Pepperell Planning Board continues 40R housing hearing to November 7 after public debate

PEPPERELL — October 17, 2022 — Pepperell Planning Board continues 40R smart growth hearing to November 7 after two-hour public debate. The board, presided over by Clerk David Ganong in the absence of Chair Al Panagod, voted unanimously to continue the public hearing on a proposed 40R smart growth overlay district after hearing from more than a dozen residents on water supply, traffic, and infrastructure concerns. Town Planner Jenny Gingras presented last-minute revisions from the state Department of Housing and Community Development, including a new requirement for development impact statements on projects exceeding 50 units, and noted the proposed district — covering parcels at Layton Street, Lowell Road, and Nashua Road — could yield up to 230 units and approximately $750,000 in immediate state incentive payments. Former Planning Board Chair Scott Blackburn questioned whether state funding guarantees are reliable and argued the board had not yet formally polled town departments on sewer, fire, and police capacity. Planning Board member Joyce Maro pushed back against what she described as implicit opposition to lower-income residents: "Affordable housing doesn't mean you have to be poor." The full town meeting vote is scheduled for November 14, 2022.