Stow meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Stow boards weigh stormwater rules, 26-unit development, and liquor license expansion

Stow town boards met over the past two weeks on a range of items, from stormwater management rules to a 26-unit housing development, though minutes from those meetings have not yet been published. The most consequential items on the table include a Planning Board vote on new stormwater regulations and a Conservation Commission hearing on a large residential project.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met Aug. 18 to deliberate and vote on stormwater management permit rules and regulations, and on signage plans for Masters Academy International. The board also reviewed state bills with land use implications, discussed Lower Village Business District zoning amendments, and considered a consolidated local permitting process for small solar and battery storage systems. No vote results were available as of this writing.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission held public hearings Aug. 18 on five applications: a fence installation and deck replacement at 358 Great Road, invasive plant removal at 247 West Acton Road, a septic replacement at 248 Harvard Road, and a resource area delineation at 144 Red Acre Road. A continued hearing for a 26-unit planned conservation development at 33 & 45 Walcott Street was postponed without testimony to Sept. 2, 2026.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals continued a public hearing Aug. 19 on a property at 0 Great Road, covering a variance request, an appeal of a Building Commissioner decision, and a special permit application. The hearing, first held Aug. 3, was open in person at 380 Great Road and via Zoom.

Other boards

The Board of Assessors met Aug. 10 to vote on a solar panel matter, Community Preservation Committee representation, and board reorganization, and to review FY2027 personal exemption applications and pending Appellate Tax Board litigation. The Randall Library Trustees reviewed the FY2026 budget and considered approving a letter regarding a musket, and received updates on the new children's librarian and an opening event. The Green Advisory Committee met Aug. 13 to vote on officers, discuss a polystyrene reduction bylaw, and review grant opportunities, including a Climate Leaders Technical Support Grant and potential Green Communities grants. The Community Preservation Committee reviewed its draft plan and set a public hearing for Sept. 21, and discussed the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act in Stow. The Economic Development and Industrial Commission met Aug. 20 to discuss membership recruitment, working group action plans, and closing out a survey and the Stow Business Guide release.

Coming up

• **Select Board, Aug. 25:** Public hearing on Wedgewood Country Club's request to alter its liquor license to include outdoor areas and the 154-acre golf course. Also on the agenda: a proposed police gun range, a new crowd control policy, appointments (Michael Jordan, Robert Norton, Laura Dow, Ans Ishfaq), and a special event permit for the Ride to Defeat ALS on Sept. 19.
• **Select Board, Aug. 26:** A closed executive session on personnel matters, with no public business listed.

Stow boards weigh subdivision, school permit, lake rules

Stow town boards met over the past two weeks to take up a range of items, from a proposed subdivision and a private school permit to new lake regulations and wetland restoration funding. All meetings were held on an agenda-only basis, and minutes have not yet been published, so no final decisions are confirmed.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met online on August 4 to consider two major projects. The board was scheduled to vote on the Hemenway Farm Definitive Subdivision and Planned Conservation Development off Walcott Street, and on a special permit and site plan for Masters Academy International. The agenda also included a public hearing on stormwater management permit rules, a review of zoning amendments for the Lower Village Business District, and discussion of a consolidated local permitting process for small solar and battery energy storage systems.

Conservation Commission

Also on August 4, the Conservation Commission held three public hearings: tree removal and fence installation at 302 Great Road (Jarred Holst), tree removal at 73 Kingland Road (Marcus Dion), and herbicide application for pond plant management at 137 Barton Road (Bob Collings). The commission was scheduled to vote on Community Preservation Act funds for public access features at the Randall Woods Wetland Restoration, and to review its FY2027 work plan and consider reappointing an associate member.

Lake Boon Commission

The Lake Boon Commission met on July 29 to review draft revised rules and regulations for the lake. Proposed changes include a $300 cap on noncriminal tickets for violations, a prohibition of docks and moorings in Basin 4, a 30 MPH ice speed limit (10 MPH near pedestrians), and a requirement for waterfront properties to display 3-inch reflective addresses. The commission also considered a vote to approve Solitude's winning bid for weed treatment.

Select Board

The Select Board held two executive sessions, on July 27 and July 30, both under MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a)(1), to discuss the reputation, character, or discipline of an individual or public employee. No other business was listed on either agenda.

Zoning Board of Appeals

On August 3, the Zoning Board of Appeals conducted public hearings on three applications: a special permit at 342 Taylor Road, a special permit at 74 Lowell Drive (with a finding under Section 8.1 of the Zoning Bylaw), and a continued variance appeal and special permit for 0 Great Road (continued from July 23, 2026). The board also planned to discuss pending litigation in executive session.

