Planning Board Sets March Hearing on Zoning Changes, Debates Open-Space Bylaw Limits

WEST NEWBURY — January 20, 2026 — West Newbury Planning Board caps pre-application talks for two proposed housing projects and sets a March 17 public hearing on zoning changes. At the January 20 meeting, all six members including Associate Member Tim Cronin heard from proponent John Sarkis on 187 Main Street, where the board coalesced around a reading that a 13-lot yield plan produces a basic maximum of 26 dwelling units under the Open Space Preservation Development bylaw — consistent with prior projects — though members acknowledged the language needs clarification and discussed engaging an outside land-use consultant. A separate first look at a proposed three-lot conventional subdivision at 28 Coffin Street, presented by Matt Waterman of Land Tech Consultants for owner Mike Ritchie, drew skepticism from Deborah R. Hamilton and Brian R. Murphey over severe stormwater risks on the steeply sloped, wetland-laced site; Murphey called the potential runoff "astounding" and said extensive mitigation will be required. Three warrant articles — cannabis regulations, parking and loading standards, and a stormwater authority codification — are targeted for a March 17 public hearing ahead of a late-April town meeting, with energy storage regulations held pending state guidance.