Fitchburg meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Fitchburg boards to weigh $563K in housing repairs, data center moratorium

No decisions from the past two weeks have been published yet; all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes pending. The most consequential items on the table are a combined $563,059.95 in change orders for the Fitchburg Housing Authority and a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers and battery storage facilities before the Planning Board.

Housing Authority change orders

The Fitchburg Housing Authority, meeting Aug. 19, is set to vote on three construction change orders: $288,028.48 for Wallace Tower (Change Order #14), $126,416.97 for Wallace Tower (Change Order #15), and $148,614.50 for asbestos removal at Green Acres (Change Order 01). The board will also consider a Certificate of Final Completion for Daniel Heights gas lines and review bids for a new community-administration center (FISH#097200).

Planning Board: moratoriums and special permits

The Planning Board meets Aug 25 for public hearings on several items, including a special permit for a 1,160-square-foot driveway at 0 Pearl Hill Rd that exceeds the 500-foot limit, and a special permit and site plan for six private airplane hangars (~14,000 sq ft) at 557-567 Crawford St. The board will also discuss initiating zoning petitions for temporary moratoriums on data centers and battery storage facilities, and consider extending marijuana retailer hours to 11 p.m. at 50 Whalon St and 223 Lunenburg St. Several items were continued from the July 28 meeting.

Redevelopment Authority: grants and leases

The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority, meeting Aug 19, will review housing grants for 633-639 Main Street, a small business internet grant for a gaming center at 10 Main Street, and funding requests for the Chamber 2027 Sponsorship, Spanish American Center's 60th Anniversary Gala, and the Latino Festival. An executive session is scheduled to discuss potential lease or sale of properties at 166 Boulder Drive, 520 Main Street, and 780 Main Street.

Other recent meetings

• **Airport Commission (Aug 19):** Will review hangar updates, personnel searches for airport manager and assistant manager vacancies, AIP Grant #67003525 expenditures, Building 7 hangar door replacement, and CPI-U rent adjustments for 2026.
• **License Commission (Aug 13):** Considered a one-day all-alcoholic beverage license and entertainment permit for the River City Rhythm & Rock Festival at Riverfront Park (Aug 29, ~1,000 people), plus permits for Summer Praise Fest and Celebrate Recovery.
• **Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (Aug 11):** Considered funding for brownfields assessments in Templeton (Phase One ESAs at 17 State Road, $7,200, and 25 Central Street, $5,900) and reviewed funding commitments for sites including 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg ($138,450) and 159/163 West Main Street and 63 Spencer Circle, Groton ($94,600).
• **Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (Aug 12):** Discussed an Age Friendly Plan developed by CHNA9 and nominated officers.
• **Montachusett MPO (Aug 19):** Reviewed amendments to the FFY 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program and an overview of the Regional Transportation Plan.
• **Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Aug 19):** Policy subcommittee reviewed 16 policies including universal free meals, curriculum, and non-discrimination.
• **Elections (Aug 20-21):** Tested vote tabulators for the Sept 1 primary.

Coming up

• **Planning Board** – Aug 25, public hearings on moratoriums and special permits.
• **Retirement Board** – Aug 25, review CY24 audit and a disability retirement application.
• **Elections** – Aug 27-28, pre-processing of early ballots for the Sept. 1 primary.
• **Community Outreach** – Aug 31, public meeting on proposed marijuana retailer at 371 John Fitch Hwy (6 PM, 389 Townsend St).
• **MPO** – Public comment on TIP Amendment #4 (Leominster culvert work) due Aug 31.
• **Appointments Committee** – Sept 2, vote on appointments to Burial Grounds, Parks, and Cultural Council.
• **Mosquito Control** – Spraying in Fitchburg on Sept 3, 10, 17, and 24 (tentative).

No decisions in past two weeks; Housing Authority set to vote on $400K+ in change orders

No decisions were made in Fitchburg's municipal meetings over the past two weeks, as all recent agendas were published without minutes. The most consequential item on the horizon is a vote by the Fitchburg Housing Authority on Aug. 19 to approve more than $400,000 in change orders for the Wallace Tower project.

Recent meetings

Conservation Commission (Aug. 5) – Held a continued public hearing on a driveway at 463 Mt. Elam Road. Also discussed enforcement orders for 0 Ashby State Road and 935 Ashby State Road, and an update on the Jewell Hill Trail Boardwalk.

Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 5) – Purely procedural: set 2027 filing deadlines and meeting dates. No cases were on the agenda.

Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (Aug. 6) – Reviewed and considered adopting the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), discussed the executive director transition, and received the FY25 audit and FY26 budget update. Also discussed attainable housing “Tiny Homes.”

Cultural Council (Aug. 6) – Outlined the FY27 grant season schedule, explained the funding process, and heard public input. Featured a grantee presentation and Q&A.

MRPC grant list (Aug. 6) – Published an informational list of grant opportunities, including MassDOT Community Culvert grants up to $1,000,000 (due Aug. 7), Complete Streets design up to $150,000 and construction up to $1,000,000, Local Bottleneck Reduction up to $1,000,000, MassDEP waste site cleanup up to $20,000, and MassEVIP charging incentives up to $50,000 per address.

Board of Health (Aug. 6) – Scheduled hearings for three first-time tobacco sales violations, each carrying a $1,000 fine and a three-day permit suspension: Wine World (318 John Fitch Hgwy.), JD's Variety (259 Franklin Rd.), and Unified Petroleum (249 Kimball St.). Also considered appointing Alexander Nudler as Food and Milk Inspector and discussed trash collection.

License Commission (Aug. 7) – Considered a Sunday entertainment permit for Luisa Fernandez, Ready Set School, at Riverfront Park (35 Cushing St.) on Aug. 9, 12–3:30 PM, for about 100 people.

MRPC brownfields meeting (Aug. 11) – Reviewed proposed Phase One Environmental Site Assessments for 17 State Road, Baldwinville (est. $7,200) and 25 Central Street, Baldwinville (est. $5,900). Also reviewed funding commitments for 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg ($138,450) and 159/163 West Main Street and 63 Spencer Circle, Groton ($94,600).

Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee (Aug. 12) – Approved minutes, nominated officers, and discussed an Age Friendly Plan developed by CHNA9.

Sheriff's sale notice (Aug. 13) – Public auction of properties at 11-13 Pond Street, 15-17 Pond Street, and 23-25 Kimball Street in Lunenburg. Required $5,000 deposit; balance due within 30 days.

License Commission (Aug. 13) – Reviewed a special one-day all-alcoholic beverage license and entertainment permit for the River City Rhythm & Rock Festival at Riverfront Park (0 Boulder Drive) on Aug. 29, 11 AM–11 PM, expected ~1,000 people. Also considered entertainment permits for Summer Praise Fest (Church of the Nazarene, 800 South St., Aug. 15, 1–5 PM) and Celebrate Recovery (Riverfront Park, Sept. 5, 10 AM–2 PM).

Coming up

Fitchburg Housing Authority (Aug. 19) – Will vote on Change Order #14 for Wallace Tower ($288,028.48), Change Order #15 ($126,416.97), and asbestos removal at Green Acres ($148,614.50). Also will review bids for a new community-administration center.

Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (Aug. 19) – Will discuss housing grants for 633-639 Main Street, a small business internet grant for a gaming center at 10 Main Street, and funding requests for Chamber 2027, Spanish American Center's 60th Anniversary Gala, and Latino Festival. Executive session on leases/sales of 166 Boulder Drive, 520 Main Street, and 780 Main Street.

Montachusett MPO (Aug. 19) – Will review amendments to the FFY 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program and an overview of the Regional Transportation Plan.

School policy subcommittee (Aug. 19) – Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School will review 16 policies, including universal free meals, curriculum, and non-discrimination.

Elections – Vote tabulator testing Aug. 20–21 and early ballot processing Aug. 27–28 at City Hall, 718 Main Street, ahead of the Sept. 1 primary.

Public input opportunities – Comments due Aug. 31 on the state's time-varying electricity rate inquiry. A community outreach meeting for a proposed marijuana retailer at 371 John Fitch Hwy. is set for Aug. 31 at 6 PM at 389 Townsend St.

Fitchburg boards weigh airport apron funding, housing permits, and liquor license in late July meetings

Fitchburg's city boards and commissions held a packed schedule of meetings in the second half of July, with the City Council set to consider a $564,800 airport apron reconstruction and the Planning Board scheduled to review a 24-unit housing proposal. All meetings listed below were agenda-only as of this report — minutes have not yet been published, so no final actions or votes can be confirmed.

