Reviews and approves new housing developments, commercial buildings, and land subdivisions before construction begins.
253 items across 23 meetings.
July 8, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
🔄 Postponed
Freetown 3 Acquisition LLC seeks approval to add a 7,250 SF building to existing Building B for manufacturing of building materials in the I3 zone; applicant has already requested continuance to July 22, 2026.
📍 87 Central Street and 30 Winthrop Street (Plat/Lot 021/189, 021/389, 021/256, 021/190)
💬 Discussed
Board placeholder discussion on transit-oriented development along the Parkway corridor.
💬 Discussed
Board discussing proposed changes to setback rules for ADUs (secondary units on residential lots).
💬 Discussed
Discussion of bylaw language governing age-restricted (55+) residential facilities.
💬 Discussed
Two proposed changes to the B4 zone: how commercial space is configured and allowing multifamily housing by special permit.
💬 Discussed
Clarifications to §230-4.1E (primary dwellings), parking consistency at 1.5 spaces/unit (§230-4.4), and permitting language for the North Main Street Overlay District.
📍 North Main Street
💬 Discussed
Proposed updates to floodplain definitions (§230-1.5), recreational vehicle rules, and special permitted uses (§230-5.4 E/F).
💬 Discussed
Proposed additions/amendments to expand permitted uses to include coworking, pet services, food incubators/commercial kitchens, makerspaces, and artisan manufacturing.
💬 Discussed
Review of board policies, site plan and special permit regulations, and planning fees.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of strengthening enforcement provisions (
💬 Discussed
Review of state legislation establishing a missing-middle starter home development and homeownership program.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of bylaw incentives to encourage developers to include affordable units in new projects.
💬 Discussed
Wide-ranging discussion on protecting commercial/business space in B1/B2/downtown zones, first-floor commercial requirements, parking as a development driver, density bonuses, and cumulative impact of board decisions.
📍 B1, B2, and Downtown areas
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Routine meeting close; next meeting July 22, 2026.
June 24, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on a proposal to build two full-sized and one half-sized synthetic turf soccer fields, field lighting, a 24-ft paved driveway, and ~245 parking spaces on a Residential 1 parcel at 283 Gilbert Street (Map 004, Lot 023), with a Scenic Road permit also required.
📍 283 Gilbert Street, Assessor's Map 004, Lot 023
📋 Proposed
Lot line adjustment between two abutting parcels (Map 12, Parcels 34 & 75); no new lots created.
📍 34 Cobbler Road and 211 Willow Street, Assessor's Map 12, Parcels 34 & 75
📋 Proposed
Minor lot adjustments to 112–114 and 122 School Street (Map 26, Parcels 37, 38 & 43) to resolve encroachments on cemetery property; no new lots created.
📍 112–114 School Street and 122 School Street, Assessor's Map 26, Parcels 37, 38 & 43
💬 Discussed
Board will discuss a wide range of pending zoning changes including ADU setbacks, 55+ residential facilities, B4 district commercial and multifamily rules, floodplain zoning, North Main Street Overlay, parking standards, inclusionary zoning incentives, and downtown commercial space policies.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned; next meeting July 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
June 24, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on a special permit to build two full-sized and one half-sized synthetic turf soccer fields, lights, a 24-ft paved driveway, and ~245 parking spaces on Assessor's Map 004, Lot 023 (R1 zone) along a scenic road.
📍 283 Gilbert Street, Assessor's Map 004, Lot 023
💬 Discussed
Placeholder discussion on transit-oriented development planning near the Parkway corridor.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of proposed changes to setback rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs — secondary units on a residential lot).
💬 Discussed
Discussion of bylaw language governing age-restricted residential facilities for residents 55 and older.
💬 Discussed
Two B4 amendments: how commercial components are configured and allowing multifamily residential by special permit in B4 districts.
💬 Discussed
Proposed clarifications to 1.5-space parking requirements per unit, definition of 'primary' dwellings (§230-4.1E), and permitting rules in the North Main Street Overlay District.
📍 North Main Street
💬 Discussed
Proposed changes to floodplain definitions (§230-1.5), recreational vehicles, and special permitted uses (§230-5.4 E & F).
💬 Discussed
Amendments to add coworking/flexible office, expanded pet services, food incubators/commercial kitchens, makerspaces/artisan manufacturing, and updated amusement facility language.
💬 Discussed
Review of Planning Board rules for site plan approval, special permits, and fee schedules.
