbing; Board can adopt without Select Board or Town Meeting approval.
💰 Town currently absorbing legal ad and abutter notification costs beyond $50 cap; new fees TBD
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 10:23 PM, 6-0.
March 26, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine call to order, Chair/Clerk report, and public comment period.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on Tilton Sunrise LLC's proposal to build a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartments and 2 contractor flex-bays in the Downtown District–C zone (Map 14, Lot 62).
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Assessors Map 14, Lot 62
📋 Proposed
Site Plan and Site Alteration Special Permit hearing for a 1.9-acre recreational complex with a youth soccer field, tot-lot, permeable parking, and stormwater improvements ancillary to MetroWest Christian Academy/Connect Church (Map 13, Lots 108 & 109), in an Industrial/Groundwater Protection/MCMOD overlay zone.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lots 108 & 109
📋 Proposed
MetroWest YMCA seeks permits to develop a full-service YMCA, Early Learning Center, playgrounds, soccer fields, and parking across 12.55 acres in the Rail Transit District (RTD-C/RTD-D), Map 13, Lot 178.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Assessors Map 13, Lot 178
💬 Discussed
Board will discuss and comment on its ongoing task list.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses the Design Review Committee's role or pending items.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses Ashland's Housing Production Plan, which guides state-required affordable housing goals.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses the committee overseeing implementation of Ashland's long-range Comprehensive Plan.
💬 Discussed
Board receives updates from regional and local planning bodies.
📋 Proposed
Board will consider amending its schedule of planning application fees.
💰 Fee changes to be determined
📋 Proposed
Board reviews and approves minutes from the March 12 meeting.
💬 Discussed
Staff updates the board on active 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
March 12, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Meeting called to order at 7:19 PM; no public comment.
✅ Approved
Board approved Eversource removing 46 dead/hazardous trees along Howe and Cross streets scenic roads, with Eversource required to plant 19 replacement trees (2½" caliper) by end of 2028, guided by Conservation Agent and the forthcoming Forestry Plan.
📍 Howe Street and Cross Street, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Applicant requested continuance; hearing continued to March 26, 2026.
📍 55 Tilton Ave, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
YMCA project at 30 Memorial Drive advanced through peer reviews (stormwater, traffic, Conservation Commission closed), with board approving a reduced rear/side landscape buffer from 50' to 20.6', but continued to March 26 to finalize decision language and surety bond conditions.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Ashland
💬 Discussed
Proposed bylaw revision changes Design Review Committee from five rotating members to three members plus up to two ad-hoc associates appointed per application; awaiting Town Counsel sign-off before April Town Meeting.
✅ Approved
Board approved the draft Housing Production Plan 5-0 with Chair Kendall's edits, after flagging that the plan understates water/sewer capacity concerns — estimated only 1–10,000 gallons/day of remaining capacity after approved projects — and omits 149 Planning Board-approved units at 501 Pond St and 9-49 Homer Ave.
💰 Potential future cost increase for residents if MWRA supplemental water purchase required
💬 Discussed
Outreach underway to recruit committee members; Planning Board and Select Board to meet jointly April 1 to discuss further.
✅ Approved
February 26 minutes approved 5-0.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned 10:33 PM; April 23 meeting moved to April 30; Chair Kendall announced she will not seek re-election as Chair at reorganization.
March 12, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Meeting called to order at 7:15 PM.
• Status unclear
Chair and Clerk updates.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Eversource seeks a Scenic Road Permit to remove hazard trees within the right-of-way on Cross Street and Howe Street.
📍 Cross Street and Howe Street, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Tilton Sunrise LLC proposes a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartments and 2 contractor flex-bays at 55 Tilton Ave (Map 14, Lot 62) in the Downtown C zone.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Assessors Map 14, Lot 62
📋 Proposed
MetroWest YMCA proposes a full-service YMCA, Early Learning Center, soccer fields, parking, and walking paths on 12.55 acres at 30 Memorial Dr (Map 13, Lot 178) in the Rail Transit District.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Assessors Map 13, Lot 178
💬 Discussed
Board reviews and discusses its ongoing task list.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses the Design Review Committee.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses Ashland's Housing Production Plan, which guides affordable housing goals.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee's work.