City Council

The City Council's July 21 agenda included an expenditure of approximately $564,800 to reconstruct the airport's Main Apron, the largest single dollar item across the week's meetings. The council was also scheduled to consider $15,000 in United Way grant funds for summer field trips and entertainers, a public hearing for a license to store 40,000 gallons of fuel at 49 John Fitch Highway, a proposed fee schedule for certificates of liens ranging from $25 to $150, and a $1,200 appropriation for restoration of a 1798 historical stone in South Street Cemetery. A presentation on a new "Pay as you Throw" trash collection program was also listed. Outcomes are not yet available.

Planning Board

The Planning Board's July 28 agenda featured public hearings on several development proposals, including a 24-unit multi-family building with underground parking at 7 Beekman Street and six private hangars totaling 14,000 gross floor area at 557-567 Crawford Street. The board was also set to discuss a potential temporary moratorium on permitting and development of data centers and battery storage facilities. Additional items included a 1,160-square-foot driveway at 0 Pearl Hill Road, a mobile food operation site plan review at 346 River Street, and a semi-public pool with parking construction at 128-146 Meadowbrook Lane.

License Commission

On July 20, the License Commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a new general on-premises restaurant liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC at 1-5 Lunenburg St, #4 Summer Street. A summons hearing was listed to review the liquor license status of M&M Variety at 330 Water Street. The agenda also included entertainment permit applications for events at JoAnn Fitz Memorial Playground and Saima Park, including Urufest 2026, and correspondence about a Massachusetts State Lottery monitor installation at 784 Water Street.

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission's July 22 meeting included new business on interim airport manager and assistant manager appointments and a decision on repairing or replacing the admin building HVAC system. Old business covered Rockin Horse Enterprise LLC Phase 1 hangar updates and AIP Grant #67003525 expenditures.

Other boards and committees

The Legislative Affairs Committee on July 21 was set to consider a 2026 cemetery price increase proposed by Cemetery Superintendent Jacquelyn R. Poirier. The Historical Commission scheduled a site visit at 533 Main Street for a Certificate of Appropriateness request from Waverly & Sons LLC, with a public hearing continuation set for August 13. The Cultural Council on July 23 listed votes on a grant report, treasurer's report, and minutes from three prior meetings. The Retirement Board on July 28 was scheduled to review CY24 financial statements and an audit by CBIZ. Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School held two meetings: a July 21 Policy Subcommittee review of Policy JKAA on student time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint, and a July 29 meeting listing a five-year telephone system lease with Icon and updates on FY26 budget closing and athletic field complex renovations.

Cancelled meeting

The Public Works Committee meeting scheduled for July 28 was cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for September 29, 2026.

Coming up

• **Aug. 5 — Conservation Commission:** Continued public hearing on a driveway at 463 Mt. Elam Road, plus enforcement orders for 0 and 935 Ashby State Road.
• **Aug. 6 — Cultural Council:** FY27 grant season outline and public input session at the Fitchburg Art Museum.
• **Aug. 11 — Montachusett Regional Planning Commission:** Brownfields funding reviews including $138,450 for 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg, and approval of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
• **Aug. 13 — Historical Commission:** Continued public hearing on 533 Main Street Certificate of Appropriateness.
• **Aug. 13 — Community Outreach Meeting:** Public auction of Lunenburg properties at 11-13 Pond Street, 15-17 Pond Street, and 23-25 Kimball Street, with a required $5,000 deposit.

Fitchburg meetings: Airport apron funding, housing repairs, and liquor license hearings on the agenda

Fitchburg boards and commissions covered a wide range of business in the first half of July, from major infrastructure spending requests to liquor license hearings and park planning. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings listed below, so outcomes — including whether votes passed — cannot be confirmed from the available records. What follows is based on the published agendas.

City Council: Airport, public health, and fuel storage

The City Council had several financial orders on its July 7 agenda, including $564,800 to reconstruct the airport's Main Apron and acceptance of a $300,000 grant from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts for the Montachusett Public Health Network. A public hearing was scheduled for a license to store 40,000 gallons of fuel underground at 49 John Fitch Highway. The council also had a final reading on an amendment to Chapter 44 grade steps for Fiscal Year 2027 and a veto override on the City Clerk salary grade/step amendment.