💬 Discussed
Proposal to add stronger enforcement provisions ('more teeth') to the Scenic Road Bylaw.
💬 Discussed
State bill creating a missing-middle (small multi-unit) starter home development and ownership program is under board discussion.
💬 Discussed
Proposal to create bylaw incentives encouraging developers to include affordable units in new construction.
💬 Discussed
Multi-topic discussion on protecting commercial/business space in B1, B2, and downtown zones, parking-driven redevelopment, density bonuses, and cumulative policy impacts.
📍 B1, B2, Downtown
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting close; next meeting July 8, 2026.
June 10, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses the town's Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan with the steering committee.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on Zakary Medeiros/Arnold Medeiros Properties LLC request to modify a special permit for a driveway layout change at 249 Oakland Street, I-2 zone.
📍 249 Oakland Street, Assessor's Map 030, Lot 136
💬 Discussed
Board continues planning discussions around transit-oriented development along the Parkway corridor.
💬 Discussed
Proposed changes to setback rules for ADUs (in-law suites/secondary units) in residential zones.
💬 Discussed
Proposed bylaw amendment regarding residential facilities for residents 55 and older.
💬 Discussed
Two proposed amendments to the B4 district covering commercial layout requirements and allowing multifamily residential by special permit.
💬 Discussed
Proposed tweaks to clarify the definition of "primary" dwellings and enforce 1.5 parking spaces per unit consistency.
💬 Discussed
Proposed clarification to permitting rules within the North Main Street Overlay District.
📍 North Main Street
💬 Discussed
Multiple floodplain-related bylaw updates covering definitions, recreational vehicles, and special permitted uses (§230-5.4 E/F).
💬 Discussed
Proposed additions/amendments to add coworking offices, expanded pet services, food incubators/commercial kitchens, and makerspaces to permitted commercial uses.
💬 Discussed
Board reviews its internal policies, site-plan and special-permit regulations, and fee schedule.
💬 Discussed
Proposal to add more enforcement authority (
💬 Discussed
State bill HD.5686 would establish a missing-middle (small multifamily) starter-home development and ownership program; board is monitoring/discussing.
💬 Discussed
Proposed incentives to encourage developers to include affordable units in new construction.
💬 Discussed
Wide-ranging review of commercial space loss in B1/B2/downtown, first-floor commercial rules, parking's role in redevelopment, density bonuses, and site-plan review standards.
📍 B1, B2, Downtown
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
May 27, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Ryan Maxwell elected Clerk and Michael McClanahan elected Chair (4-1 over Friedman).
🔄 Postponed
New England FC's proposed two-and-a-half synthetic-turf fields, lights, and 253-space lot drew resident concerns over traffic, headlights, flooding, and PFAS; hearing continued to June 24 with a required full traffic study and stamped landscaping plan.
💰 ~$1M per field turf; projected $1.18M local economic impact; site would incur property taxes
📍 283 Gilbert Street (Map 004, Lot 023)
✅ Approved
Approved (4-1) relocating stones/boulders for a 24-foot driveway opening to improve sight lines and safety at a narrow entrance on the scenic road.
📍 88 Williams Street (Map 006, Lot 079)
🔄 Postponed
Driveway layout change with drainage/runoff questions continued to June 10 pending town engineer and traffic officer feedback.
📍 249 Oakland Street (Map 030, Lot 136)
💬 Discussed
Board recommended abandoning pursuit of the state grant for now, citing few eligible downtown vacancies and slow tax-reduction payback.
💰 Potential grant/tax incentives (not pursued)
💬 Discussed
Placeholder topics including accessory dwelling unit setbacks (15-foot standard proposed), transit-oriented development, downtown commercial requirements, parking, and scenic road bylaw revisions.
✅ Approved
Prior minutes approved 5-0.
💬 Discussed
Fall town meeting targeted Oct 19; zoning work sessions set June 10 and July 8 (Aug 12 cancelled); FEMA map amendment underway for grant/TOD site floodplain issue.
May 27, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on a proposal to build two full-sized and one half-sized synthetic turf soccer fields, lighting, a 24-ft paved driveway, and ~245 parking spaces on Assessor's Map 004, Lot 023, in a Residential 1 zone.
📍 283 Gilbert Street, Map 004, Lot 023
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on relocating scenic rocks and boulders in the Town right-of-way along Williams Street (a Scenic Road) to improve sight lines and driveway safety at Map 006, Lot 079.
