Leominster meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Leominster City Council to weigh eminent domain, zoning changes at Aug. 24 meeting

No major decisions were made at Leominster's government meetings over the past two weeks, as most sessions were agenda-only or fact-finding. But the City Council is set to consider several consequential items on Aug. 24, including an eminent domain taking for the Pleasant Street culvert project and a series of zoning amendments.

Recent meetings

The Legal Affairs Committee met Aug. 11 to gather information on several zoning petitions, including proposed moratoriums on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers. No recommendations or decisions were made; public hearings are scheduled for Aug. 24 and Sept. 14. Petition 65-26 (MU-2 amendments) was withdrawn after being disposed of by the City Council the previous night.

Other recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. These included the License Commission's consideration of one-day liquor licenses for festivals, the City Council's public hearings on a School Street one-way designation and a National Grid pole installation, and the Conservation Commission's review of a Lake Samoset weed management plan.

Upcoming: City Council (Aug. 24)

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an Order of Taking for permanent and temporary easements needed for the Pleasant Street Culvert Replacement Project. The takings affect properties on or near Pleasant and Colburn Streets, with damages totaling $33,910 to be awarded to eight owners. The council will vote on the order, which requires a two-thirds majority.

The council will also hold public hearings on several zoning amendments, including:

• A petition by Donna Molet to raise the protest signature threshold for zoning changes from 20% to 50% of affected landowners, and to lower the required council vote from three-fourths to two-thirds in such cases.
• A petition to add a definition for "Data Center" to the zoning ordinance, with a use table entry that would classify data centers as a special permit use in certain districts and exclude them from being considered office use.
• A petition to change the table of uses so that apartments/multi-family dwellings are no longer allowed in the MU2 district.
• Temporary moratoriums on new data centers and battery storage systems until July 31, 2027.

The council will also consider an appropriation of up to $100,000 from the Gallagher Building Fund for an emergency preamble.

Upcoming: School Committee (Aug. 24)

The School Committee will vote on the FY27 budget, acceptance of gifts, a meal modification policy, student handbooks, and a 403B vendor. The Finance Sub-Committee will also vote on the final FY27 budget and approve warrants.

Coming up

• **Aug. 24** – City Council public hearings and meeting (5:45 PM, City Council Chambers, 25 West Street)
• **Aug. 24** – License Commission (regular meeting, including a one-day license for the Food Truck Festival and a possible liquor violation at Miranda's Pub)
• **Aug. 24** – School Committee (FY27 budget vote)
• **Aug. 25** – Cultural Council (FY27 grant guidelines)
• **Aug. 25** – Conservation Commission (Lake Samoset weed plan, compliance certificates)
• **Aug. 26** – Housing Authority (management agreement, parking lot change order, trash contract)
• **Aug. 26** – Zoning Board of Appeals (battery storage appeal at 5 Chestnut Street)

Leominster council committee reviews zoning changes; no votes taken

This week's Leominster government meetings produced no final decisions, but the City Council's Legal Affairs Committee held a fact-gathering session on several zoning petitions that could shape future development. The committee set public hearing dates for proposed moratoriums on battery storage systems and data centers, as well as changes to the MU2 district. No recommendations were made.

Legal Affairs Committee (Aug. 11)

The committee met to gather information on eight zoning petitions, including proposed temporary moratoriums on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and new data centers until July 31, 2027. No votes were taken. Public hearings are scheduled for Aug. 24 and Sept. 14, 2026. Petition 65-26 (MU-2 amendments) was withdrawn from the agenda after being disposed of by the City Council the previous night. Other petitions discussed include data center definitions, multi-family housing in MU2, and a zoning protest procedure change.

Other recent meetings

Doyle Field Commission (Aug. 4) – Agenda only; discussed memorial updates, masonry repairs to entrance pillars, wrought iron fence repairs, tree removal, and the walking track project.

City Council (Aug. 10) – Agenda only; held public hearings on a proposal to make School Street one-way northbound between West Street and Merriam Avenue, and on National Grid's request to install a utility pole on West Street. Also considered zoning amendments for the MU2 district, data centers, and a BESS moratorium.

License Commission (Aug. 10) – Agenda only; considered one-day liquor licenses for Cheers on Wheels Mobile Bar Company (Hispanic Heritage Festival) and Lalos Mexican Restaurant (Food Truck Festival and Hispanic Heritage Festival).

Conservation Commission (Aug. 11) – Agenda only; reviewed a Notice of Intent for aquatic vegetation management at Lake Samoset, a certificate of compliance for 39 Legate Hill Rd, and an extension request for Whitney Carriage Apartments.

