Center Village Master Plan Committee: October 8, 2026

The Chelmsford Center Village Master Plan Committee met on October 8, 2026, to review a draft final report on the Chelmsford Street corridor and surrounding village area. The report recommends phased sidewalk, crossing, intersection, transit-stop, and streetscape improvements to address documented safety concerns, along with parking coordination and possible zoning changes to encourage village-style redevelopment. Several project segments may be eligible for state and federal construction funding through the Northern Middlesex Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Improvement Program; other work could require town funding or additional grants. The committee discussed possible use of ball-field parking, utility and drainage coordination, and tree planting and maintenance. A town representative estimated watering costs at roughly $5,000–$10,000 per season, and noted that the town had previously purchased a watering vehicle for $17,000.

No contract award, bid approval, or spending vote was identified. The committee requested revisions to the draft, including feedback from town departments and advisory committees, and discussed a possible consultant contract extension so Nimco could facilitate a final public presentation in January or February; an extension was not formally approved. The updated report is expected to circulate for committee review, with comments compiled in a resolution matrix. Implementation, design, and construction decisions remain for future phases.