💬 Discussed
Board receives reports from the Community Preservation Committee, Metro West Regional Collaborative, and Comprehensive Plan efforts.
• Status unclear
Staff updates on ongoing projects, Housing Production Plan, and 40B (affordable-housing law) status; February 26 minutes reviewed; next meeting March 26.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
February 26, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
JM Goldson presented draft five-year goals covering safe harbor, diverse housing choices, affordability, and growth; both boards must adopt the plan before State review; board members to submit comments by March 2nd.
💬 Discussed
Resident Joan Gonfrade disputed the plan's water-capacity figures (pp. 56–57) as misleading given proposed 40B developments; board will ask consultant JM Goldson to verify the numbers.
✅ Approved
Both boards voted 10-0 to form a 7–9 member committee (one each from Select and Planning Boards, 5–7 public members) to implement the Comprehensive Plan; first meeting targeted for May, names due April 1st.
✅ Approved
Approved pruning on six scenic roads — Frankland Rd, Myrtle St, Main St, Winter St, High St, and Concord St — planned for fall 2026; abutters will receive electronic notice before work begins.
📍 Frankland Road, Myrtle Street, Main Street, Winter Street, High Street, Concord Street
🔄 Postponed
Removal of 46 hazardous trees on Howe St/Cross St circuit — 13 dead, 8 Emerald Ash Borer-infected, 21 high-risk — continued to March 12 so board members can do a site walk; 81% of circuit outages are tree-related.
📍 Howe Street, Cross Street
🔄 Postponed
Continued to March 12, 2026; no substantive discussion recorded.
📍 55 Tilton Ave
🔄 Postponed
Continued to March 12, 2026; no substantive discussion recorded.
📍 30 Memorial Drive
🔄 Postponed
Continued to March 26, 2026; no substantive discussion recorded.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street
💬 Discussed
CPC voted on a second attempt to purchase a parcel adjacent to the Town Forest; acquisition will appear as a Town Meeting Article.
💬 Discussed
Board notified of a Hopkinton Planning Board meeting March 9th regarding 0 Cross Street; Ashland members invited to attend.
📍 0 Cross Street
✅ Approved
February 12 minutes approved 5-0 with one line correction.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:49 PM.
February 26, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening.
📋 Proposed
Planning Board and Select Board will jointly review draft goals and strategies for Ashland's Housing Production Plan, presented by JM Goldson.
📋 Proposed
Joint discussion with Select Board on the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee's progress.
• Status unclear
Routine chair and clerk updates.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Eversource seeks a Scenic Road Permit to prune utility trees within the right-of-way on Winter, Myrtle, High, Concord, Main Streets, and Frankland Road.
📋 Proposed
Eversource seeks a Scenic Road Permit to remove hazardous trees near utility lines on Cross Street and Howe Street.
📋 Proposed
Tilton Sunrise LLC proposes a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartment units and 2 flex-space contractor bays in the Downtown District–C zone (Map 14, Lot 62).
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Assessors Map 14, Lot 62
📋 Proposed
MetroWest YMCA proposes a full-service YMCA, Early Learning Center, playground, soccer fields, and parking on 12.55 acres in the Rail Transit District (RTD-C/RTD-D), Map 13, Lot 178.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Assessors Map 13, Lot 178
📋 Proposed
MetroWest Facilities LLC proposes a youth soccer field, tot-lot, permeable parking, and stormwater facilities on 1.9 acres as ancillary use to MetroWest Christian Academy (Map 13, Lots 108 & 109), within Groundwater Protection Overlay District.