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee met on August 3 to review goals of the CPC Plan, discuss committee bylaws, schedule a hearing for September 21, and discuss the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act in Stow. The agenda included a discussion of Stow Acres Wetland Replication with Conservation Director Jacquie Goring.

Registrars of Voters

The Board of Registrars of Voters met on August 4 for a single procedural item: certifying nomination papers for the fall election.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled for the next 14 days. Residents should check the town website for updated agendas and minutes.

Stow boards set votes on subdivision, school project, and wetland restoration funds

Stow's Planning Board and Conservation Commission have scheduled votes this week on several consequential items, including a proposed subdivision off Walcott Street, a special permit for Masters Academy International at 688 Great Road, and Community Preservation Act funding for the Randall Woods Wetland Restoration.

All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only as of this report; minutes have not yet been published. Items are described as they appeared on agendas, and outcomes are not confirmed unless noted as upcoming scheduled votes.

Planning Board to vote on Hemenway Farm subdivision and Masters Academy

On August 4, the Planning Board is scheduled to vote on the Hemenway Farm Definitive Subdivision and Planned Conservation Development off Walcott Street, as well as the Masters Academy International Special Permit and Site Plan Approval at 688 Great Road. The board will also hold a public hearing on draft Stormwater Management Permit Rules and Regulations, review proposed zoning amendments for the Lower Village Business District, and discuss a consolidated local permitting process for small solar and battery energy storage systems.

The July 21 Planning Board agenda included a public hearing on the Masters Academy special permit, site plan amendment, and earth removal request, an update on the Wedgewood Pines Country Club special permit, review of State Bill H.5555 amendments to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, and finalization of the Comprehensive Plan's Action Plan.

Conservation Commission schedules wetland restoration vote and three hearings

On August 4, the Conservation Commission is set to vote on Community Preservation Act funds for the Randall Woods Wetland Restoration public access features. The same meeting includes public hearings on tree removal and fence installation at 302 Great Road (Jarred Holst), tree removal at 73 Kingland Road (Marcus Dion), and herbicide application for pond plant management at 137 Barton Road (Bob Collings). The commission will also review and approve minutes from its July 21 meeting.

The July 21 Conservation Commission agenda listed hearings on an aboveground pool and greenhouse at 59 Great Road, deck rebuilding at 32 Mitchell Road, removal of 17 white pine trees at 105 Barton Road, PFAS wetland remediation at 664 Sudbury Road, and a 26-unit planned conservation development at 33 and 45 Walcott Street.

Zoning Board of Appeals continues 0 Great Road case

On August 3, the ZBA will continue the variance appeal at 0 Great Road from its July 23 hearing, along with a special permit for the same property. The agenda also includes special permit hearings at 342 Taylor Road and 74 Lowell Road, plus an executive session on pending litigation.

Lake Boon Commission to vote on weed treatment bid

The July 29 Lake Boon Commission agenda included a vote to approve Solitude's winning bid for weed treatment. The commission also planned to review draft revised rules covering a proposed $300 cap on noncriminal tickets, a prohibition of docks and moorings in Basin 4, a proposed 30 MPH ice speed limit (10 MPH near pedestrians), and a requirement for waterfront properties to display 3-inch reflective addresses.

Select Board held executive sessions on personnel

The Select Board met July 27 and July 30 for executive sessions under MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a)(1), to discuss the reputation, character, discipline, or dismissal of an individual or public employee. No other business was scheduled.

Other recent meetings

The Community Preservation Committee's July 20 agenda included a $3,500 invoice for Community Preservation Coalition dues, review of CPC Plan goals, a scheduled September 21 public hearing, and discussion of the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act in Stow.

The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee's July 21 agenda included a request for no-parking signs, brush trimming, and traffic enforcement on Gleasondale Road, plus discussion of radar speed enforcement on Maple Street.

Coming up

• **August 3** — Community Preservation Committee, with discussion of Stow Acres Wetland Replication with Conservation Director Jacquie Goring and CPC Plan goals.
• **August 3** — Zoning Board of Appeals, with special permit hearings at 342 Taylor Road and 74 Lowell Drive and the continued 0 Great Road case.
• **August 4** — Conservation Commission, including the vote on Randall Woods Wetland Restoration CPA funds.
• **August 4** — Planning Board, including votes on the Hemenway Farm subdivision and Masters Academy International.

