✅ November 10, 2025 Minutes Approved
— Motion passed 6-0 with all board members in favor.

✅ Wally Hersee Resignation from CPC Accepted
— Board accepted Wally Hersee's resignation as Planning Board representative to the Community Preservation Committee. Charlie Blanchard, Chair nominated and accepted as the new CPC representative. Vote: 6-0.

✅ Site Plan Waiver Approved for 441 Main Street
— EA Associates, LLC received approval to install a 28'x38' carport behind existing building at 441 Main Street. Structure will be mounted on concrete blocks to allow water flow and preserve flood storage capacity. Vote: 6-0 with conditions, including Army Corps of Engineers approval.

✅ Battery Energy Storage Systems Moratorium Petition
— Board voted 6-0 to serve as petitioner for proposed moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) while new regulatory bylaws are developed.

The Planning Board engaged in detailed discussion about implementing a temporary moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems while the town develops comprehensive zoning regulations.

Jean Bubon, Town Planner explained that recent state laws now allow battery energy storage systems by right, meaning the town currently has no regulatory framework to control:

Bubon noted she had researched moratoriums enacted by other Massachusetts communities and consulted with the town's attorney. A key concern emerged: the Attorney General's Office has been denying similar moratoriums from other municipalities.

The discussion touched on several key points:

The moratorium would provide time to research best practices and draft appropriate bylaws before development applications arrive.

🍝 New Italian Restaurant Coming to Former Trail Dusters LocationMangia Bene, a new Italian restaurant and deli, plans to open in late December or January at the former Trail Dusters site. The 35-seat establishment will offer Italian cuisine, take-out sandwiches, and retail dry goods. Parking calculations remain within previous limits, requiring only Design Review Committee sign approval—no Planning Board action needed.

🏠 First-Time Homebuyer Program Launch
Two Housing Forum sessions scheduled to introduce the First-Time Homebuyer Buy Down Program, funded through Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funds. Sessions on December 2 (6-9 PM) and December 6 (10 AM-Noon).

🏥 ConvenientMD Ribbon Cutting
The new ConvenientMD urgent care facility will hold its ribbon cutting ceremony on December 9 at 3 PM.

✅ Six Planning Board members present; one member absent (Taylor Stedman)

✅ Meeting ran 36 minutes (6:30 PM - 7:06 PM)

✅ Charlie Blanchard replaces Wally Hersee as Planning Board's CPC representative

✅ Commercial carport approved for industrial property with flood storage protections

✅ Board moves forward with battery storage moratorium despite potential AG denial

✅ New Italian restaurant requires no Planning Board approval due to existing parking capacity

📅 Housing Forum - First-Time Homebuyer Buy Down Program — December 2, 2025, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | TBD
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📅 Housing Forum - First-Time Homebuyer Buy Down Program — December 6, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | TBD
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📅 ConvenientMD Ribbon Cutting — December 9, 2025, 3:00 PM | ConvenientMD Location, Sturbridge
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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.