Pepperell Planning Board shifts dozens of zoning use categories to special permit review

PEPPERELL — June 2, 2025 — Pepperell Planning Board advances sweeping zoning table revision, shifting authority from selectmen to the Planning Board. The board, meeting June 2 in hybrid format, worked through dozens of land-use categories in its Table of Principal Uses, voting to move nursing homes, funeral homes, medical clinics, and motor vehicle services in most districts from Board of Selectmen approval to Planning Board special permit — giving residents a formal public process to weigh in on new commercial uses in residential zones. The restaurant category generated sharp debate, with member Amanda Huntington proposing a two-tier restaurant classification to control scale; no final vote was taken on that concept. Staff member Jason reported a $850,000 One-Stop grant application for the Peter Fitzpatrick School — covering exterior doors, single-pane windows, and two boilers — was due Wednesday, backed by letters from Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Senator Kennedy, and Representative Scarsdale. Growing Places executive director Ann Yagle told the board that cold storage at One Pepper Place is on track for a soft launch this summer, with a three-year lease signed and electrical upgrades nearing completion. The board continued the public hearing to June 16 at 6:30 p.m.