Middleborough meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Middleborough boards to weigh drought, historic demolition, and utility upgrades

Middleborough's boards and commissions have a full slate of meetings this week, with agendas covering water management, a historic building's fate, utility infrastructure, and more. As of this writing, minutes from these meetings have not been published, so no decisions have been reported.

Select Board

At its Aug. 17 meeting, the Select Board will vote on a revision to the town's Summer Water Management to Level 1 – Mild Drought, a recommendation to clarify tuberculosis (TB) screening requirements for body art practitioners, and a local variance for 11 Sharon Road to reduce the well setback from 150 to 102 feet. The board will also set the date for the Fall 2026 Special Town Meeting (Oct. 5 or 19) and hold a public hearing at 7:30 PM for a new fuel storage license at 200 Canopy Drive.

Zoning Board of Appeals

On Aug. 13, the ZBA will consider a special permit request from Trevor Hall to demolish an existing 637-square-foot cottage and rebuild a 745-square-foot cottage with a 160-square-foot deck at 21 King's Way.

Historical Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing on Aug. 11 on a demolition permit for 20 Wareham Street, a building listed on the National Historic Register (2000) and designated as a Significant Structure. The commission will decide whether to designate it as "Preferably Preserved" or allow demolition under town code §122-3F.

Gas & Electric Commission

On Aug. 12, the commission will vote on a bid for the LNG Trim Heater Replacement and Emergency Generator Installation. The agenda also includes a presentation by Energy New England's President & CEO, John Tzimorangas.

Herring Fishery Commission

The commission will meet Aug. 12 to review the 2026 herring count from the Division of Marine Fisheries, discuss river conditions and maintenance, and consider a funding application to the Community Preservation Committee. A planned drawdown at Wareham Street Dam by the Nature Conservancy is also on the agenda.

Conservation Commission

On Aug. 20, the commission will consider a Notice of Intent for a single-family home at 0 Cedar Street, continuations for an indoor riding arena at 64 Benson Street and a wetland delineation at 0 Vernon Street, and a memorandum of understanding for parking lot use at Oliver Estate with the Tourism Committee.

Other meetings

• **Community Preservation Committee** (Aug. 19): project updates, FY27 grant agreements, and a 5-year plan presentation.
• **Library Board of Trustees** (Aug. 17): possible vote on forming a Middleborough Library Foundation.
• **Regional planning** (Aug. 12 and 18): votes on releasing the Congestion Management Plan and Food Access and Security in Transportation Plan for a 21-day public comment period.

Coming up

• **Library Board of Trustees** – Aug. 24, executive session on a personnel complaint.
• **Board of Assessors** – Aug. 24, review of abatements and classification hearing.
• **Library Policy and Bylaws Subcommittee** – Aug. 24, discussion of bylaw updates.

Middleborough boards weigh dam repairs, zoning changes, and surf park; decisions pending

Recent meetings of Middleborough boards and committees covered a range of proposals, from dam repairs and a battery tax agreement to zoning changes and a surf park. However, minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no official decisions are confirmed. The most consequential item on recent agendas was the Select Board's consideration of a contract for Stony Brook Pond Dam improvements and a proposed battery tax agreement with Kearsarge Energy.

Select Board

On Aug. 3, the Select Board agenda included a contract review for Lucianos Excavation Inc. for Stony Brook Pond Dam improvements at 67 East Main Street, a vote on a proposed battery tax agreement (PILOT) with Kearsarge Energy on Jericho Road, a public hearing on special permits for dam repairs, votes on 10 one-day beer and wine liquor licenses for Center Ave LLC at 133 Centre Street, and a vote to declare Fire Department vehicles and equipment as surplus. No outcomes are available.

Planning Board

On Aug. 4, the Planning Board considered time extensions for two residential projects (Moulton Street, Map 49 Lot 3087, and Carey Street, Map 49 Lot 3934) to Sept. 30, 2026. The board also held public hearings on a proposed zoning change for Freedman's Junkyard at 162 East Grove Street and a zoning amendment to prohibit data centers. The agenda included a payment of $8,775.00 to Apex Companies, LLC for Fall Brook Subdivision.

Conservation Commission

On Aug. 6, the Conservation Commission reviewed a Notice of Intent for a surf park, three buildings, and 35 motel units at 0 East Grove Street, a continuation for a 13,900-square-foot water treatment plant at 42 Miller Street, and a Notice of Intent for a single-family home at Lot 9 Christina Way. The commission also considered an amendment to restore 1,740 square feet of buffer at 485R Wareham Street and wetland delineations for parcels at the Rt. 44/Rte. 18/Rte. 495 Rotary and 0 Vernon Street.

Historical Commission

On Aug. 11, the Historical Commission held a public hearing on a demolition permit for 20 Wareham Street, a building listed on the National Historic Register and designated as a Significant Structure. The commission was to decide whether to designate it as "Preferably Preserved" or allow demolition under town code.

Zoning Board of Appeals

On Aug. 13, the ZBA considered a special permit request by Trevor Hall to demolish an existing 637 sq ft cottage and rebuild a new 745 sq ft cottage with a 160 sq ft deck at 21 King's Way (Map 061, lot 3067).

Coming up

• **Aug. 17** – Library Board of Trustees: discussion and possible vote on forming a Middleborough Library Foundation.
• **Aug. 17** – Select Board: votes on revising summer water management to Level 1 (Mild Drought), clarifying TB screening requirements for body art practitioners, and setting the Fall 2026 Special Town Meeting date (Oct. 5 or 19). A public hearing on a new fuel storage license at 200 Canopy Drive is also scheduled.
• **Aug. 18** – Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization: votes on releasing draft Congestion Management Plan and Food Access and Security in Transportation Plan for 21-day public comment.
• **Aug. 19** – Community Preservation Committee: review of Oliver Mill Park project, 5-year plan presentation, and FY27 grant agreements.
• **Aug. 20** – Conservation Commission: wetland permits for a single-family home at 0 Cedar Street and an indoor riding arena at 64 Benson Street, plus a parking lot agreement with the Tourism Committee.

Middleborough boards weigh dam repairs, zoning changes, and surf park this week

Middleborough town boards held a busy week of meetings, with the Select Board considering dam improvements and a battery tax agreement, the Planning Board weighing zoning changes, and the Conservation Commission reviewing a proposed surf park. All meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final decisions have been reported.

Select Board: Dam repairs and battery tax agreement

The Select Board met August 3 to discuss a contract for Stony Brook Pond Dam improvements at 67 East Main Street with Lucianos Excavation Inc. The board also considered a proposed battery tax agreement (PILOT) with Kearsarge Energy on Jericho Road. A public hearing was held on special permits for the dam repairs. The board voted on 10 one-day beer and wine liquor licenses for Center Ave LLC at 133 Centre Street and voted to declare Fire Department vehicles and equipment as surplus.

Planning Board: Zoning changes and project extensions

The Planning Board met August 4 at 6:30 PM in Town Hall. It voted to extend time for two residential projects—one on Moulton Street (Map 49, Lot 3087) and one on Carey Street (Map 49, Lot 3934)—both to September 30, 2026. Public hearings were held on a proposed zoning change for Freedman’s Junkyard at 162 East Grove Street and on a zoning amendment to prohibit data centers. The board also approved a payment of $8,775.00 to Apex Companies, LLC for the Fall Brook Subdivision.

Conservation Commission: Surf park and water treatment plant

The Conservation Commission met August 6 to review several wetland-related applications. A Notice of Intent was discussed for a surf park, three buildings, and 35 motel units at 0 East Grove Street. The commission continued a Notice of Intent for a 13,900-square-foot Water Treatment Plant building at 42 Miller Street. It also reviewed a Notice of Intent for a single-family home at Lot 9 Christina Way and a request to amend an Order of Conditions to restore 1,740 square feet of buffer at 485R Wareham Street. Wetland delineations were voted on for parcels at the Rt. 44/Rte. 18/Rte. 495 Rotary and 0 Vernon Street.

Town Manager Search Committee

The Town Manager Search Committee met three times (July 29, August 5, and August 6) to review resumes and interview applicants for the Town Manager position. Each meeting entered executive session under state law and did not return to open session. The committee also approved minutes from prior open and executive sessions.

Other meetings

The Board of Assessors met July 27 to approve routine tax items, including the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #4 for 2026 and monthly abatement reports for May and June. The board also reviewed new septic betterment agreements and early payoff requests, discussed the Fiscal 2027 budget, and considered excise and real estate exemption applications in executive session.

The Weston Forest Committee met August 4 to approve minutes, finalize a design for Weston Forest shirts (costs and quantity to be confirmed), review no-hunting sign postings, and discuss trail work plans.

Coming up

The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing August 11 on a demolition permit request for 20 Wareham Street. The building is listed on the National Historic Register (2000) and designated as a Significant Structure. The commission will decide whether to designate it as “Preferably Preserved” or allow demolition under town code §122-3F.