📍 88 Williams Street, Map 006, Lot 079
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on a driveway layout change at an Industrial 2 zone property (Map 030, Lot 136); this hearing has been continued since December 2025.
📍 249 Oakland Street, Map 030, Lot 136
💬 Discussed
Board will discuss the state's MA Vacant Storefronts Program, which aims to help fill empty commercial spaces.
💬 Discussed
Placeholder discussions covering accessory dwelling unit setbacks, missing-middle housing legislation (HD.5686), inclusionary zoning developer incentives, and downtown parking/commercial space policy concerns.
💬 Discussed
Board member Corsillo's ongoing initiative to add stronger enforcement provisions to the Scenic Road Bylaw.
💬 Discussed
Review of Site Plan Approval and Special Permit rules and Planning Board fee schedule.
• Status unclear
Board to appoint a member to the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) Commission for 2026–2027.
• Status unclear
Annual reorganization of the Planning Board.
• Status unclear
Approval of April 22, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting close; next meeting June 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
May 13, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
📋 Proposed
Hearing on a special permit to build two full-sized and one half-sized synthetic turf soccer fields, field lighting, a 24-ft paved access drive, and ~245 parking spaces at 283 Gilbert St (Assessor's Map 004, Lot 023) in the Residential 1 zone along a Scenic Road.
📍 283 Gilbert Street, Assessor's Map 004, Lot 023
📋 Proposed
Hearing on relocating scenic rocks and boulders within the Town right-of-way on Williams Street (a designated Scenic Road) to improve sight lines and driveway safety at 88 Williams St (Assessor's Map 006, Lot 079).
📍 88 Williams Street, Assessor's Map 006, Lot 079
💬 Discussed
Board will discuss the state MA Vacant Storefronts Program, which supports filling empty commercial spaces.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion on transit-oriented development (higher-density mixed use near transit) along the Parkway corridor.
💬 Discussed
Continued review of proposed changes to setback rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs — secondary in-law or rental units on a property).
💬 Discussed
Continued review of Planning Board rules for site plan approval, special permits, and associated fee schedule.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion on strengthening the Scenic Road Bylaw to give it more enforcement teeth (initiated 1/28/26).
💬 Discussed
Discussion of state Bill HD.5686, which would establish a program to encourage construction of smaller, more affordable starter homes.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of bylaw incentives to encourage developers to include affordable units in new residential projects (initiated 1/28/26).
💬 Discussed
Wide-ranging discussion on protecting commercial/business space in B1, B2, and downtown zones, parking requirements, density bonuses, and Planning Board review standards (initiated 12/10/25).
📋 Proposed
Board to consider appointing a member to the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) commission.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting closes.
April 22, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on converting Building B (currently vacant, 8,500 SF commercial) at 150 Oakland St into 8 residential units (1 affordable) within the I-1 Industrial Zone; Assessor's Map 030, Lot 039.
📍 150 Oakland Street, Assessor's Map 030, Lot 039
📋 Proposed
Hearing on a special permit modification for Miniluxe nail salon at 280 School Street, Mansfield Crossing.
📍 280 School Street, Mansfield Crossing
💬 Discussed
Board reviews and potentially updates its policies, procedures, and fee schedule for site plan and special permit applications.
💰 Fee schedule under review
💬 Discussed
Placeholder discussion on transit-oriented development along the Parkway corridor.
💬 Discussed
Board continues reviewing proposed zoning bylaw changes to ADU (accessory dwelling unit) setback requirements.
💬 Discussed
Member Corsillo's proposal (initiated 1/28/26) to strengthen enforcement provisions in the Scenic Road Bylaw.
💬 Discussed
State bill HD.5686 establishing a missing-middle starter home and ownership program is under board discussion (initiated 2/25/26).
💬 Discussed
Member Haworth's proposal (initiated 1/28/26) to create bylaw incentives encouraging developers to include affordable units in new projects.
💬 Discussed
Member Penney's multi-part discussion (initiated 12/10/25) on protecting commercial/business space in B1, B2, and downtown zones, parking standards, density bonuses, and review of site plan policies.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews and approves minutes from the April 8 meeting.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
April 22, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Owner's bid to convert vacant 8,500-SF Building B to eight residential units was reworked; the permit now allows broader commercial uses (not just a restaurant) and restores 19 affordable units, with the applicant able to reapply for residential after a nine-month marketing period.
