Shrewsbury meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Select Board approves gas main, hazard plan, and $76,000 road amendment; high school design firm vote ahead

The Shrewsbury Select Board unanimously approved several items at its Aug. 11 meeting, including a natural gas transmission main for Eversource on Lake Street, the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and a $76,000 amendment to the Prologis agreement for road improvements at the Route 20/Centech Blvd intersection. The board also approved a road closure for Rams Gate Place on Sept. 12, an address change for 1-7 Maple Avenue, and a measure placing EMTs into Group 4 of the retirement system. All votes were unanimous. The board discussed emerging land-use issues such as drones, data centers, and battery storage but took no action on those topics.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards met over the past two weeks, though their agendas were largely procedural or pending action.

• **Parks & Cemetery Commission (Aug. 11)** – The commission was scheduled to discuss and possibly vote on cemetery lot purchase exceptions, new cemetery rules and pricing, food-truck events at Maple Ave Fields, Lake Street Park, and Dean Park, and a proposal for temporary bleachers purchased by Shrewsbury Little League at Dean Park.
• **Board of Health (Aug. 12)** – The board was set to vote on an appeal by property owners Judith F. Karlin and Karen Reynolds regarding an on-site disposal system upgrade at 12 Ridge Road, and to elect a chair and reappoint health agents for FY27.
• **Conservation Commission (Aug. 18)** – Held public hearings on multiple wetland permit cases, including a mixed-use development at 525 Hartford Turnpike, commercial and residential buildings at 331 & 335 Maple Avenue, and a car dealership at 957 Boston Turnpike.
• **Lake Quinsigamond Commission (Aug. 19)** – Reviewed a proposal from TRC Companies for a weed mapping study at Newton Pond.
• **School Committee (Aug. 19)** – Held a workshop on roles, Open Meeting Law, and strategic planning for the 2026-27 school year; no votes were scheduled.
• **Town Clerk (Aug. 20)** – Conducted public testing of voting equipment for the Sept. 1 State Primary Election.

Several other committees met with routine agendas, including the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, the 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee, the Trails Committee, the Council on Aging, the Shrewsbury Development Corporation, and the Regional Opioid Task Force.

Coming up

• **Zoning Board of Appeals – Aug. 24, 7:00 p.m.** – Public hearings on variances for pool setbacks, garage permits, and a withdrawn commercial request at 894 Boston Tpke.
• **Shrewsbury High School Building Committee – Aug. 25** – Vote to authorize fee and contract negotiations with design firm SMMA for the new high school project.
• **Select Board – Aug. 25** – Public hearing on naming a public space for former employee Dawn Shannon; also to act on transferring a Host Community Agreement from Pharmacannis to MiLou MA, LLC, and review year-end FY2026 financial results.
• **Retirement Board – Aug. 26** – Review of the Dahab Associates 2nd Quarter Report and recommendations for a Small/Mid Cap RFP.
• **Lake Quinsigamond Commission – Aug. 26** – Vote on the 2026 Head of the Quinsigamond Regatta application and updates on weed control contracts.
• **WRTA Advisory Board – Aug. 27, 8:00 a.m.** – Hybrid meeting at the WRTA Hub in Worcester; open to Shrewsbury residents.

All meetings are open to the public. Check the town website for agendas and remote participation details.

Shrewsbury boards weigh gas line, development, and septic appeal; no final votes recorded

Over the past two weeks, Shrewsbury's boards and committees met on a wide range of items, but no final decisions have been recorded yet — all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The most consequential items under consideration include a natural gas transmission line, a mixed-use development, and a septic system appeal.

Select Board weighs gas line and hazard plan

The Select Board held a public hearing on Eversource's request to install a natural gas transmission main on Lake Street. The board also considered adopting the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan and discussed emerging land use issues such as drones, data centers, and battery storage facilities. In addition, the board reviewed an amendment to the Prologis agreement for intersection improvements at Centech Boulevard and Route 20, and a road closure request for Rams Gate Place on Sept. 12 for a neighborhood party.

Planning Board continues development hearings

The Planning Board continued public hearings on a proposed mixed-use development at 525 Hartford Turnpike (Virginia K Luke Irrevocable Trust) and a car dealership at 957 Boston Turnpike & 269 Walnut Street (WJC Enterprises Inc.). The board also reviewed new proposals for an addition at 26 Maple Avenue and a site redesign at 9 Tatum Road, and voted on updating fee-in-lieu figures and bond issuance for 193 Hartford Turnpike.

