Planning Board - 8/5/2026

The Town of Bridgewater Planning Board meeting on August 5, 2026, primarily focused on several ongoing subdivision and site plan projects, with multiple continuations approved for projects at 593 Plymouth Street, 680 Bedford Street, and 1010 Elm Street due to delays and lack of applicant presence. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a joint public hearing with the Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee on two zoning ordinance amendments: one to regulate high-intensity data centers by prohibiting large-scale facilities in all zoning districts, and another to correct a scrivener's error regarding the town council's role in special permits. The board recommended approval of both ordinances, noting the need for further refinement on data center size thresholds. Additionally, the board discussed a contentious minor modification request for a project at Bedford Street Holdings to switch from well water to municipal water. The request faced opposition from the town's Department of Public Works and engineering staff due to unresolved technical and permitting issues, leading the board to continue the matter to allow further review and negotiation. Another site plan approval for a change of use at 683 Bedford Street was also discussed but continued due to incomplete notification documentation and outstanding engineering comments. Overall, the meeting involved multiple procurement-related deliberations on infrastructure and zoning that could impact future development and municipal resource allocation in Bridgewater.