💰 Use change would raise assessed value ~$600,000 but shift that portion from commercial to residential tax rate; restaurant build-out estimated at ~$5 million ($600/SF)
📍 150 Oakland Street (Assessor's Map 030, Lot 039), Industrial 1 Zone
✅ Approved
Approved minor storefront changes for new tenant MiniLuxe, including face-lit channel letter signage and a decorative backer panel mounted to the existing façade.
📍 280 School Street, Mansfield Crossing
✅ Approved
Board recommended an updated Planning Board fee schedule to the Select Board for the town-wide fee review; changes focus on clarity and organization with a minimal increase, though one member opposed citing added costs to buyers.
💰 Proposed minimal fee increase based on regional comparison
💬 Discussed
Positive Select Board reception to accepting part of Cobb Street, correcting a 2008 clerical error where road plans weren't recorded at the Registry of Deeds within 120 days.
📍 Cobb Street
💬 Discussed
Members are developing zoning amendments for fall town meeting, including ADU setbacks, B4 multifamily by special permit, minimum dwelling sizes, senior parking, and North Main Street overlay changes to protect commercial space.
💬 Discussed
40R (smart-growth housing district) feasibility study work session is on hold due to floodplain constraints; draft zoning amendments being prepared for fall town meeting.
✅ Approved
Approved March 25, 2026 minutes and several executive session minutes for release/non-release.
April 22, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Meeting called to order.
📍 Town Hall Meeting Room 3 A/B
🔄 Postponed
Hearing continues on converting Building B at 150 Oakland St (Assessor's Map 030, Lot 039) from 8,500 SF commercial to 8 residential units (1 affordable) within the I-1 Industrial zone.
📍 150 Oakland Street, Assessor's Map 030, Lot 039 (I-1 Zone)
📋 Proposed
Special permit modification requested for Miniluxe nail salon at Mansfield Crossing, 280 School Street.
📍 280 School Street, Mansfield Crossing
💬 Discussed
Board to review and possibly update its policies, procedures, site plan/special permit rules, and fee schedule.
💬 Discussed
Placeholder discussion on transit-oriented development near the Parkway corridor.
💬 Discussed
Board continues discussion on amending setback rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs — secondary housing on a property).
💬 Discussed
Member Corsillo's proposal to strengthen the Scenic Road Bylaw, initiated January 28, 2026.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of state bill HD.5686 promoting missing-middle (moderately-sized multi-unit) starter home development and ownership programs.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of incentives for developers to include affordable units in new construction, initiated January 28, 2026.
💬 Discussed
Multi-topic discussion on protecting B1/B2/Downtown commercial space, first-floor commercial requirements, parking's role in redevelopment, employee parking rules, density bonuses, and site plan standards — initiated December 10, 2025.
📋 Proposed
Approval of April 8, 2026 meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Meeting adjourned.
April 8, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
✅ Approved
Board recommended rezoning two ~3-acre lots behind Erin's Center plaza (access off South Walnut Street) from industrial back to residential, likely enabling a 40-50 unit 55+ development.
📍 Behind Erin's Center, near South Walnut Street
💬 Discussed
Developer Bill Clemmey urged reviewing the 55+ zoning to allow 10-12 units per building and relax the 40-foot height limit; board favored lower-density, village-style senior housing instead.
💬 Discussed
Board reviewed assignments for the May 5 Annual Town Meeting, including reports on Article 14 (Cobb Street) and Article 22 (data centers), and a May 1 senior info session.
💬 Discussed
Town's fee schedule, largely unchanged since 2002 and lower than nearby towns, is being modernized to cover actual costs—including special permit fees, abutter mailings, and new categories—not to generate profit.
💰 Fees largely unchanged since 2002; updates proposed including passing abutter mailing costs to applicants
💬 Discussed
Board agreed the $50 scenic road infraction fine is insufficient and should be increased, and suggested a town webpage and better resident awareness of scenic road rules.
💰 $50 infraction fine deemed too low, to be increased
💬 Discussed
Placeholder topics including ADU setbacks (15-foot proposal), transit-oriented development, scenic road bylaw, missing-middle starter homes, inclusionary zoning, and downtown commercial space concerns.
✅ Approved
Approved March 25, 2026 minutes and several executive session minutes from 2023-2024.
💬 Discussed
40R affordable-housing feasibility study on hold due to floodplain constraints; fall town meeting bylaw drafts will address B4 zoning multifamily, ADU setbacks, senior parking, and North Main Street overlay.
✅ Approved
Adjourned at 9:06 pm; next meeting April 22, 2026.
April 8, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of the meeting.
