Pepperell Planning Board elects Casey Campetti as new chair

PEPPERELL — May 4, 2020 — Pepperell Planning Board unanimously elected Casey Campetti as its new chair at the May 4 meeting, as representatives of the town's Agricultural Board pressed the board on whether its special permit authority over farm operations was consistent with state law. Tony Beatty and board member Cheryl, appearing on behalf of the Agricultural Board, argued that farms qualifying under Pepperell's zoning bylaw Appendix A are exempt from zoning bylaws and raised concerns that conditions placed on Maker Farm's special permit — including caps on horse boarding and public event days — could chill farm activity protected under the state's Dover Amendment. Outgoing Chair Rick and member Campetti defended the process, citing Town Counsel's determination that Maker Farm's recreational day camp was not a farming activity. Campetti, whose recent job change freed time for the role, said the conversation "makes it really exciting to think about the different directions we can go in." The board also voted unanimously to authorize Planning Administrator Lisa Davis to sign the finalized Maker Farm special permit for 12 Bancroft Street; the 20-day appeal period will not begin until Governor Baker lifts the COVID-19 state of emergency.