A joint convention of the City Council and School Committee was scheduled the same day to fill a vacancy on the Fitchburg School Committee, with the selected candidate to serve until the next municipal election for a term ending January 2030.

Fitchburg Housing Authority: Emergency repairs and change orders

The Housing Authority board was set to vote on $313,700 in emergency structural repairs at Canton Valley and $76,629.65 in change orders (PCO 100-106) for Wallace Tower. The agenda also included pre-approval of bids for an Overland Street renovation and a Creative Placemaking project, plus revised maintenance tenant charges tabled from June.

Finance Committee: Grant-funded programs

The Finance Committee's July 15 agenda included the same $564,800 airport apron order, the $300,000 public health grant, a $15,000 United Way grant for summer field trips and entertainers at Coolidge and Parkhill playground sites, and $1,200 from Cemetery Perpetual Care for a historical stone restoration in South Street Cemetery. The committee's July 8 meeting was cancelled.

Planning Board: Gas station proposed at 310 Summer St

A continued public hearing was scheduled for a site plan review of a gasoline service station with a 4,050-square-foot convenience store at 310 Summer Street. The project would demolish three existing buildings and redevelop six assembled parcels in the Commercial zoning district. The hearing was continued from June 23, 2026.

Zoning Board of Appeals: 13,000 sq ft facility hearing

The ZBA had a public hearing scheduled for a Fitchburg Housing Authority special permit to build a 13,000-square-foot multi-purpose office and assembly facility at 1 Normandy Road. Other cases included a continuance for a garage addition at 326 Blossom Street, a variance for window signage at 72-80 Franklin Road, and a special permit for a car detailing business at 1151-1157 Main Street.

License Commission: Liqu license hearings and permits

The License Commission's July 6 agenda included a continued public hearing on a new all-alcoholic-beverages liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC at 1-5 Lunenburg Street, a continued summons case against Power Surge at 347-351 Main Street, and a noise complaint against Life Church at 839 Ashby State Road. Entertainment permits were listed for the Monty Tech Summer Carnival (July 15-18) and Ronny's Voice Memorial Classic Basketball Tournament (August 8), along with special one-day alcohol permits for a Chartwells beer garden and a Dogfather Vending Food Truck Festival (September 19).

Other boards and commissions

The Appointments Committee considered appointing Heather De Jesus and Adrian Major to the Human Rights Commission (terms through June 2029), reappointing Ryan Beauvais to the Board of Assessors (term through January 2029), and naming poll workers for September 2026 through August 2027.

The Board of Park Commissioners reviewed the Water Street Bridge project at Heritage Park and discussed installing security boxes in parks with the Board of Health.

The Legislative Affairs Committee discussed a proposed $2,000 exemption threshold for taxable personal property, a Municipal Lien Certificate fee schedule, a petition to require in-person voting on official matters, and a petition to end work-from-home arrangements.

The Historical Commission held a public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness for Waverly & Sons LLC at 533 Main Street in the Monument Park Local Historic District.

The Disability Commission reviewed its self-evaluation transition plan and planned sensory-friendly community events.

The Water & Wastewater Commission discussed FY27 budgets, water main replacement projects on Main Street and Water Street, a pump station fire pump replacement, and reallocation of funds from a 2024 $11.4 million loan order.

The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority was set to vote on repairing a chiller at Putnam Place and discussed a small business internet grant for FATV.

The Airport Commission's July 16 meeting was cancelled.

Coming up

• **July 20 — License Commission:** Continued public hearing on a restaurant liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC at 1-5 Lunenburg Street, plus a summons hearing for M&M Variety at 330 Water Street.
• **July 21 — City Council:** Presentation on a proposed "Pay as you Throw" trash program, plus votes on the $564,800 airport apron expenditure and $15,000 United Way grant.
• **July 21 — Legislative Affairs Committee:** Cemetery price increase proposed by Superintendent Jacquelyn R. Poirier; meeting at 6:30 PM, Legislative Building, 700 Main Street.
• **July 22 — Airport Commission:** Interim airport manager and assistant manager appointments, admin building HVAC decision, and Rockin Horse Enterprise Phase 1 hangar updates.
• **July 23 — Cultural Council:** Votes on grant and treasurer reports, plus FY27 grant cycle deadlines.

