Planning Board October 13, 2026

The Westport Planning Board met on October 13, 2026, to address surety reductions, development proposals, site plan reviews, and upcoming zoning amendments. The board approved a surety reduction for Bentley Estates 2 on Wayland Way from $100,000 to $25,000 following recommendations by consultant S.W. Cole. Members also held a pre-application consultation with Lee Castignetti of Long Built Homes regarding a proposed six-lot approval not required (ANR) plan on Old Harbor Road, contrasting it with a pending nine-lot flexible frontage subdivision proposal. The board also formally voted to extend the 135-day review deadline for Cornerstone Place to March 30, 2027.

A continued public hearing was held for an after-the-fact low-impact development and site plan review for the Amaral Bus Company facility at 222 State Road, involving over 40,000 square feet of paving. Following technical discussions on stormwater detention, oil filtration, and commitments to utilize sand rather than salt for winter maintenance, the board voted 3-0 (with Manuel Soares abstaining due to a previous absence) to approve the application with specified conditions, including native planting revisions and state curb cut permitting.

Town Planner Michael Burris presented administrative updates covering the Commonwealth's new consolidated clean energy permitting framework for facilities under 25 megawatts, an MS4 stormwater report, a $249,000 grant RFP for the Head of Westport flood study, and a $995,000 Seaport Economic Council grant award to rebuild the Hicks Bridge boat ramp. The board discussed salt marsh restoration initiatives on the East and West branches of the Westport River. Finally, the board reviewed preliminary 2027 zoning amendments, including a proposed ban on large-scale data centers exceeding two megawatts, statutory variance standard revisions under Chapter 40A, and upcoming state ballot questions affecting municipal planning.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.