Billerica Planning Board approves first MBTA Communities housing project, advances two warrant articles

BILLERICA — March 9, 2026 — Billerica Planning Board clears its first MBTA Communities housing project and forwards two zoning bylaws to spring town meeting. The board unanimously approved a 266-unit mixed-use development at 1 and 2 Federal Street — the town's inaugural completed project under the MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District — after approving two parking waivers on split 5-2 votes. Member Ms. Henderson called it "our first McMod project come to fruition," noting the process proved "by right doesn't just mean you can do whatever you want." The board also unanimously granted a two-year site plan special permit extension for 600 Technology Park Drive over one member's objection, with planning staff urging the full two years as "the most business friendly" outcome. Warrant articles revising the site plan review bylaw and fixing a corner-lot parking clause in the MCMOD are due to the town by March 18; a motion to resubmit the entire MCMOD to town meeting failed 2-5. The board declined to bring battery energy storage regulations to the spring warrant, citing a state July deadline that will begin a 12-month local-review clock on large energy facility applications.