Fall Brook Building Committee (Aug. 11) – Agenda only; reviewed project budget, schedule, and contractor prequalification results for the Fall Brook Elementary School project.

Coming up

Planning Board (Aug. 17) – Public hearings on proposed moratoriums for battery storage systems and data centers, plus continued site plan hearings for 321 Litchfield Street and 396 Main Street.

Housing Authority (Aug. 19) – Votes on a management agreement with Littleton, a parking lot change order, and a solid waste collection contract.

City Council (Aug. 24) – Multiple public hearings, including:

• **Eminent domain taking** for the Pleasant Street Culvert Replacement Project, with damages totaling $33,910 to eight property owners.
• **Zoning changes** to ban apartments in the MU2 district, add a data center definition, and raise the zoning protest threshold from 20% to 50%.
• **National Grid pole installation** on West Street.

All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available on the city's website.

Leominster boards take up data center moratorium, School Street one-way proposal

All of Leominster's board meetings over the past two weeks were agenda-only, with no votes taken or decisions announced. The City Council weighed temporary moratoriums on data centers and battery storage, while other boards reviewed pension payments, conservation projects, and zoning variances.

City Council weighs moratoriums and traffic change

The City Council discussed proposed temporary moratoriums on Battery Storage Systems (BESS) and new data centers until July 31, 2027. The body also reviewed a request from the police department to designate School Street as one-way northbound between West Street and Merriam Avenue. Other items included a proposed "Jungle Road Overlay District" for a self-storage facility at 21 Jungle Road, a payment of $3,242.95 from the FY27 Snow & Ice Budget for an FY26 invoice, and a request from National Grid to install a pole on West Street near Boutelle Street.

Conservation Commission reviews lake management and housing

The Conservation Commission held hearings on an aquatic vegetation management program for Lake Samoset, presented by Mike Vallee. It also continued hearings on three proposed single-family dwellings at 37, 43, and 49 Roche Avenue, all from Pierce Pond Realty Trust. A Certificate of Compliance for 39 Legate Hill Road was on the agenda.

Zoning Board hears variance requests

The Zoning Board of Appeals considered two variance requests: one to construct an accessory dwelling unit at 73 Flaggler Road (Assessors Map 564, Lot 21) and another for a garage addition at 30 Reed Street (Assessors Map 383, Lot 70).

Retirement Board reviews pension actions

The Contributory Retirement Board reviewed Warrant #36 for July Pension Payroll in the amount of $1,298,213.83. It also considered a pension application for Michael K. Boivin with a total monthly amount of approximately $4,233.27, a deduction refund for Lian DeJesus-Melendez of $5,575.79, and a transfer of $103,981.75 in annuity for Richard Dondero to the Essex Regional Retirement System. The board discussed a possible vote to put out a bid for a cyber security company.

Doyle Field Commission discusses repairs

The Doyle Field Commission reviewed the status of several maintenance projects, including the Doyle Family Memorial, masonry repairs to the entrance pillars, repairs to wrought iron fences, tree removal and pruning, and the walking track project.

Coming up

The City Council will hold two public hearings on August 10. The first considers the request to make School Street one-way northbound between West Street and Merriam Avenue. The second addresses National Grid's request to install Pole 19-2 on West Street, approximately 170 feet east of Boutelle Street, including underground laterals, cables, and wires. National Grid has agreed to reserve space on the pole for municipal fire, police, and telephone wires.

Leominster boards weigh data center moratoriums, pension payroll, and cemetery grant

Leominster's city boards covered a wide range of topics in the last two weeks of July, from proposed zoning moratoriums on data centers and battery storage to a $1.29 million pension payroll warrant. All meetings listed below were scheduled with agendas published; minutes have not yet been released, so items reflect what each body was set to consider rather than confirmed outcomes.

City Council: Moratoriums and traffic changes on the table

The City Council's July 27 agenda included proposed temporary moratoriums on Battery Storage Systems (BESS) and new data centers, running until July 31, 2027. The body was also scheduled to review a request to designate School Street as one-way northbound between West Street and Merriam Avenue, a proposed "Jungle Road Overlay District" for a self-storage facility at 21 Jungle Road, and a $3,242.95 payment from the FY27 Snow & Ice Budget for an FY26 invoice. A National Grid request to install a pole on West Street near Boutelle Street was also listed.