Fitchburg boards weigh airport funding, housing repairs, and street changes in busy July stretch

Fitchburg's boards and committees covered a wide range of business in the first week of July, from a proposed $564,800 airport apron reconstruction to $313,700 in emergency structural repairs at Canton Valley. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, this roundup reports what was on each agenda; outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

City Council: Airport, health grant, and School Committee vacancy

The City Council agenda for July 7 included votes on Order 134-26, appropriating $564,800 to reconstruct the airport's Main Apron, and Order 135-26, accepting a $300,000 grant from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts for the Montachusett Public Health Network. A public hearing was scheduled for an underground fuel storage license of 40,000 gallons at 49 John Fitch Highway. The agenda also listed a final reading on amending Chapter 44 grade steps for Fiscal Year 2027 and a veto override on the City Clerk salary grade/step amendment.

In a separate joint convention with the School Committee, Council was set to fill a vacancy on the Fitchburg School Committee by ballot vote. The appointed member would serve until the next municipal election, filling a term ending in January 2030.

Fitchburg Housing Authority: Canton Valley and Wallace Tower

The Housing Authority board agenda for July 7 included a motion to approve $313,700 in emergency structural repairs at Canton Valley and a motion to approve change orders PCO 100-106 for Wallace Tower totaling $76,629.65. Additional motions covered pre-approving bids for Overland St renovation (FISH 097205) and Creative Placemaking (FISH 097156), plus revised maintenance tenant charges tabled from June.

Public Works Committee: Berm and one-way street petitions

On June 30, the Public Works Committee agenda included Petition 062-26 to install a berm at 77 Congress St and toward Lunenburg St, and Petition 058-26 to convert Hassett Street to a one-way street up from Albee Street.

License Commission: Liquor license hearing and special permits

The July 6 agenda featured a continued public hearing on a new general on-premises liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC at 1-5 Lunenburg St, and a continued summons hearing for Power Surge at 347, 349, 351 Main Street. Entertainment permits were listed for the Monty Tech Summer Carnival (July 15-18) and Ronny's Voice Memorial Classic Basketball Tournament (Aug 8). Special one-day alcohol permits included Chartwells beer garden (four dates) and Dogfather Vending Food Truck Festival (Sept 19). A noise complaint against Life Church at 839 Ashby State Road was also on the agenda.

Planning Board: Gas station and convenience store at 310 Summer St

The Planning Board's July 7 public hearing, continued from June 23, covered a site plan review for a gasoline service station with a 4,050-square-foot convenience store at 310 Summer Street. The project would demolish three existing buildings and redevelop six assembled parcels in the Commercial zoning district.

Board of Health: Dangerous dog hearing and kratom discussion

The July 2 agenda included a public hearing on a petition to declare a dog named Mia, a Pomeranian at 106 Charlton Street, a nuisance/dangerous animal. The board was also set to discuss kratom sales restrictions, private well regulation amendments, and an opioid settlement fund mini-grant update.

Appointments Committee: Human Rights Commission and assessors

The July 7 agenda listed Heather De Jesus and Adrian Major for new appointments to the Human Rights Commission (terms through June 2029), Ryan Beauvais for reappointment to the Board of Assessors (term through January 2029), and appointment of poll workers for September 2026 through August 2027.

Other meetings

The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority met July 1 in executive session regarding the lease or sale of 166 Boulder Drive. The Board of Park Commissioners on July 7 reviewed the Water Street Bridge project at Heritage Park and installation of security boxes in parks. The Legislative Affairs Committee discussed a proposed $2,000 exemption threshold for taxable personal property, a Municipal Lien Certificate fee schedule, and petitions to require in-person voting on official matters and end work-from-home arrangements. The Historical Commission held a July 9 public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness for Waverly & Sons LLC at 533 Main St. in the Monument Park Local Historic District. The Disability Commission reviewed its self-evaluation transition plan and sensory-friendly event planning on July 8. The Finance Committee's July 8 meeting was cancelled.

