✅ ANR Plan Endorsed for 552 Haynes Street
— Approved 6-0 to divide property into Lots 7, 8, 9 and remaining land for Walter J. Koza Revocable Living Trust; new lots have adequate frontage but require driveway review with DPW for slope requirements

✅ ANR Plan Endorsed for 132 Lane Nine
— Approved 6-0 to divide Randy Bercume's property into two lots: Lot 2-1 with frontage on Lane Nine and Lot 2-2 with over 600 feet of frontage on New Boston Road

✅ Waiver of Site Plan Approved for NextGrid Solar Project
— Approved 6-0 to allow installation of concrete pad for electrical equipment and battery storage system at 178 Main Street; battery relocated 100 feet from propane tank and bollard spacing reduced to 4 feet on center per Fire Department concerns

✅ Registry of Deeds Signature Form Approved
— Approved 6-0 with Sue Waters designated as the official signer

The Board's most detailed discussion centered on safety considerations for the NextGrid solar and battery storage project at 178 Main Street.

Fire Department Collaboration

Mike Pattison of NextGrid presented the updated plans remotely, which had been revised following departmental review. Charlie Blanchard, Chair, specifically asked about Fire Department concerns regarding the battery storage system.

Town Planner Jeneé Bubon explained that the Fire Department's primary concerns focused on:

Design Modifications

In response to Fire Department feedback, NextGrid made two key changes:

The project will support a roof-mounted solar array with ground-level electrical equipment housed on a concrete pad. All departmental reviews were completed by DPW Director Heather Blakeley, Building Inspector Bill LePage, and Fire Inspector Jen Ashe.

🍔 Five Guys Expansion Plans — The restaurant chain received Design Review approval for patio fit-up and signage but plans to request a Special Permit for back-facing signage visible from New Boston Road; application expected for May 12 meeting

🏥 ConvenientMD Status — No building permit applications filed yet despite having all local permits; still awaiting MassDOT approval

🚦 Noble Station Traffic Light Update — Project remains at 90% design phase; Town Planner awaiting MassDOT comments and has applied for grant contract extension; project on track with bid specs and design drawings

🛣️ Route 20 Corridor Study — MassDOT has assigned a project number; Town Planner scheduled for scoping session this week; preliminary plans may include roundabout at Hall Road and divided median with turning lanes

🏢 Mystery Tenant at 178 Main Street — Dragonfly Ibis has obtained building permit for interior renovations but tenant identity not yet disclosed; no sign application filed

💡 Porterhouse Lighting Issue — Chair noted that back parking lot lights are shining into roadway at night and should be angled downward

✅ Two ANR plans endorsed creating multiple buildable lots on Haynes Street and Lane Nine

✅ Solar and battery storage project approved with enhanced safety measures

✅ Five Guys seeking additional signage approval for May meeting

✅ Route 20 corridor improvements moving forward with MassDOT scoping session

✅ Noble Station traffic light project at 90% design completion

✅ Next Planning Board meeting will be only May meeting due to Memorial Day

📅 Annual Town Elections — April 14, 2025 | TBD
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📅 Annual Town Meeting — April 28, 2025 | TBD
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📅 Planning Board Meeting — May 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Center Office Building
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📅 Five Guys Special Permit Hearing (anticipated) — May 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Center Office Building
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📅 MassDOT Route 20 Scoping Session — Week of April 7, 2025 | TBD
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📄 Official Meeting Minutes

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✍️ Written by The Town Minute — making town government easier to follow, one meeting at a time.

The Town Minute is an independent publication not affiliated with the Town of Sturbridge or any municipal office. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur. For official and complete records, please refer to the Town's approved meeting minutes or watch the official meeting recordings on the Town's website.