Billerica Planning Board Rejects Deletion of Two-Family Homes from MBTA Bylaw

BILLERICA — August 28, 2024 — Billerica Planning Board preserves two-family housing in MBTA Communities bylaw draft, tables more than a dozen items for further review. At a special August 28 meeting, the six-member board voted unanimously 6-0 to reject a KP Law recommendation to delete two-family dwellings from the proposed McMod overlay, with Chair Parker and others arguing that small lots may only be suitable for two-unit development. The board separately voted 5-1 to accept clarifying "per site" language for a 5,000-square-foot by-right mixed-use threshold, with Member Robertson the lone dissent, calling the figure "huge" and warning it eliminates meaningful planning oversight. All 14 comments from KP Law — the town's previous municipal counsel — were tabled pending review by current counsel, following a public comment from resident Carol Rudin of Precinct 9 raising concerns about the firm's conduct. Questions about accessory structures for multifamily buildings, EV charging station requirements, and minimum frontage standards were sent back to Building Commissioner Mark Lallumiere for clarification. The board passed an omnibus vote accepting all remaining uncontested language changes and expects to present a full MBTA Communities meeting timeline through December at its September 10 regular meeting.