Planning Board backs Woodland Hill street acceptance
Grafton Planning Board members defend elected seats against an appointment proposal.
Planning Board · Meeting of August 24, 2026
Grafton Planning Board members defend elected seats against an appointment proposal. Charter Review Subcommittee members Jack Kelly and Mark Haddad told the board roughly 70 percent of Massachusetts towns elect planning board members while 25 to 30 percent appoint them, citing Concord and Andover as towns that switched. Clerk Michael Rak warned of a "future conflict of interest" if a Select Board someday gained appointment power; Vice Chair Justin Wood said he "consider[s] this a role for the people." No vote was taken; any change needs Town Meeting approval.
Separately, the board voted 5-0 to recommend Fall Town Meeting accept the Woodland Hill subdivision street, and closed a hearing on a 41 Pleasant Street accessory apartment after applicant Nancy Buffone said a wire fraud scam using a forged town-emblem invoice cost her almost $5,000.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,642 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of August 24, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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