Crystal Bewig

The New Business agenda item involved a motion to allow specific individuals from the North West Public Health Coalition and the Town of Dracut to conduct inspections on behalf of the Town of Dracut Board of Health for the remainder of the 2026 Fiscal Year, in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws Section 30 of Chapter 111.

The meeting featured a continuation of a Public Hearing regarding a Special Permit for an Open Space Residential Development and Definitive Subdivision at 583 Methuen Street. The applicant's engineer provided updates on revised plans, including stone bounds for the open space parcel and an ANR plan. Discussions focused on outstanding engineering and stormwater concerns raised by Town departments, noting that the Stormwater Manager requires a separate permit. A significant point of discussion was the ongoing review by the Conservation Commission regarding certain matters, specifically related to farm access across a wet area. The Board considered approving the project with stipulations contingent upon satisfying the requirements of the Town Engineer, Stormwater Manager, and obtaining final Conservation approval. After deliberation on the potential implications of Conservation denial, the public hearing was closed by unanimous vote. New Business items were not detailed, and the Chairman acknowledged a staff member's 26 years of service before adjourning the meeting.

The meeting agenda included a Public Hearing regarding a variance request for insufficient front and side yard setback requirements at 55 Gloria Ave., petitioned by Chrisina M. Wing and Joseph Coakley. The Zoning By-Law Committee Report was presented by Chairman Brian Lussier. Additionally, an Executive Session was scheduled to discuss litigation strategy concerning The Homes at Murphy's Farm, LLC v. Dracut ZBA and City of Methuen v. The Homes at Murphy's Farm, LLC, as an open meeting would negatively impact the public body's litigating position.

Key discussion topics for the meeting included an inquiry from Fiesta Shows and a discussion regarding which entities need to present before this committee. Upcoming events reviewed were the 2026 Memorial Day Parade and Public Safety Night. The agenda also included setting the date, time, and location for the next meeting.

The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy concerning matters involving The Homes at Murphy's Farm, LLC and the City of Methuen, as an open meeting was deemed detrimental to the public body's litigating position. The session also involved compliance checks related to general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements.