Billerica Select Board Approves Japanese Steakhouse License, Restructures Senior Tax Program

BILLERICA — January 5, 2026 — Billerica Select Board approves restaurant license transfer and restructures senior tax program at January 5 meeting. The board voted unanimously to transfer the on-premises all-alcohol, common victualer, and entertainment licenses at 199 Boston Road to Hinoki Japanese Steakhouse Inc., represented by attorney Dana Myers on behalf of applicant Roshanay Doronowat. The board also unanimously approved a two-block application system for the 125-slot senior citizen tax work-off program, after Council on Aging Director Hermiley Shea reported that all spots filled within five days in the most recent cycle, locking out financially strained seniors who needed more time. Select Member Dina Favreau signaled she would not support placing Shawsheen Valley Technical High School's proposed $1.5 million feasibility study on the spring Town Meeting warrant — Billerica's share would be $554,002 — citing a nearly $986,209 discrepancy in the district's FY2024 audit. The board conducted a first reading of a proposed moratorium on lithium battery storage facilities but took no vote, with Secretary Darius O'Connor calling the policy "fear-mongering" and arguing that battery energy storage sites have caused zero deaths nationally.