Planning Board Weighs Spring Vote On Zoning Rules
West Newbury's Planning Board leaned toward pushing zoning and general bylaw changes to the spring 2027 town meeting instead of this fall.
Planning Board · Meeting of August 4, 2026
West Newbury's Planning Board leaned toward pushing zoning and general bylaw changes to the spring 2027 town meeting instead of this fall. Chair Rob Phillips said outside regulatory consultant Sam recommended the delay, and Vice Chair Ann Bardeen argued property-related changes belong on the better-attended annual warrant, saying residents "might be affected on their own property." Clerk Raymond Cook, who is coordinating a proposed slopes bylaw with Sam, said he had "no problem putting things off to the spring." The board also welcomed Denise McClure, a Merrimack Valley Planning Commission veteran, as interim town planner for up to 10 hours a week, and agreed not to open the August 18 hearing on the Sarkis Main Street subdivision application before 7:25 p.m. The only formal vote of the night was a unanimous motion to adjourn.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,206 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of August 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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