📋 Proposed
Citizens' petition to rezone ~6.58 acres on West St. (~470 ft. west of Rte. 140), Assessors Map 11 Lots 28 and 29, from Industrial I-1 to Residence 2 (R-2).
📍 West St., approximately 470 feet west of Route 140
💬 Discussed
Bill Clemmey will lead an informal discussion on residential facilities for residents aged 55 and older.
📋 Proposed
Board will review and vote to recommend an updated fee schedule to the Select Board.
💰 Updated application fees (amounts not specified)
💬 Discussed
Placeholder discussion on Transit Oriented Development along the Parkway corridor.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion on setback rules for ADUs (small secondary units on a property).
💬 Discussed
Discussion on strengthening enforcement of the Scenic Road Bylaw (initiated 1/28/26).
💬 Discussed
Discussion of state legislation establishing a starter-home development and homeownership program (initiated 2/25/26).
💬 Discussed
Discussion of bylaw incentives for developers to include affordable units in new construction (initiated 1/28/26).
💬 Discussed
Multi-topic discussion on loss of B1/B2/downtown commercial space, first-floor commercial requirements, parking standards, density bonuses, and site plan review (initiated 12/10/25).
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve regular meeting minutes from March 25, 2026.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve and release Jan. 25 & Feb. 2, 2023 executive session minutes; approve but not release April 24, 2024 executive session minutes.
• Status unclear
Routine close of meeting; next meeting April 22, 2026.
March 25, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
📋 Proposed
Town seeks a special permit to switch lift-system fluid from vegetable oil to standard hydraulic oil at two town-owned sites inside a Zone II Wellhead Protection Area (groundwater recharge zone) due to failures with the vegetable oil systems.
📍 500 East Street and 99 Maple Street, Map/Lot 031/037 and 030/067
📋 Proposed
BFS Group LLC proposes converting an existing I-2 (industrial) building to retail use with no building expansion or added impervious surface.
📍 71 Maple Street, Map/Lot 030/085
📋 Proposed
Proposed bylaw defines data centers as a distinct land use (not offices), restricting them to certain zones by Special Permit with specific approval criteria.
📋 Proposed
Citizens petition to rezone approximately 6.58 acres (Map 11, Lots 28 and most of 29) along West Street near Route 140 from Industrial I to Residence 2.
📍 West Street, approximately 470 feet west of Route 140; Map 11 Lots 28 & 29
📋 Proposed
Applicant seeks to convert 8,500 SF vacant commercial Building B at 150 Oakland Street into 8 residential units, one affordable, with interior reconfiguration only.
📍 150 Oakland Street, Map 030, Lot 039
🔄 Postponed
Long-continued hearing on a driveway layout change at 249 Oakland Street (Map 030, Lot 136), an I-2 zoned parcel.
📍 249 Oakland Street, Map 030, Lot 136
📋 Proposed
Board to act on a draft town meeting warrant article to formally accept the unaccepted (private) portion of Cobb Street as a public way.
📍 Cobb Street
💬 Discussed
Informal board discussion on zoning considerations for 55+ residential facilities.
💬 Discussed
Board reviews its policies, procedures, site plan/special permit rules, and fee schedule.
💬 Discussed
Standing placeholder covering Parkway/Transit Oriented Development, ADU setbacks, Scenic Road Bylaw, missing-middle starter home legislation (HD.5686), inclusionary zoning incentives, downtown commercial space concerns, parking, and density bonuses.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews correspondence and approves minutes from February 25 and March 11, 2026 meetings.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourns; next meeting April 8, 2026.
March 25, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Special permit approved to handle hazardous materials at the town's municipal complex in a Zone II Wellhead Protection Area, switching elevator hydraulic fluid back to standard oil after vegetable-oil failures.
📍 500 East Street and 99 Maple Street
✅ Approved
Approved retail use at National Lumber's existing building to consolidate operations from Oakland Street; no new traffic or parking, with a condition to resolve a long-standing parking-lot encroachment on town conservation land.
📍 71 Maple Street
✅ Approved
Board voted to send Town Meeting a bylaw effectively banning most data centers, allowing only small under-2-megawatt facilities by special permit, with strict noise, water and energy limits; some members favored a moratorium instead.
🔄 Postponed
Hearing on Clemmey petition to rezone a West Street parcel from Industrial-1 back to Residence-2 for potential 55+ housing; neighbors raised traffic, noise and sewer concerns. Continued to April 8, 2026.