Lake Boon Commission Approves Slalom-Course Permit; Select Board Slated to Vote on $214,905 Library Donation

The only meeting with confirmed decisions in the past two weeks was the Lake Boon Commission, which unanimously approved a temporary slalom-course water-skiing permit for resident Cindy Cummings. Most other Stow boards met or posted agendas, but their minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Lake Boon Commission — Decisions Confirmed

On July 9, the Lake Boon Commission unanimously approved minutes from its July 2 meeting and unanimously authorized a temporary slalom-course water-skiing permit for Cindy Cummings. The permit includes safety notifications, three trial runs, and one public demonstration. The commission also decided to review the full set of Lake Boon rules at its next meeting and to address a new launch-site sign at that time. The commission issued a written warning to Mr. Weiss regarding his conduct during the session. Adjournment was approved unanimously.

Select Board — Major Items on Agenda

The Select Board met July 14 and July 15. On July 14, the agenda included a vote to accept a $214,905.75 furniture donation for Randall Library from the Friends Association, and votes to issue a special event permit, liquor license, and entertainment license for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival on September 5. The board was also scheduled to approve an NRSD lease agreement extension, review FY26 year-end budget transfers, and appoint JT Toole to the Zoning Board of Appeals through June 30, 2031. The July 15 meeting was set for a public hearing on alleged premises violations of alcoholic beverage license #00013-CL-1246 at Wedgewood Country Club of Stow Inc., 215 Harvard Road. No votes or binding decisions were listed for that hearing. Minutes for both meetings have not yet been published.

Community Preservation Committee

On July 6, the CPC was scheduled to vote on a $40,003.90 payment to Fuss and O'Neill Inc. (invoice #284071) for the Randall Wood Wetland Restoration. The agenda also included a review of CPC Plan goals, scheduling of a CPC Plan public hearing, and discussion of the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act in Stow. Minutes are not yet published.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met July 14 with public hearings on the Hemenway Farm Definitive Subdivision off Walcott Street and a special permit modification for Masters Academy International at 688 Great Road. The agenda also included a vote on a lot modification at 38 Hiley Brook Hammerhead, review of draft stormwater rules and regulations, and an update on the Town Center Transportation Improvement Project. Minutes are not yet published.

Other Boards and Committees

• **Board of Health** (July 9): Public hearing on a proposed sewage disposal system at 91 Kingland Road, including reductions to leach-area and tank setbacks and an increase in maximum depth from 36 inches to 72 inches under Title 5 local upgrade approvals. Minutes not yet published.
• **Finance Committee** (July 14): Scheduled to review and vote on reserve fund transfers and FY26 year-end transfers, plus approval of May 9 and May 13 minutes. Minutes not yet published.
• **Green Advisory Committee** (July 9): Nominations and vote for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk; updates on the polystyrene reduction bylaw, a Climate Leaders Technical Support Grant, and a town heat pump initiative; consideration of purchasing the domain name 'emergizestow.org.' Minutes not yet published.
• **Historical Commission** (July 9): Vote on a CPC representative and officers; discussion of the Stow Acres archaeological survey and cemetery mapping project. Minutes not yet published.
• **Open Space Committee** (July 15): Discussion of farm housing research, outreach, and next steps; update on the Whispering Woods project. Minutes not yet published.
• **Economic Development and Industrial Commission** (July 16): Election of FY2027 Chairperson; discussion of permanent working groups and strategic goals. Minutes not yet published.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Community Preservation Committee**: Review of CPC Plan goals, discussion of CPC bylaws, and a $3,500 invoice for Community Preservation Coalition dues. A public hearing for the CPC Plan is scheduled for September 21.
• **July 21 — Conservation Commission**: Public hearings on projects at 59 Great Road, 32 Mitchell Road, 105 Barton Road, 664 Sudbury Road (PFAS wetland remediation), and 33 & 45 Walcott Street (26-unit planned conservation development).
• **July 21 — Planning Board**: Public hearing on a special permit, site plan modification, and earth removal for Masters Academy International at 688 Great Road; update on Wedgewood Pines Country Club special permit.
• **July 21 — Traffic Safety Advisory Committee**: Request for no-parking signs, brush trimming, and traffic enforcement on Gleasondale Road; discussion of radar speed enforcement on Maple Street.
• **July 23 — Zoning Board of Appeals**: Public hearing on a variance and appeal at 0 Great Road, with correspondence from Assessing, Conservation, Police, and Planning departments.
• **July 27 — Select Board**: Executive session on personnel matters pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a)(1).

Stow weekly roundup: Lake Boon reimbursements approved, Select Board to weigh $214k library donation

The only formal action recorded in the past two weeks came from the Lake Boon Commission, which unanimously approved $313.65 in reimbursements for boat gas, a battery, and buoy decals. Most other Stow boards met or are scheduled to meet on agenda items whose outcomes are not yet available in published minutes.