Planning Board: Zoning petitions and site plan hearings

On July 20, the Planning Board was set to hold public hearings on five data center zoning petitions (CC Petitions 64-26, 67-26, 65-26, 66-26, and 68-26) and discuss temporary moratoriums for battery storage and data centers. Additional hearings covered a multi-family residential site plan at 396 Main Street, an auto body repair special permit at 508R Main Street, and a two-family dwelling site plan at 321 Litchfield Street.

Contributory Retirement Board: Pension payroll and cyber security bid

The July 28 Retirement Board agenda included Warrant #36 for July Pension Payroll totaling $1,298,213.83. The board was scheduled to review a pension application for Michael K. Boivin with a total monthly amount of approximately $4,233.27, a deduction refund of $5,575.79 for Lian DeJesus-Melendez, and a transfer of $103,981.75 in annuity for Richard Dondero to the Essex Regional Retirement System. The board also planned to discuss and possibly vote on putting out a bid for a cyber security company.

Cemetery Commission: $100,000 grant discussion

The Cemetery Commission's July 21 agenda listed continued discussion of a $100,000 grant from the Mayor, approved by City Council, for cemetery capital needs. Updates on January–June 2026 cemetery statistics, pest and stone damage, and storage pod performance were also scheduled, along with acceptance of June 2026 minutes. No formal decisions were noted on the agenda.

License Commission: Italian Festival licenses

On July 24, the License Commission was set to consider one-day special licenses for three restaurants tied to the Italian Festival: Leominster House of Pizza at 753 Central Street, Anna's Table at 16 Brooks Pond Road, and Il Camino Restaurant at 555 Central Street. The agenda also included a change of manager for the Fraternal Order of the Eagles at 456 Litchfield Street and a change of officers and directors for Paisanos Pizza & Spirits at 450-452 Lancaster Street.

Conservation and Zoning Boards: Hearings on dwellings and variances

The Conservation Commission's July 28 agenda included a vegetation management program for Lake Samoset (Mike Vallee), a Certificate of Compliance for 39 Legate Hill Rd, and continued hearings on three proposed single-family dwellings on Roche Avenue (37, 43, and 49) filed by Pierce Pond Realty Trust.

The Zoning Board of Appeals, also meeting July 28, was scheduled to hear two variance requests: an accessory dwelling unit at 73 Flaggler Road (Assessors Map 564, Lot 21) and a garage addition at 30 Reed Street (Assessors Map 383, Lot 70).

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — Doyle Field Commission:** Status updates on the Doyle Family Memorial, masonry repairs to entrance pillars, wrought iron fence repairs, tree removal and pruning, and the walking track project.
• **Aug. 10 — City Council (public hearing):** Proposal to make School Street one-way northbound between West Street and Merriam Avenue, requested by the Leominster Police Department.
• **Aug. 10 — City Council (public hearing):** National Grid request to install Pole 19-2 on West Street, approximately 170 feet east of Boutelle Street, including underground laterals, cables, and wires. National Grid agrees to reserve space on poles for municipal fire, police, and telephone wires.

Leominster boards weigh parking, precinct shifts, zoning moratoriums; Housing Authority to vote on Littleton management deal

Most Leominster boards meeting over the past week posted agendas only, with minutes not yet published — so what follows reflects what was scheduled for consideration, not confirmed outcomes. The most consequential items on the table included proposed temporary moratoriums on data centers and battery storage systems, changes to two election precinct locations, and a Leominster Housing Authority vote on a one-year management agreement with the Littleton Housing Authority.

City Council — July 13

The City Council had a full agenda, though no vote tallies are available because minutes have not been published. Items scheduled for public hearings and possible action included:

• A proposed no-parking ordinance on Pleasant Street near Bennett School, requested by Leominster Police Sergeant Gregory Robichaud.
• Relocation of Precinct 5C from First Baptist Church, 23 West St, to City Hall Auditorium, 25 West St.
• Relocation of Precinct 4A from Senior Citizens Center, 5 Pond St, to Leominster Veterans' Center, 100 West St.
• Reappointment of Yaw Asante Addow to the Leominster Housing Authority.
• Appointment of Eric Mabie to the Planning Board.
• A proposed one-way traffic designation for School Street between West Street and Merriam Avenue.
• A temporary moratorium on Battery Storage Systems (BESS) through July 31, 2027.
• A temporary moratorium on new data center applications through July 31, 2027.
• Creation of a "Jungle Road Overlay District" for a proposed self-storage facility.