📍 West Street / South Walnut Street area
🔄 Postponed
Application to convert vacant Building B from 8,500 SF commercial to eight residential units (one affordable) at the Chocolate Factory site; continued to April 22, 2026 at applicant's request.
📍 150 Oakland Street
🔄 Postponed
Driveway layout change application delayed because the engineer hadn't completed the site plan after a snowstorm; continued to May 27, 2026.
📍 249 Oakland Street
✅ Approved
Board recommended Town Meeting accept the remaining portion of Cobb Street with drainage, water and sewer easements; a paperwork formality to correct unrecorded road acceptances.
📍 Cobb Street
🔄 Postponed
Discussion moved to April 8, 2026.
💬 Discussed
Placeholder topics including accessory dwelling unit setbacks (proposed 15-foot setbacks), downtown commercial/parking issues, scenic road bylaw, and inclusionary zoning incentives.
✅ Approved
Approved minutes from February 25 and March 11, 2026.
March 11, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of the meeting.
🔄 Postponed
Town-requested special permit to store/use hydraulic oil in a Zone II groundwater protection area, replacing failed vegetable-oil systems; postponed to March 25.
📍 500 East Street and 99 Maple Street
🔄 Postponed
Special permit to change use to retail at 71 Maple St. with no building expansion; hearing moved to March 25.
📍 71 Maple Street
🔄 Postponed
Proposed bylaw to define data centers as a distinct use, distinguish them from offices, and allow them only in certain zones by special permit; moved to March 25.
💬 Discussed
Proposal to convert vacant Building B (8,500 SF commercial) at 150 Oakland St. into 8 residential units, one of which will be affordable, with interior reconfiguration only; Map 030, Lot 039.
📍 150 Oakland Street
❌ Denied
Applicant has requested withdrawal of the site plan to install six 400kW DCFC EV chargers and 12 EV parking stalls with shade canopy at Mansfield Country Square; Plat 012, Lot 012.
📍 321 School Street
💬 Discussed
Special permit modification for a driveway layout change at 249 Oakland St.; Map 030, Lot 136, I-2 zone; continuing from prior meetings.
📍 249 Oakland Street
📋 Proposed
Board to endorse an ANR plan for 300 East Street, a procedural land-division determination that no subdivision approval is required.
📍 300 East Street
💬 Discussed
Review of Planning Board policies, site plan and special permit rules, and fee schedule.
💬 Discussed
Placeholder discussion covering transit-oriented development, inclusionary zoning incentives, scenic road bylaw, missing-middle housing legislation, downtown commercial space loss, and parking/density bylaw topics.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.
March 11, 2026 · minutes
🔄 Postponed
Hearings for 500 East Street, 71 Maple Street, and the data center zoning bylaw were re-advertised and moved to March 25 after a snowstorm broke legal newspaper-notice timelines.
📍 500 East Street, 71 Maple Street
💬 Discussed
AG approved Special/Special Town Meeting zoning changes with only minor administrative tweaks needed for the Business 5 district, MSROD updates, and subdivision/floodplain compliance.
💬 Discussed
New state ADU rules let accessory structures sit as close as five feet from property lines; board weighing increased setbacks for sheds, garages, and ADUs, with existing structures grandfathered.
🔄 Postponed
Proposal to convert vacant 8,500 SF commercial Building B into eight residential units (one affordable) at the MCFA Chocolate Factory site continued to March 25 at applicant's request.
📍 150 Oakland Street (Map 030, Lot 039)
✅ Approved
Board endorsed a plan dividing 300 East Street into three lots with adequate frontage; ZBA had granted a lot-width variance for Lot 2 in January.
📍 300 East Street
💬 Discussed
Board discussed regulating data centers by power usage (under 2MW, 2–10MW, over 10MW), with limits on water, noise, and location near homes/schools, plus 5-year permit renewals.
💬 Discussed
A parcel rezoned from Residential to Industrial in 2012 is the subject of a Town Meeting petition seeking to revert it to residential.
❌ Denied
Plan to install six 400kW EV fast chargers serving 12 stalls was withdrawn after the review committee flagged worsening traffic safety at a nearby intersection.
📍 321 School Street (Plat 012, Lot 012)
🔄 Postponed
Special permit modification for a driveway layout change continued to March 25 after a blizzard delayed the applicant's fieldwork.
📍 249 Oakland Street (Map 030, Lot 136)
💬 Discussed
Tetra Tech awaiting preliminary environmental report on a constrained five-acre site; town exploring residential or commercial mixed-use development to generate long-term economic value.