📍 240–260 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lots 108 & 109
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss and comment on its ongoing task list.
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss the Design Review Committee.
• Status unclear
Routine reports from CPC, regional collaborative, and comprehensive plan liaisons.
📋 Proposed
Staff updates on ongoing projects, Housing Production Plan, and status of 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
📋 Proposed
Approval of February 12 meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Routine adjournment.
February 12, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order at 7:15 PM; no public emails received since the last meeting.
💬 Discussed
Resident Catherine Jurczyk raised Ashland's supplemental MWRA connection and urged the Board to pursue a Water/Sewer investigation.
✅ Approved
Board approved 5-0 the Depietri Group's ANR plan creating Parcels A, B, and C from a 1950 subdivision, enabling construction of up to eight 3-bedroom, 1,850 sq ft homes; cul-de-sacs require No Parking signs per Fire Dept. condition.
📍 Ballard Road / Highland Road, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Applicant requested and received a continuance to February 26 to respond to peer review reports.
📍 55 Tilton Ave, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
YMCA hearing continued to February 26; applicant was not ready to proceed.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Connect Church project continued to March 12 after a key staff departure left the organization uncertain whether to continue or withdraw.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Ashland
💬 Discussed
Removed from Planning Board's purview; a Town Meeting bylaw will require in-law (secondary) suites to be recorded at the Registry of Deeds so buyers know they cannot be rented as two-family units.
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to send a letter supporting Hopkinton's decision to preserve 0 Cross Street as open space/conservation land; abutters asked that municipal permits be paused and deed restrictions enforced.
📍 0 Cross Street (Ashland/Hopkinton border)
💬 Discussed
Town Counsel will draft a new Design Review Bylaw replacing the current one with a per-project review group; language must be finalized by April 2.
💬 Discussed
Board discussed forming a new Implementation Committee (1 Planning Board member, 1 Select Board member, 5-7 public members) to track Comprehensive Plan goals; joint Planning Board/Select Board hearing on Feb 26 expected to name members.
💬 Discussed
Eversource proposed removing over 40 trees along a scenic road — an unusually long list — prompting the Board to schedule a site walk in early March; hearing opens February 26.
✅ Approved
January 22, 2026 minutes approved 5-0 as presented with blanks filled in.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM.
February 12, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening items.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews an ANR (Approval Not Required — lot split without full subdivision review) plan for abutting lots off Ballard and Highland Roads proposed by Depietri Group LLC.
📍 Ballard Road / Highland Road, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Tilton Sunrise LLC seeks approval to build a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartment units and 2 flex-space contractor bays at 55 Tilton Ave (Map 14, Lot 62), Downtown District–C zone.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Assessors Map 14, Lot 62
🔄 Postponed
MetroWest YMCA proposes a full-service YMCA, Early Learning Center, soccer fields, playground, and parking on 12.55 acres at 30 Memorial Dr (Map 13, Lot 178) in the Rail Transit District.
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Assessors Map 13, Lot 178
🔄 Postponed
MetroWest Facilities LLC proposes a youth soccer field, tot-lot, permeable parking, and stormwater facilities on 1.9 acres at 240-260 Pleasant St (Map 13, Lots 108 & 109), ancillary to MetroWest Christian Academy; site is in Groundwater Protection Overlay District.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lots 108 & 109
📋 Proposed
Proposed bylaw amendment would add a new Section 7.8 explicitly governing in-law (accessory dwelling) apartments and update the Table of Use Regulations for accessory uses town-wide.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses and comments on its ongoing task list.
💬 Discussed
Board reviews a letter concerning the property at 0 Cross Street.
📍 0 Cross Street, Ashland
💬 Discussed
Board discusses matters related to the Design Review Committee.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee.
💬 Discussed
Board receives updates including a discussion of a potential site walk for the Eversource Scenic Road project.