The precinct-change public hearing was scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Library Board of Trustees — July 13

The Leominster Public Library Board of Trustees was set to discuss FY2027 collections and programming budget, a carpet project, a cleaning contract, and a code of conduct amendment. Additional items included June Sunday hours fundraising, an internship with Fitchburg State University, and an independent film proposal. No votes are confirmed in the available record.

License Commission — July 13

The License Commission was scheduled to review one-day special license requests for Gazbar Sports Grill at 1045 Central Street, Classic's Pub at 285 Central Street, and Wyman's Liquors at 30 Pleasant Street.

Conservation Commission — July 14

The Conservation Commission was set to hear Notices of Intent for single-family homes at 43 Stagecoach Rd and at 37, 43, and 49 Roche Ave, a 9-unit multifamily development at 396 Main St, and an aquatic vegetation management program at Lake Samoset.

Disability Commission — July 14

The Disability Commission agenda included a vote on a porta-potty update, discussion regarding J/A, and an update on H/P parking.

Fall Brook Building Committee — July 14

The Fall Brook Building Committee was scheduled to vote on previous meeting minutes, a monthly invoice log and warrant, and designer contract amendments. Discussion items included culvert and sewer scope and an early site package.

Housing Authority — July 15

The Leominster Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was scheduled to vote on Resolution 2026-17, approving a one-year management agreement with the Littleton Housing Authority. That was the sole substantive item on the special meeting agenda.

Coming up

• **Planning Board — July 20:** Public hearings on data center zoning petitions (CC Petitions 64-26, 67-26, 65-26, 66-26, 68-26), a multi-family residential site plan at 396 Main Street, an auto body repair special permit at 508R Main Street, and a two-family dwelling site plan at 321 Litchfield Street. Discussion of temporary moratoriums for battery storage and data centers is also on the agenda.
• **Cemetery Commission — July 21:** Discussion of a $100,000 mayoral grant approved by City Council for cemetery capital needs, plus updates on January–June 2026 cemetery statistics, pest and stone damage, and storage pod performance.

Leominster boards weigh zoning, licenses, and $682,000 in fund transfers in late June

Leominster's City Council, Planning Board, License Commission, and several other bodies met the week of June 22–30, 2026. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, the items below reflect what was on each agenda for consideration — not what was ultimately voted on. Residents should consult the official minutes once released to confirm outcomes.

City Council: $682,000 in proposed transfers, zoning changes, traffic hearings

The City Council's June 22 agenda included several financial transfers: $500,000 to the stabilization account from excess and deficiency, $100,000 to the Refuse Disposal Account, and $82,000 to the Safe Streets For All grant.

On zoning, the council was scheduled to consider the proposed "Jungle Road Overlay District" for a self-storage facility at 21 Jungle Road, along with amendments to the MU2 District regarding multi-family housing and buffers. New zoning definitions for data centers were also listed.

Three public hearings were set on traffic matters: stop signs on Highland Ave (at the Abbott Ave. cut-through, requested by Ward 5 Councilor Carrie Noseworthy), a stop sign on Hoover Street northerly at Chalmers Street (also requested by Councilor Noseworthy), and a "No Parking" ordinance on Pleasant Street near Bennett School, requested by the Police Department.

License Commission: New alcohol license sought for Aromas Latin Fusion

The License Commission held public hearings on several alcohol license changes June 22:

• Paisanos Pizza, 450-452 Lancaster St. — change of stockholders
• Tavern 13, 13 Central St. — license transfer
• Aromas Latin Fusion, 785 North Main St. — new all-alcoholic beverages license

The commission also considered a temporary extension of hours for Columbia Tavern at 16R Central St. and a new Class II Dealer license for Greats Auto Group at 591 North Main St.

Planning Board: Data centers, multi-family zoning, site plans

The Planning Board's June 22 agenda included public hearings on site plans for a commercial building at 1341 Central St. and a two-family residential project at 321 Litchfield St. A continued hearing was scheduled on a special permit to convert 92 Pleasant St. from commercial to residential.

The board also planned to discuss citizen petitions to define "Data Center" in the zoning bylaw and amend multi-family use in the MU2 district. An update on the road completion estimate and covenant release for the Bassett Street subdivision was also listed.

Conservation Commission: 9-unit multifamily at 396 Main St.

The Conservation Commission met June 23 to review three Notices of Intent for projects near wetlands, including a proposed 9-unit multifamily development with parking and stormwater management at 396 Main St. Continued hearings were scheduled for a single-family home at 43 Stagecoach Rd. and a single-family dwelling at Lot 1 Wachusett St. (DEP 199-1232). A request for a Certificate of Compliance was also on the agenda.