Other notable items

• The Board of Health heard an appeal by property owners Judith F. Karlin and Karen Reynolds regarding an on-site disposal system upgrade at 12 Ridge Road. The board also elected a chair, reappointed health agents for FY27, and designated a PHEP representative.
• The Westborough Treatment Plant Board reviewed outstanding invoices totaling $59,988.99, including a National Grid invoice of $46,889.82, a Kearsarge invoice of $13,099.17, and Tighe & Bond invoices of $3,141.63 and $5,420.00. The board also discussed the Headworks and Rotor Replacement projects.
• The Parks & Cemetery Commission discussed and possibly voted on new cemetery rules and pricing, a request for an exception to the cemetery lot purchase policy, and proposals for food trucks at several events, including a Trails Committee 5K run at Lake Street Park on Oct. 3 and a 300th Committee after party on Oct. 17, 2027. The commission also considered temporary bleachers purchased by Shrewsbury Little League at Dean Park.
• The Community Preservation Committee reviewed $3,500 in coalition dues, approved the closeout of the Ledger Restoration project, and considered eligibility for a 300th Anniversary Tree Planting Pilot Project.
• The Council on Aging Board reviewed financial reports, including a $7,000 MCOA Outreach Grant and a $25,000 Formula Grant for Expanded Transportation.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17** – Form of Government Study Committee: discussion with Town Manager Kevin Mizikar, survey closure, and outreach planning.
• **Aug. 17** – Shrewsbury Development Corporation: vote to appoint a representative to the Master Plan Steering Committee.
• **Aug. 18** – Regional Opioid Task Force: votes on grant funding, leadership, and position descriptions.
• **Aug. 18** – Conservation Commission: public hearings on multiple wetland permit cases, including a mixed-use development at 525 Hartford Turnpike and a car dealership at 957 Boston Turnpike.
• **Aug. 19** – Lake Quinsigamond Commission: review of a weed mapping study proposal at Newton Pond.
• **Aug. 19** – School Committee workshop: roles, Open Meeting Law, and 2026-27 priorities.
• **Aug. 20** – Town Clerk: public test of voting equipment for the Sept. 1 State Primary, 9 a.m. at the Municipal Office Building.
• **Aug. 27** – WRTA Advisory Board: hybrid meeting at the WRTA Hub, 60 Foster Street, Worcester, with public comments accepted.

Shrewsbury boards weigh permits, finances, and lake treatment; no decisions yet

Shrewsbury's boards and committees held a busy week of meetings, but none have published minutes yet, so all items remain pending. The most consequential items on the agenda include a license change for Whole Foods, special permits for a garage and auto salesroom, and a second herbicide treatment for Sacred Lotus in Lake Quinsigamond.

Zoning Board of Appeals (July 27)

The Zoning Board of Appeals met July 27 with an agenda that included public hearings for special permits at 894 Boston Turnpike (RJ Foley LLC) for a garage, repair shop, and auto salesroom. The board also considered a variance for a single-family home on an undersized lot at 15 Overlook Ave (Daniel Taft) – 9,770 sq. ft. versus the required 12,500 sq. ft. A continuation request for similar uses at 957 Boston Turnpike (McCarty Engineering) was on the agenda, along with variances for a pool and shed at 47 Lear Street (Daniel Ford) and 24A Old Faith Road (Bjorn Bakken). The board reviewed bills totaling $124.20.

Select Board (July 28 and Aug. 4)

At its July 28 meeting, the Select Board was set to vote on a change of corporate structure and officers for Whole Foods Market's alcohol license at 193 Boston Turnpike, Unit 1100. The board also considered a road race request for the Barefoot Half Marathon on Sept. 6, starting in Shrewsbury, and appointments to the Master Plan Steering Committee, Conservation Commission, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. Resident emails on town center revitalization and pedestrian safety were also reviewed.

On Aug. 4, the board held a workshop to review preliminary FY26 financial results, property tax delinquency status, land use planning and zoning matters, a fall special town meeting agenda, and a welcoming community statement request from the DEIB Committee.

Lake Quinsigamond Commission (July 29)

The commission met July 29 with a vote scheduled on a second herbicide treatment for Sacred Lotus. It also reviewed hydroraking proposals, discussed a fallen tree in Flint Pond creating a navigational hazard, and received an update on Sen. Ryan Fattman's Bill S.3099 restricting wake boats. Bass fishing events and two regatta applications (Quinsigamond Snake, Wormtown Chase) were on the agenda.

Other meetings of note

• **Community Preservation Committee (Aug. 3):** Reviewed $3,500 in coalition dues, approved the closeout of the Ledger Restoration project, and considered eligibility for a 300th Anniversary Tree Planting Pilot Project. The committee also discussed moving its meeting time to 6 p.m.
• **Form of Government Study Committee (Aug. 3):** Met with Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator of Franklin, and discussed an outreach survey, interviews with elected officials, and milestone reporting.
• **Central Massachusetts Veterans Service District Board (Aug. 3):** Discussed creating a new administrative position (paid or unpaid internship), renaming the VSO title to Veteran Agent, and the state housing crisis.
• **Finance Committee (Aug. 4):** Reviewed the town budget and capital spending items, with potential votes on financial matters.
• **Shrewsbury Housing Authority (Aug. 4):** Reviewed financial reports, maintenance updates, and HAP accounting registers for July and August 2026.
• **Sustainability Committee (Aug. 4):** Routine meeting covering Japanese Knotweed correspondence, an interview request, and outreach planning.
• **Parks & Cemetery Commission (Aug. 4):** Considered temporary bleachers at Dean Park, food trucks at a Movie in the Park event, draft cemetery rules and pricing, and sale of lot cards.

