✅ July 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes Approved
— Approved as amended by vote of 6-0-1 (Brad Goodwin abstained)

✅ Landscape Architect Stamp Waiver Granted for 660 Main Street
— Approved 7-0 despite project having 1,600 sq.ft. of landscaping (bylaw requires stamp over 1,000 sq.ft.), but applicant added 18 street trees and exceeded landscape requirements

✅ Groundwater Protection District Special Permit Approved for 660 Main Street
— Approved 7-0 for Old Road Realty, LLC manufacturing facility

✅ Site Plan Approval Granted for 660 Main Street Manufacturing Facility
— Approved 7-0 for construction of 40,150 sq.ft. manufacturing facility with 27 conditions including dust control, construction monitoring, utility approvals, and hazardous materials management plan

The board concluded its review of a significant industrial project proposed by Old Road Realty, LLC at 660 Main Street within the Sturbridge Business Park, granting unanimous approval after thorough multi-meeting deliberation.

Daniel Sheehan from Haley Ward engineering firm and Marc Dipilato from GRLA architects presented on behalf of property owner Jim Chacharone. The proposed 40,150-square-foot manufacturing facility represents a major investment in the business park.

Jean Bubon, Town Planner, recommended approval, noting that "the proposed project will result in overall improvements to the Groundwater Protection District" and "has been designed to have minimal impacts on the site."

The site's environmental history drew particular attention:

The board granted a waiver allowing the landscape plans to proceed without a landscape architect's stamp, despite the project exceeding the 1,000 sq.ft. threshold that typically requires professional certification.

Dane LaBonte expressed concern about setting precedent, but Bubon explained the applicant "has gone above and beyond" by adding 18 street trees along the driveway and parking areas—well exceeding minimum requirements for the 1,600 sq.ft. of landscaping proposed.

Wally Hersee raised an important community concern: a memorial plaque on-site dedicated to deceased employees of Galileo, a former tenant. The board added Condition #8 specifically requiring protection of this memorial during construction, with "appropriate protection measures" to be installed before the pre-construction meeting.

The approval includes requirements for:

The 27-condition approval demonstrates the board's thorough approach to large-scale development:

Construction monitoring requirements:

Utility and infrastructure:

Environmental protection:

Final compliance:

🌲 Tree Removal Request at 212 Charlton Road — Neighbor of Convenient MD requested tree removal; Convenient MD agreed to remove trees after Lauren Vivier, Conservation Agent, confirms trees are outside Conservation Commission jurisdiction

🎓 Cedar Street Sidewalk Project Update — Taylor Stedman inquired about sidewalks connecting Cedar Street to Burgess Elementary. Bubon reported the town is working with Cedar Street businesses on Complete Streets Grant-funded sidewalks and crosswalk at Cedar Street Grill; full connection to Burgess will be later phase under Safe Routes to School Grant

⚡ Solar and Battery Storage Regulations — Bubon attended Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission meeting on August 7th regarding new state solar/battery storage regulations. LaBonte asked about relationship between state and local environmental regulations; Bubon said details still unclear and awaiting more information

🏞️ Recreation Area Improvements Praised — Stedman reported visiting recently completed recreation area: "it has come out beautifully"

✅ Approved 40,150 sq.ft. manufacturing facility at 660 Main Street with 27 conditions (vote: 7-0)

✅ Granted Groundwater Protection District Special Permit for same project (vote: 7-0)

✅ Approved landscape waiver despite 1,600 sq.ft. exceeding typical limits due to 18 additional street trees (vote: 7-0)

✅ Added condition protecting Galileo employee memorial plaque during construction

✅ Approved July 28, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (vote: 6-0-1, Goodwin abstained)

✅ Received update on Cedar Street sidewalk project and Safe Routes to School grant progress

✅ Town Planner to be on vacation last two weeks of August

📅 Planning Board Meeting — August 25, 2025, 6:30 PM | Center Office Building
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📅 Planning Board Meeting — September 8, 2025, 6:30 PM | Center Office Building
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📅 Pre-Construction Meeting for 660 Main Street — TBD (at least one week prior to construction start) | 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.