Middleborough boards weighed water borrowing, dam contract, and surf park hearings — but no decisions are confirmed yet

Middleborough's boards and committees covered a wide range of business over the past two weeks, from a proposed $7.5 million water facility loan to public hearings on a large surf park off East Grove Street. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so no votes or decisions can be confirmed from the available record. What follows is what each body was scheduled to take up.

Select Board — July 20

The Select Board's agenda included a vote on borrowing $7,500,000 from the Mass. Clean Water Trust for the Drinking Water Facility Project, authorized at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting. The board was also scheduled to discuss purchasing three Miller Street properties (Map 80, Lots 3498, 4135, and 4956) approved at the 2026 Town Meeting, and to vote on a notice to proceed for the Stony Brook Pond Dam Improvement Project with lowest bidder Lucianos Excavation Inc. Additional items included a proposed battery tax agreement with Kearsarge Energy on Jericho Road, a 7:30 PM hearing on a special permit for a 40,900 sq. ft. concrete manufacturing building at 18 Cowan Drive, and several liquor license approvals.

School Committee — July 23

The School Committee had two meetings listed for July 23. One agenda included a vote on a contract for the Lincoln D. Lynch School roof and an executive session to discuss a Pupil Personnel Services Director candidate. A second meeting scheduled for 5:45 PM at School Street School was cancelled; its agenda listed only a MASC Workshop/Retreat with no other business items.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 23

The ZBA was scheduled to hold a special permit hearing for N.E.S.P., LLC for a surf park, three buildings, accessory structures, and 35 cottage-style hotel/motel units exceeding 20,000 square feet on a 20+ acre parcel off East Grove Street (Map 072, Lot 2616). A second hearing concerned a special permit for a second accessory dwelling unit at 321 Wareham Street (Map 072, Lot 2092) for Craig Gillis. The board also planned to vote on releasing $1,640.80 plus interest to Sachem Construction for the Sumner Avenue project.

Planning Board — July 21

The Planning Board scheduled public hearings on two subdivisions: Grace Estates (Map 71, Lot 2938, Robert Grace, Trs., deadline 7/28/2026) and Fall Brook Subdivision (Map 72, Lot 2616, N.E.S.P., LLC, deadline 8/5/2026). The agenda also included a certificate of completion for Morton Estates, a proposed zoning change for Freedman's Junkyard at 162 East Grove Street, and payment of PMP Consulting invoices totaling $1,108.75 for Campus 44 and Rose Ridge.

Historical Commission — July 21

The Historical Commission was set to hear a presentation from developers on the proposed Wavegarden/Surf Park at 177 East Grove Street (the former Schobel Dairy Farm/Fall Creek Farm) and develop its opinion for submission to state environmental and historical agencies by a July 28 comment deadline.

Other meetings

The Community Preservation Committee and Select Board were scheduled to jointly appoint an at-large CPC member. The Library Board of Trustees planned to discuss and possibly vote on forming a Middleborough Library Foundation. GATRA held a quarterly public feedback forum on transit services on July 23. The Board of Assessors met July 27 to approve Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #4 for 2026 and monthly abatement reports. The Town Manager Search Committee met July 29 at MCCAM Studio, 1 South Main Street, to interview applicants in executive session.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Select Board:** Contract review for Lucianos Excavation Inc. for Stony Brook Pond Dam improvements at 67 East Main Street; vote on a proposed battery tax agreement (PILOT) with Kearsarge Energy on Jericho Road; vote on 10 one-day beer and wine liquor licenses for Center Ave LLC at 133 Centre Street; and a vote to declare Fire Department vehicles and equipment as surplus.
• **Aug. 4 — Planning Board:** Votes on time extensions for Moulton Street (Map 49, Lot 3087) and Carey Street (Map 49, Lot 3934) projects to September 30, 2026; public hearings on a zoning change for Freedman's Junkyard at 162 East Grove Street and a proposed zoning amendment to prohibit data centers; payment of $8,775.00 to Apex Companies, LLC for Fall Brook Subdivision.
• **Aug. 6 — Conservation Commission:** Notice of Intent for a surf park, three buildings, and 35 motel units at 0 East Grove Street; continuation of a Notice of Intent for a 13,900 sq. ft. Water Treatment Plant at 42 Miller Street; and votes on wetland delineations for parcels at the Rt. 44/Rte. 18/Rte. 495 Rotary and 0 Vernon Street.
• **Aug. 11 — Historical Commission:** Public hearing on a demolition permit for 20 Wareham Street, a Significant Structure on the National Historic Register (2000), with a decision on a 'Preferably Preserved' designation or demolition under §122-3F.

Note: All recent meetings listed above are documented as "agenda only" — minutes have not yet been published. Readers should consult official town records for confirmed outcomes of any votes.