Housing Authority: May financials, three resolutions

The Housing Authority Board met June 24 to approve May 2026 financials and review a modernization/work order report. Three resolutions were listed: Resolution 2026-15 to update the Language Access Plan, Resolution 2026-16 amending the FSS Action Plan, and Resolution 2026-17 amending the LHA Administrative Plan.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Four property cases

The Zoning Board of Appeals met June 30 to consider four cases:

• Continued: variance for an accessory dwelling unit at 11 Crimson Court
• Continued: special permit for a sixth-unit renovation at 77 Church Street
• New: variance to demolish and rebuild a garage at 58 Crestfield Lane
• New: special permit for non-conforming use expansion (vehicle storage) at Lot 3 Mead Street for Durand GMC-Buick

Contributory Retirement Board

The Leominster Contributory Retirement Board held a routine monthly meeting June 29 covering warrants, new membership applications, cash books, pension applications, deaths, education, and an executive session. No specific financial amounts or policy changes were listed on the agenda.

Coming up

• **July 13 — City Council:** Public hearing on a no-parking ordinance for Pleasant Street near Bennett School, requested by Leominster Police Sergeant Gregory Robichaud. The council may vote to enact the ordinance.
• **July 13 — City Council:** Public hearing and vote on relocating two voting precincts. Precinct SC would move from First Baptist Church (23 West St.) to City Hall Auditorium (25 West St.), and Precinct 4A would move from the Senior Citizens Center (5 Pond St.) to the Leominster Veterans' Center (100 West St.).

City Council considers $500,000 transfer, Jungle Road overlay district

The Leominster City Council took up a proposal to transfer $500,000 into the stabilization account during its June 22 meeting, alongside a new overlay district for a self-storage facility on Jungle Road and several traffic-calming measures. No final votes were recorded as minutes have not yet been published, but the agenda detailed a series of public hearings that also touched on zoning for data centers and multi-family housing.

Financial transfers and grants

The council agenda included a $500,000 transfer to the stabilization account from excess and deficiency funds, as well as $100,000 for the Refuse Disposal Account and $82,000 for a Safe Streets For All grant. These items were among those considered without published outcomes.

Zoning and land use

A proposed "Jungle Road Overlay District" would allow a self-storage facility at 21 Jungle Road. The Planning Board concurrently discussed citizen petitions to define "Data Center" in the zoning code and restrict multi-family dwellings in the MU2 district. The board also held site-plan hearings for a commercial building at 1341 Central St. and a two-family residence at 321 Litchfield St., and continued a special permit for converting 92 Pleasant St. from commercial to residential use.

The Zoning Board of Appeals, meeting June 30, weighed four cases: a variance for an accessory dwelling unit at 11 Crimson Court, a special permit for adding a sixth unit at 77 Church Street, a variance to rebuild a garage at 58 Crestfield Lane, and a special permit to expand vehicle storage for Durand GMC-Buick on Mead Street. Those votes are also pending.

The Conservation Commission on June 23 examined a notice of intent for a 9-unit multifamily development with parking and stormwater management at 396 Main St., as well as continued hearings for single-family homes on Stagecoach Road and Wachusett Street.

Traffic and parking

Several public hearings on June 22 addressed stop signs and parking restrictions. Ward 5 Councilor Carrie Noseworthy requested stop signs at the cut-through between Highland Avenue and Abbott Avenue and at Hoover and Chalmers Streets. The police department sought a "No Parking" ordinance for Pleasant Street near Bennett School, which was revisited as an upcoming hearing on July 13.

Licenses

The License Commission on June 22 held hearings for a new all-alcoholic beverages license for Aromas Latin Fusion at 785 North Main St., a stockholder change at Paisanos Pizza, a license transfer for Tavern 13, and a temporary hours extension for Columbia Tavern. A new Class II Dealer license application from Greats Auto Group was also on the docket.

Other bodies

The Housing Authority on June 24 planned to approve May financials and update its language access and FSS action plans. The Contributory Retirement Board met June 29 with a routine agenda of warrants, membership, and pension reviews.

Coming up

The City Council will meet July 13 to consider a no-parking ordinance on Pleasant Street near Bennett School, requested by the police department. The same session includes a public hearing and vote on moving two voting precincts: Precinct SC from First Baptist Church to City Hall Auditorium at 25 West St., and Precinct 4A from the Senior Citizens Center to the Leominster Veterans' Center at 100 West St.