Coming up

• **July 14 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on a special permit for the Fitchburg Housing Authority to build a 13,000 sq ft multi-purpose office and assembly facility at 1 Normandy Road, plus cases on garage setbacks, window signage, and a car detailing business.
• **July 15 — Finance Committee:** Review of Order 134-26 ($564,800 airport apron), Order 135-26 ($300,000 health grant), Order 132-26 ($15,000 United Way grant for recreation summer field trips), and Order 133-26 ($1,200 for historical stone restoration at South Street Cemetery).
• **July 15 — Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority:** Vote on chiller repair at Putnam Place; executive session on lease or sale of 166 Boulder Drive, 780 Main Street, and 0 Princeton Road.
• **July 15 — Water & Wastewater Commission:** Discussion of Main St. and Water St. water main replacement projects, pump station fire pump replacement, and reallocation of funds from a 2024 $11.4 million loan order.
• **July 21 — Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee:** Review of Policy JKAA on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students.

Fitchburg Boards Tackle FY 2027 Budget, Zoning Reviews, and Permit Decisions

Fitchburg's City Council scheduled votes on a Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget exceeding $190 million for the General Fund, plus enterprise funds for water, wastewater, and airport services, across multiple meetings June 24–25. Minutes for all recent meetings listed below have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

City Council: FY 2027 Budget and Tax Levy Reductions

The City Council placed the Mayor's FY 2027 operating budget on its agenda for meetings on June 24 and 25. The General Fund budget was listed at $190,961,167, with Water Enterprise at $9,997,019, Wastewater Enterprise at $18,316,809, and Airport Fund at $1,137,919.

Multiple orders on the agenda would redirect reserve funds to reduce the FY 2027 tax levy, including $700,000 from Overlay Surplus, $250,000 from the Stabilization Fund, $3,776,232 from Available Funds, and $410,000 from ARPA Available Funds. The council also scheduled votes to establish revolving funds for Parks Activities & Events and Planning Board advertising, each with a $100,000 expenditure limit, and additional revolving funds for Animal Control, Civic Days, Demolition, and Public Health Sustainability with limits up to $750,000. An ordinance amending Chapter 44, Section 10 to update Grade Steps pay scales for FY 2027 was also on the agenda.

Planning Board: Site Plans and Marijuana Hours

The Planning Board's June 23 agenda included continued review of a proposed gasoline station and convenience store at 310 Summer Street, a 32-unit multi-family building with underground garage at 7 Beekman Street, and a childcare facility and building trade shop at 76 and 18 Lincoln Street. Two public hearings were scheduled on proposed marijuana retailer hour extensions at 346 River Street and 20 Authority Drive.

Retirement Board: CY25 Annual Statement

The Retirement Board's June 23 agenda included review and approval of the CY25 Annual Statement, payroll and cash disbursement warrants, and a discussion on pensionable earnings and Unit pay codes. The agenda also listed a report of member deaths, approval of retirements, and PRIT Fund performance updates.

Board of Health: Dangerous Dog Hearing and New Regulations

The Board of Health scheduled a July 2 public hearing on a petition to declare a dog named Mia, a Pomeranian at 106 Charlton Street, a nuisance or dangerous animal. The agenda also included discussion of potential new regulations on kratom sales, private well regulation amendments, and an opioid settlement fund mini-grant update.

Conservation Commission: 794 Ashburnham Hill Road

The Conservation Commission held a special meeting June 22 with a single agenda item: a Certificate of Compliance for 794 Ashburnham Hill Road (DEP #155-0238).

Cultural Council: Grants and Event Planning

The Cultural Council's June 23 and 25 agendas included votes on a grant report, treasurer's report, and minutes from April and June 3 meetings. The council also discussed planning for an Annual Public Meeting scheduled for August 6, 2026, and Block Party volunteer outreach.

License Commission: One-Day Alcohol Permits

The License Commission's June 25 agenda included one-day wine and malt beverage permit applications for The Break Bike Shop at 872 Main Street on July 3 and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 860 South Street on July 8.

Public Works Committee: Infrastructure Petitions

The Public Works Committee's June 30 agenda included Petition 062-26 to install a berm at 77 Congress Street toward Lunenburg Street, and Petition 058-26 to convert Hassett Street to a one-way street from Albee Street.

Redevelopment Authority: 166 Boulder Drive

The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority scheduled a July 1 executive session to discuss the potential lease or sale of 166 Boulder Drive.