Lake Boon Commission

On July 2, the Lake Boon Commission unanimously approved its May 6, 2026 meeting minutes and unanimously approved a $313.65 reimbursement for boat gas, a battery, and buoy decals. Members also discussed potential future requests for a slalom course and kayak access devices, according to the official minutes.

A second Lake Boon Commission meeting on July 9 was listed as agenda-only, with no minutes published. Items on that agenda included a request for a temporary permit to demonstrate slalom course water skiing, a rule review and discussion of proposed rule changes, and approval of minutes from a prior meeting.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission's June 30 agenda included public hearings on four property projects: a 26-unit planned conservation development at 33 & 45 Walcott Street, a single-family house and driveway construction at 0 Fairway Drive, barn and garage additions at 331 Harvard Road, and a resource area delineation at 0 State Road. The board also planned to review a land steward contract and reappoint an associate member. Minutes have not yet been published.

Community Preservation Committee

The CPC's July 6 agenda listed a vote on a $40,003.90 payment to Fuss and O'Neill Inc. (invoice #284071) for the Randall Wood Wetland Restoration project. The committee also planned to review CPC Plan goals, schedule a CPC Plan public hearing, and discuss the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act in Stow. Minutes are not yet published.

Board of Health

On July 9, the Board of Health held a virtual public hearing on a proposed sewage disposal system at 91 Kingland Road. The agenda listed proposed reductions to leach area and tank setbacks from the property line, reductions to tank and leach area setbacks from a crawl space, an increase in maximum depth from 36 inches to 72 inches, and a requirement that at least one deep hole be performed in the disposal area. All items were cited under 310 CMR 15.405(1). Minutes are not yet published.

Green Advisory Committee

The Green Advisory Committee's July 9 agenda included nomination and election of a Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk, plus updates on the polystyrene reduction bylaw, a Climate Leaders Technical Support Grant, a town heat pump initiative, and consideration of purchasing the domain name 'emergizestow.org.' Minutes are not yet published.

Historical Commission

Also on July 9, the Historical Commission agenda included a vote on its representative to the Community Preservation Commission, a vote on officers for the upcoming year, discussion of the historical section of the CPC plan, and updates on the Stow Acres archaeological survey and a cemetery mapping project. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled for the week of July 14:

• **Finance Committee (July 14, Zoom):** Review and vote on reserve fund transfers and fiscal year 2026 year-end transfers, plus approval of May 9 and May 13 minutes.
• **Planning Board (July 14):** Public hearings on the Hemenway Farm Definitive Subdivision off Walcott Street and a special permit modification for Masters Academy International at 688 Great Road. The board will also vote on a lot modification at 38 Hiley Brook Hammerhead and review draft stormwater rules and regulations.
• **Select Board (July 14):** Vote on accepting a $214,905.75 furniture donation for Randall Library from the Friends Association, plus special event permits and licenses for the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival on Sept. 5. The board will also consider an NRSD lease extension, FY26 year-end budget transfers, and the appointment of JT Toole to the Zoning Board of Appeals through June 30, 2031.
• **Select Board (July 15):** Public hearing on alleged premises violations of alcoholic beverage license #00013-CL-1246 at Wedgewood Country Club of Stow Inc., 215 Harvard Road. No votes or binding decisions are scheduled.
• **Economic Development and Industrial Commission (July 16):** Election of an FY2027 Chairperson and discussion of strategic goals, including a Strategic Plan and Stow Business Guide.

Stow boards weighed development permits, summer events, and wetland funding this week

Stow's town boards had a busy stretch from June 23 through July 2, with agendas covering land-use permits, summer festival approvals, and a 26-unit housing proposal. Because meeting minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, outcomes — including whether votes passed and exact tallies — are not yet confirmed. What follows reflects the published agendas only.

Planning Board: Masters Academy, auto shop, and hammerhead lot

The Planning Board scheduled a public hearing on a Special Permit, Site Plan Approval Modification, and Earth Removal Special Permit for Masters Academy International at 688 Great Road. The board also planned to deliberate and vote on a Special Permit and Site Plan Approval for an auto service and tire repair shop at 124 Great Road, and to deliberate on a Special Permit Modification for a hammerhead lot at 38 Hiley Brook. Administrative items included minutes, liaison reports, the planning director's report, and public input.

Select Board: Summer events and annual appointments

The Select Board agenda listed special event permits for four community events: the Summer Festival on July 3, the Gold Award Mural Project on July 18, Bike for the Woods on August 9, and the Lake Boon Water Carnival on August 29. The board also planned annual appointments for Police and Fire Department personnel, plus reappointments for Town Counsel, Treasurer-Collector, and Assistant Town Administrator, and appointment of a Lake Boon Patrol Officer. A Board of Health discussion on current drought status was also on the agenda.

