Planning Board Approves Forge Crossing Subdivision 3-1, Advances Tech Park West Deal

WESTFORD — June 16, 2026 — Westford Planning Board approves Forge Crossing subdivision 3-1 with unresolved trash-pickup conditions. The board voted at its June 16 meeting to approve the five-lot West Prescott Street development, known as PB 2604, after a months-long review of engineering revisions to a stormwater infiltration basin, a cul-de-sac waiver, and a disputed trash-collection pad on the private road. Abutter Paul Kravitz of 31 West Prescott Street raised concerns that recycling barrels on a windy day would create hazards on West Prescott Street; the board made trash-pad placement a condition of approval tied to coordination with the town's new automated collection contractor. The board also voted unanimously to amend the Tech Park West development agreement with Westford Realty Trust, keeping the total payment to the town unchanged while requiring half of each building's share be paid at building permit rather than certificate of occupancy — accelerating revenue by roughly two years. Staff warned that state law will force the town to accept battery energy storage applications beginning October 1, 2026, whether or not local zoning is in place, and the board tentatively set a July 27 discussion session to begin drafting a bylaw for a fall special town meeting.