Coming Up

• **July 6 — License Commission:** Continued public hearing on a new liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC at 1-5 Lunenburg Street, plus entertainment permits for Monty Tech Summer Carnival (July 15–18) and a basketball tournament (August 8).
• **July 7 — City Council:** Votes on $564,800 for airport Main Apron reconstruction and a $300,000 public health grant; public hearing on a 40,000-gallon underground fuel storage license at 49 John Fitch Highway; veto override on City Clerk salary.
• **July 7 — City Council/School Committee (joint):** Appointment of a new School Committee member to fill a vacancy.
• **July 7 — Housing Authority:** Vote on $313,700 in emergency structural repairs at Canton Valley and $76,629.65 in change orders for Wallace Tower.
• **July 7 — Planning Board:** Continued public hearing on a gas station and 4,050-square-foot convenience store at 310 Summer Street, involving demolition of three buildings and redevelopment of six parcels.
• **July 9 — Historical Commission:** Public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior modifications at 533 Main Street in the Monument Park Local Historic District.
• **July 14 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on a special permit for the Fitchburg Housing Authority to build a 13,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility at 1 Normandy Road.

Fitchburg City Council Weighs $190M Budget and Tax Levy Cuts; Housing Authority Faces Emergency Repairs

Fitchburg’s City Council took up the proposed $190.9 million general fund operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027 during a series of meetings in late June, but minutes from those sessions were not yet available. The agenda included votes to redirect more than $6 million in surplus, stabilization, and ARPA funds to lower the tax levy. Meanwhile, upcoming meetings will tackle a $564,800 airport apron project, a $313,700 emergency housing repair, and a public hearing on a new gasoline station.

Budget and Tax Levy

The City Council scheduled multiple meetings between June 24 and June 25 to debate and vote on Mayor’s proposed FY2027 operating budget. The general fund appropriation was pegged at $190,961,167, with water ($9.9 million), wastewater ($18.3 million), and airport ($1.1 million) enterprise funds bringing the total to over $220 million. Several orders on the agenda aimed to reduce the tax rate: $700,000 from Overlay Surplus, $250,000 from the Stabilization Fund, $3,776,232 from Available Funds, and $410,000 from remaining ARPA allocations. The council also considered establishing revolving funds for Parks Activities & Events and Planning Board advertising, each with a $100,000 limit, and a Public Health Sustainability revolving fund capped at $750,000. An ordinance amending Chapter 44 to update grade step pay scales for FY2027 was also on the docket.

Other Recent Council Business

A June 30 Public Works Committee meeting reviewed two resident petitions: one for a berm at 77 Congress Street to address property protection, and another to convert Hassett Street to a one-way from Albee Street. The Planning Board on June 23 held continued hearings on a 32-unit multi-family building at 7 Beekman Street, a proposed gasoline station at 310 Summer Street, and modifications to marijuana retailer operating hours at 346 River Street and 20 Authority Drive. Minutes from all these sessions were not yet published.

Health, Licensing, and Conservation

The Board of Health met July 2 but minutes are pending. Its agenda included a public hearing on a dangerous dog petition for a Pomeranian named Mia at 106 Charlton Street, and discussion of kratom sales restrictions, private well regulation amendments, and an opioid settlement mini-grant update. The License Commission on June 25 agenda listed one-day alcohol permits for The Break Bike Shop on July 3 and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce on July 8. The Conservation Commission on June 22 considered a Certificate of Compliance for 794 Ashburnham Hill Road (DEP #155-0238).

Coming up

A busy week begins July 6. The License Commission will hold a continued public hearing on a new all-alcoholic beverages liquor license for Aurelove Multi Services LLC at 1-5 Lunenburg Street and a noise complaint against Life Church on Ashby State Road. On July 7, the City Council has a public hearing for a 40,000-gallon underground fuel storage license at 49 John Fitch Highway, and votes on a $564,800 airport Main Apron reconstruction and a $300,000 health grant for the Montachusett Public Health Network. A joint convention of the City Council and School Committee that same day will appoint a new School Committee member. Also on July 7, the Fitchburg Housing Authority board votes on $313,700 in emergency structural repairs at Canton Valley, change orders for Wallace Tower totaling $76,629.65, and pre-approval of bids for Overland Street renovation and creative placemaking. The Planning Board continues its public hearing July 7 on the Summer Street gas station and convenience store. On July 14, the Zoning Board of Appeals hears a special permit for a 13,000-square-foot Housing Authority facility at 1 Normandy Road. All meetings are open to the public.