Conservation Commission: 26-unit development at Walcott Street

The Conservation Commission scheduled public hearings on four property projects, headlined by a 26-unit planned conservation development at 33 and 45 Walcott Street. Other hearings covered a single-family house and driveway at 0 Fairway Drive, barn and garage additions at 331 Harvard Road, and a resource area delineation at 0 State Road. The commission also planned to review a land steward contract.

Community Preservation Committee: $40,003.90 wetland restoration payment

The CPC's July 6 agenda includes a vote on a $40,003.90 invoice from Fuss and O'Neill Inc. (invoice #284071) for the Randall Wood Wetland Restoration. The committee will also review CPC Plan goals, schedule a public hearing on the plan, and discuss the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act in Stow.

Other boards: Assessors, EDIC, Recreation, Registrars, Lake Boon

The Board of Assessors agenda covered invoices, minutes, motor vehicle excise warrants and commitments, and real estate and personal property abatements and exemptions — all described as routine and procedural, with no specific dollar amounts listed.

The Economic Development and Industrial Commission planned to elect FY2027 officers and discuss priorities including regional cooperation, a new business guide, a bus stop initiative, and a SWOT strategic plan. A joint meeting with the Select Board on business attraction was also listed.

The Recreation Commission scheduled discussion of a security camera policy, July 3 festival planning, and a maintenance update from Geoff Beharrell.

The Registrars of Voters met June 25 and June 26 to certify nomination and petition papers for the fall election.

The Lake Boon Commission's June 26 agenda was procedural: approval of prior minutes and open invoice approvals.

Coming up

• **Community Preservation Committee** — Monday, July 6, with a vote on the $40,003.90 Randall Wood Wetland Restoration invoice and discussion of the CPA 25th anniversary.

No other meetings are listed on the published calendar for the next two weeks. Residents should check the town website for additions or schedule changes.

Stow Boards Eye Auto Shop, School Expansion; Wetland Payment Vote Upcoming

The Community Preservation Committee is set to vote on a $40,003.90 payment for the Randall Wood Wetland Restoration project, while recent meetings brought proposed commercial and residential developments before town boards. Here is a summary of recent and upcoming government activity in Stow.

Planning Board

The Planning Board on June 23 opened a public hearing for a special permit and site plan modification for Masters Academy International at 688 Great Road, which also includes an earth removal special permit. The same evening, the board was scheduled to deliberate and vote on a special permit and site plan approval for an auto service and tire repair shop at 124 Great Road. A third item — a special permit modification for a hammerhead lot at 38 Hiley Brook — was also slated for deliberation. No minutes were immediately available, so the outcomes of those votes remain unconfirmed.

Select Board

The Select Board’s June 23 agenda listed votes on special event permits and entertainment licenses for several seasonal gatherings: the Summer Festival (July 3), the Gold Award Mural Project (July 18), Bike for the Woods (Aug. 9) and the Lake Boon Water Carnival (Aug. 29). The board also planned to make annual reappointments for police and fire department personnel, the town counsel, treasurer-collector, and assistant town administrator, along with appointing a Lake Boon patrol officer. A discussion of the current drought status with the Board of Health rounded out the agenda.

Other Board Actions

Board of Assessors (June 23): The board’s routine agenda included votes on invoices, meeting minutes, motor vehicle excise warrants and commitments, and real estate and personal property abatements.

Economic Development and Industrial Commission (June 25): Members planned to elect FY2027 officers and set strategic priorities such as a new business guide, a bus stop initiative, and a joint meeting with the Select Board on business attraction.

Recreation Commission (June 25): The commission discussed a new security camera policy, July 3 festival plans, and a maintenance update from Geoff Beharrell.

Registrars of Voters (June 25 and 26): Both sessions focused on certifying nomination and petition papers for the fall election.

Conservation Commission (June 30): Public hearings were scheduled for a 26-unit planned conservation development at 33 & 45 Walcott Street, a single-family house and driveway at 0 Fairway Drive, barn and garage additions at 331 Harvard Road, and a resource area delineation at 0 State Road. The commission also planned to review a land steward contract.

Lake Boon Commission (July 2): The agenda was procedural, covering approval of prior meeting minutes and open invoice approvals.

Coming up

The Community Preservation Committee meets July 6 to vote on a $40,003.90 invoice from Fuss & O’Neill Inc. for the Randall Wood Wetland Restoration. Members will also review the CPC plan goals, schedule a public hearing for that plan, and discuss the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act in Stow.