Select Board Approves VanderWalk Farm Pouring Permits After Lovell Street Debate

Select Board · Meeting of January 8, 2026

Mendon Select Board approves VanderWalk Farm pouring permits despite neighbor pushback on Lovell Street safety. The board, with Chair Michael Merolli recused as an abutter, unanimously approved three farm pouring permits under board member Brendan Chenelle's presiding, who said "it's unsafe because the road's not safe," not because of the farm. Attorney Henry Knight, representing an abutter, argued the board should weigh the new license against unresolved traffic concerns; resident Kathleen Alexander said "there's no crosswalk" and cited the road's 30 mph limit.

The board also approved license transfers for PJs at Miss Mendon Diner and ownership changes for the Fine Line Lounge, and opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Uxbridge Officer Stephen LaPorta, a former 17-year Mendon dispatcher killed in the line of duty. A dedicated Lovell Street safety discussion is set for January 21.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of January 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.