💬 Discussed
Staff updates on ongoing projects, the Housing Production Plan, and status of 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
📋 Proposed
Review and approval of January 22 meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
January 22, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order at 7:18 PM; Chair noted emails received about the Housing Production Plan and 0 Cross Street.
💬 Discussed
6.8-acre parcel with four proposed lots has unresolved wetland delineation and Conservation Commission concerns; Board will not act until Conservation approves wetland lines and Fire Dept. reviews roadways.
📍 Caroline Estates, Ashland
🔄 Postponed
Two new conforming parcels (Parcel A & B) carved from 1950 subdivision lots; smaller homes capped at 1,850 sq ft heated area under MGL Ch. 40A §6; continued to Feb 12 for a revised plan.
📍 Ballard Road / Highland Road
🔄 Postponed
Public hearing continued to February 12 with no substantive discussion.
📍 Memorial Drive
🔄 Postponed
Public hearing continued to February 12 to align with the Feb 26 Housing Production Plan joint meeting.
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street
🔄 Postponed
Proposed new Bylaw §7.8 would allow in-law apartments by-right without the two-means-of-egress and fire-separation requirements that apply to ADUs; Warrant Article deadline is March 23; continued to Feb 12.
💬 Discussed
61 Waverly St 40B (affordable-housing development) approved, appeal period passed, now before Conservation; 10-60 Main St approved with appeal period expiring Feb 3; 55 West Union St finishing Design Review with a Feb 22 deadline.
📍 61 Waverly St; 10-60 Main St; 55 West Union St
💬 Discussed
Board discussed adding a water conservation mitigation plan to its Task List and may invite DPW Director Doug Small to a March meeting to review infrastructure capacity.
💬 Discussed
A 2020 Hopkinton solar-array approval required the Ashland portion of the parcel at 0 Cross Street be placed in open space/conservation restriction, but it was not; Town Counsel says Ashland cannot legally compel action, so the Board is considering co-signing a letter with the Select Board to Hopkinton.
📍 0 Cross Street, Ashland (abutting 71 Frankland Rd, Hopkinton)
💬 Discussed
Chair distributed a prioritized task list with bylaws; items will be organized chronologically for ongoing reference.
💬 Discussed
CPC planning one-item January meeting; Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee process guide in progress for possible Feb 26 joint Select Board discussion.
✅ Approved
January 8 meeting minutes approved 4-0.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:29 PM.
January 22, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
• Status unclear
Standing chair and clerk update.
💬 Discussed
Informal discussion of a preliminary subdivision plan for Caroline Estates — no vote expected.
💬 Discussed
Review of an ANR (lot-split plan not requiring full subdivision approval) for abutting lots off Ballard Rd and Highland Rd, proposed by Depietri Group LLC.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on MetroWest YMCA's proposal to build a full-service YMCA, Early Learning Center, soccer fields, parking, and walking paths on 12.55 acres at 30 Memorial Dr (Map 13, Lot 178, RTD-C/RTD-D zones).
📍 30 Memorial Drive, Assessors Map 13, Lot 178
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on MetroWest Facilities LLC's plan to add a youth soccer field, tot-lot, permeable parking, and stormwater facilities on 1.9 acres ancillary to MetroWest Christian Academy/Connect Church (Map 13, Lots 108 & 109, Industrial/Groundwater Protection zones).
📍 240-260 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lots 108 & 109
💬 Discussed
Proposed addition of Section 7.8 (In-law Apartments) to Ashland Zoning Bylaws and amendment to Section 3.1.G Table of Use Regulations – Accessory Uses, which would affect what homeowners can build on their lots.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses its ongoing task list.
💬 Discussed
Standing updates from CPC, regional collaborative, and comprehensive plan efforts.
💬 Discussed
Staff updates on ongoing projects, the Housing Production Plan, and status of 40B (affordable-housing law) projects and the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
• Status unclear
Approval of January 8 meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Next Planning Board meeting noted for February 12.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.