Coming up

• **Parks & Cemetery Commission (Aug. 11):** Will discuss and possibly vote on an exception to the cemetery lot purchase policy, new cemetery rules and pricing, food trucks at events at Maple Ave Fields, Lake Street Park, and Dean Park, and temporary bleachers for Shrewsbury Little League at Dean Park.
• **Council on Aging Board (Aug. 12):** Will review financial reports, an MCOA Outreach Grant of $7,000, a Formula Grant of $25,000 for expanded transportation, a special trip reservation policy update, and a PlayOn 60+ MOU.

Shrewsbury boards weigh Route 20 widening, development hearings, and lake herbicide treatment

Shrewsbury's town boards held a busy stretch of meetings from July 21 through July 29, covering conservation hearings, zoning permits, a Select Board agenda, and lake management. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so what follows reflects agendas only — not confirmed outcomes.

Conservation Commission — July 21

The Conservation Commission scheduled public hearings on several projects. A new hearing was set for MassDOT's request to amend an Order of Conditions for Route 20 improvements from the South Street connector to the Route 9 connector, including widening and shared-use path construction.

Continued hearings were listed for a mixed-use development at 525 Hartford Turnpike (12,000 sq ft commercial, 2 residential buildings) and a commercial/retail project at 331 & 335 Maple Avenue (8 commercial, 5 residential buildings). The commission also planned to consider tree removal at 19 Forest Avenue and a request for continuance on tree removal from the Lake Quinsigamond Commission, plus projects at 957 Boston Turnpike and 74 & 76 Grove Street.

Retirement Board — July 22

The Shrewsbury Contributory Retirement System Board met at 8:00 AM in Town Hall to review membership enrollment forms, refund and retirement applications, service purchases, monthly bill schedules and payroll, accounting reports, and transfers to or from PRIT.

Housing Authority — July 22

The Shrewsbury Housing Authority held a special remote meeting with one action item: discussing and voting on Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) #10.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 27

The ZBA scheduled public hearings on two special permit requests by RJ Foley LLC for a garage, repair shop, and auto salesroom at 894 Boston Turnpike, and a variance request from Daniel Taft to build a single-family home at 15 Overlook Avenue on a 9,770 sq. ft. lot where 12,500 sq. ft. is required.

A continuation request was listed for McCarty Engineering at 957 Boston Turnpike for similar garage and auto salesroom uses. Variances included Daniel Ford at 47 Lear Street for a pool 0 ft. from a dwelling, a garage addition 9.3 ft. from the side setback, and expansion of a non-conforming dwelling; and Bjorn Bakken at 24A Old Faith Road for a shed 4.8 ft. from the side setback and in the front yard. The board also planned to review bills totaling $124.20 and discuss appointing a representative to the Master Plan Steering Committee.

Select Board — July 28

The Select Board agenda included a vote on a license change for Whole Foods Market at 193 Boston Turnpike, Unit 1100, involving a change of corporate structure and officers for its alcohol license. The board also planned to consider the Barefoot Half Marathon road race request for September 6, 2026, and appointments to the Master Plan Steering Committee, Conservation Commission, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. Resident emails on town center revitalization from Pamela Braverman and pedestrian accessibility and drainage at Maple Avenue and Route 9 from Carissa Ford were listed for review.

Lake Quinsigamond Commission — July 29

The commission planned a vote on a second Sacred Lotus herbicide treatment and action on hydroraking proposals. Discussion items included a fallen tree in Flint Pond creating a navigational hazard, an update on Sen. Ryan Fattman's Bill S.3099 restricting wake boats, and review of bass fishing events and two regatta applications (Quinsigamond Snake, Wormtown Chase).

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Community Preservation Committee:** Vote on closeout of the Ledger Restoration project, $3,500 in coalition dues, and eligibility for a 300th Anniversary Tree Planting Pilot Project.
• **Aug. 3 — Form of Government Study Committee:** Discussion with Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator of Franklin, plus outreach survey and department head reports.
• **Aug. 3 — Central Massachusetts Veterans Service District Board:** Creating a new administrative position, renaming the VSO title to Veteran Agent, and reviewing the CH115 housing crisis.
• **Aug. 4 — Select Board:** Workshop on preliminary FY26 financial results, property tax delinquency, land use planning, and a fall special town meeting.
• **Aug. 4 — Parks & Cemetery Commission:** Temporary bleachers at Dean Park, food trucks at Movie in the Park on August 28, and draft cemetery rules and pricing.
• **Aug. 4 — Housing Authority:** Financial and program reports covering Francis Gardens, Elizabeth Street, Shrewsbury Tower, and Section 8.
• **Aug. 12 — Council on Aging Board:** Financial reports, a $7,000 MCOA Outreach Grant, and a $25,000 Formula Grant for expanded transportation.