💬 Discussed
Placeholder list of ongoing topics including downtown commercial space, parking, inclusionary zoning incentives, scenic road bylaw, and starter-home legislation; no comments made.
🔄 Postponed
Prior minutes not submitted for approval.
✅ Approved
Adjourned at 9:10 pm; next meeting March 25, 2026.
February 25, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Mr. Haworth appointed Acting Clerk for the meeting due to Mr. Corsillo's absence.
💬 Discussed
Water Operations Manager warned that evaporative-cooling data centers can consume hundreds of thousands of gallons daily and generate noise, while closed-loop systems use minimal water; suggested a ~50,000 gallon/day cap.
💬 Discussed
Patriot Supply owner proposed converting two B4 mixed-use parcels to fully multi-family residential; Board noted current zoning bars 100% residential and any change would require district-wide rezoning.
📍 162 & 172 Copeland Drive
💬 Discussed
Board confirmed the project is permitted in the B1 district via site plan approval, not special permit, and agreed the North Main Street Overlay bylaw should be cleaned up to clarify ambiguities.
📍 1 West Church Street
💬 Discussed
Board reviewed placeholder topics including transit-oriented development and inclusionary zoning, with a member arguing affordable-housing mandates often discourage development and suggesting subsidy-based alternatives.
✅ Approved
Prior minutes approved with noted changes.
💬 Discussed
New bylaw would prohibit large hyperscale/colocation data centers but allow smaller ones by special permit in industrial zones, with review criteria; public hearings set for March 11 and March 25.
February 25, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine meeting opening.
📋 Proposed
Bob Barry of Patriot Supply seeks informal Planning Board input on a project at 162 & 172 Copeland Drive.
📍 162 & 172 Copeland Drive
📋 Proposed
Board informally discusses water consumption concerns tied to data center development — high water demand could affect local supply and infrastructure.
📋 Proposed
Follow-up discussion on the previously introduced project at 1 West Church Street.
📍 1 West Church Street
📋 Proposed
Placeholder discussion on Transit Oriented Development (higher-density zoning near transit) along the Parkway corridor.
📋 Proposed
Placeholder for continued work on zoning bylaw amendments.
📋 Proposed
Review of Planning Board policies, site plan approval and special permit rules, and fee schedules.
📋 Proposed
Member Corsillo's proposal to add 'more teeth' to the Scenic Road Bylaw, giving it stronger enforcement power.
📋 Proposed
State bill HD.5686 would create a program to encourage construction of smaller, entry-level homes; board initiated discussion Feb 25.
📋 Proposed
Member Haworth's proposal to add developer incentives into the inclusionary zoning bylaw to encourage inclusion of new affordable units.
📋 Proposed
Member Penney's ongoing series covering loss of B1/B2 commercial space, first-floor commercial requirements, parking as a driver of redevelopment, density bonuses, and site plan review standards.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Routine meeting close.
February 11, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Proposed bylaw to regulate size and location of data centers ahead of Spring Town Meeting; Mansfield Electric warned large facilities (20-100 MW) could threaten low electric rates and require costly new power supply.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on Arnold's Gymnastics driveway/drainage permit; applicant must submit updated stamped site plan and engineer's certification, continued to March 11 at 8:30pm.
📍 249 Oakland Street (Map 030, Lot 136)
🔄 Postponed
Owner seeks to convert vacant 8,500-SF stone building from commercial to eight residential units (one affordable), and revert affordable-unit count to 19; board had mixed views, continued to March 11 at 7:45pm.
📍 150 Oakland Street (Map 030, Lot 039)
✅ Approved
Board endorsed dividing the town-owned former school parcel into three buildable lots (two duplex, one single-family); building to be removed and property slated for sale.
📍 29 Dean Street (Map 23, Parcel 148)
✅ Approved
Board endorsed creating two residential lots from existing parcels fronting Cobb Street, a private way, with no new infrastructure required.
📍 Cobb Street (Map 27, Parcels 85, 86, 91)
💬 Discussed
Board discussed data centers' closed-loop water cooling, energy tradeoffs, and possible contamination; agreed to invite Water Department to next meeting.
✅ Approved
Both sets of prior meeting minutes approved.
💬 Discussed
Updates on upcoming Town Meeting, a 40Y feasibility study application, draft ADU guidebook, ~10 ADU applications received, and a potential citizens' petition to rezone the parcel next to Shaw's plaza back to residential.
