Billerica HDC Votes 6-1 Against Dam Removal Certificate But Must Issue It Anyway

BILLERICA -- July 15, 2026, Billerica's Historic District Commission voted 6 to 1 against a Certificate of Hardship for the Talbot Mills Dam Removal Ecological Restoration Project, then confirmed the certificate must be issued anyway under a Middlesex Superior Court order. The July 15 special meeting was convened solely to execute Civil Action No. 10689, which directs the HDC to authorize the dam removal "without condition, limitation, or qualification of any kind," according to language read into the record from town attorney Ivrea Freed. Chair Dave cast the lone aye vote; members Richard, Travis, Dan, Mike Ray, Mary Jones, and Mary McBride all voted no. Before the vote, nearly every member used the floor to criticize the Billerica Select Board for refusing to fund legal representation that could have allowed the commission to contest the project in court. Member Dan argued the commission "could have prevailed on a summary judgment motion" and that the project applicant's own filings "betrayed their desire for a certificate of hardship." The chair said afterward that the certificate would be signed and issued in compliance with the court.