📍 parcel next to Shaw's plaza
February 11, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses a proposed zoning bylaw amendment that would regulate data centers in Mansfield.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on Zakary Medeiros's request to modify a special permit for a driveway layout change at 249 Oakland St (Assessor's Map 030, Lot 136, I-2 zone).
📍 249 Oakland Street
📋 Proposed
150 Oakland Owner LLC seeks to convert 8,500 SF of vacant Building B at 150 Oakland St from commercial to 8 residential units (1 affordable) within the I-1 industrial zone (Map 030, Lot 039).
📍 150 Oakland Street
📋 Proposed
ANR plan (lot-line adjustment not requiring subdivision approval) for Cobb Street/Mansfield Terrace by Clemco LLC.
📍 Cobb Street / Mansfield Terrace
📋 Proposed
ANR plan submitted by Acting Town Manager Joshua W. Reinke for 29 Dean Street.
📍 29 Dean Street
💬 Discussed
Placeholder discussion covering Transit Oriented Development, data center and citizen-petition zoning amendments, amendment schedule, and board fees and procedures.
📋 Proposed
Approval of minutes from the January 14 and January 28, 2026 meetings plus general correspondence.
• Status unclear
Meeting close.
January 28, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Developer floated a 5-unit condo-style residential compound on 27.5 acres behind 451 Gilbert Street, preserving ~14 acres upland and avoiding ~8 acres of wetlands; affordable-unit fee-in-lieu estimated at $400,000–$500,000.
💰 Affordable fee-in-lieu estimated $400,000–$500,000
📍 451R Gilbert Street (R1 zone)
✅ Approved
Board interviewed three firms and selected Community Scale to study 40R redevelopment of the contaminated former County Street Superfund site, authorizing contract negotiations.
📍 County Street (former Superfund site)
✅ Approved
Approved splitting 90 Park Street into two lots: a new ~10,309 sf buildable lot fronting Court Street and ~13,315 sf retaining the existing house.
📍 90 Park Street
✅ Approved
Approved revised plan reflecting Land Court changes only; underlying ANR determination unchanged.
📍 13 Webster Street
🗳️ Voted on
Board advanced a draft bylaw that would likely ban large hyperscale data centers, allow mid-sized facilities by special permit in industrial zones, and exempt small ones; referred to Select Board for Town Meeting with public hearings March 11 and 25.
💬 Discussed
Listed ongoing topics: Parkway/Transit Oriented Development, zoning bylaw amendments, and Planning Board policies and fees.
✅ Approved
Approved as submitted, 4-0-1.
🔄 Postponed
Deferred to next meeting.
💬 Discussed
Updates included a rail-trail extension grant resubmission with Walpole/Foxboro, a $50,000 Capital Improvement request (ranked lowest priority) for the 2030 Master Plan update, review of Town land for conservation or development, and seeking to join the 495 MetroWest Partnership.
💰 $50,000 over four years requested; ~$100,000 grant sought
January 28, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine meeting opening.
📋 Proposed
Developer Daniel Merrikin (Legacy Engineering) presents preliminary plans for a residential compound at 451R Gilbert Street.
📍 451R Gilbert Street
📋 Proposed
Board interviews three firms — JM Goldson, CommunityScale, and Tighe & Bond — to lead a feasibility study for a Chapter 40R (smart-growth overlay allowing higher-density housing) district along County Street.
📍 County Street
📋 Proposed
ANR (lot-line or division plan that doesn't trigger full subdivision review) submitted for 90 Park Street.
📍 90 Park Street
📋 Proposed
ANR plan submitted for 13 Webster Street.
📍 13 Webster Street
📋 Proposed
Board reviews a draft zoning bylaw that would regulate where and how data centers can be sited in Mansfield.
📋 Proposed
Informal discussion of an unspecified matter on Angell Street brought by Jason Burrell; no details provided in agenda.
📍 Angell Street
📋 Proposed
Placeholder discussion covering transit-oriented development near the Parkway, pending zoning bylaw amendments, and updates to Planning Board rules and fee schedules.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses downtown parking conditions or policy; no specifics provided in agenda.
📍 Downtown Mansfield
📋 Proposed
Board discusses next steps on Chapter 40Y (a local zoning compliance tool related to MBTA Communities law); details not specified.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses a state-level initiative petition that would allow single-family homes to be built on smaller lots where infrastructure is sufficient.
📋 Proposed
Approval of minutes from two prior meetings.
📋 Proposed
Routine meeting close.