Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Fitchburg Plan Commission met on April 21, 2026, considering several rezoning requests and development proposals across seven public hearings, concluding at 9:27 PM.
5A - Ski Lane Rezoning: Shalyne Schenck (Ski Lane HOA) supported residential rezoning but urged lower density for green space preservation. Developer Tom Jacobs proposed 18 affordable ownership houses.
5B - Lacey Road/Faye Glenn Rezoning: Patrick Cheney (East Fitchburg Neighborhood Association) supported. Residents John Stefan and Scott Wilson opposed, citing traffic and lack of owner-occupancy. Developer Sherry defended the project.
5C - Bowman Plaza Mixed-Use: Nate Hoyt (developer) presented a 278-unit building with 11,500 sq ft commercial.
5D - A Grace Hospice: Dwayne Hellwig (architect) presented phase one downsizing hospice to 28 beds and future dementia village.
5E - Jamestown Quarry Multi-family: Corey Frank (developer) presented a 290-unit building.
5F - Terra Vesa Senior Living Final Plat: No public comments.
5K - Highfield Reserve PDD Amendment: Brian Monson (agent) requested architectural language clarification.
5L - Seminole Pool ADR: Katie McDonnell (pool president) presented renovation plans.
5M - Farmland Preservation Rezoning: Written comment from Bowman Farms requested to remain AX.
5N - Agricultural Zoning Update: No public comments.
5A: Commissioners discussed density and tree preservation. Staff noted tree survey required and density of 9-15 units/acre.
5B: Commissioners debated loss of mixed-use, density, and rental vs. ownership. Staff presented density examples.
5C: Questions about interior bedrooms and building code compliance.
5D: Concerns about tree removal (20+66) and hospice bed reduction rationale.
5E: Noise buffer addressed with developer commitment to screening.
5F: Discussion on tax exemption and potential PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes).
5K: Clarified no change to setbacks; refined garage architectural standards.
5L: Staff required photometric plan for dark sky compliance.
5M: Debate on keeping Bowman parcels as AX; commission supported.
5N: Concerns about unlimited farm residences; referred to committee.
Meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM.
Hi, I'm Jeremy Crosby. And I'm Mick Boucher. We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg. Every weekday, we pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Pitchburg. Find Talking Fitchburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web. Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service. This is your city. Keep up with Talking Fitchburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors. Get connected, Fitchburg. We're launching Fitchburg Connect, the city's new monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you. Get it in your inbox once a month. Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect. Can we do roll call? Good evening, everyone. My name is Deanna Schmidt. I'm just gonna run through roll call. Um, Mayor Julia Radafrata here. Uh Alder Gabriella Gerhardt. Here. Stephen Heller. Here. Uh Shelley Molowski. Here. Jason Rice is absent with excuse. Josh Nackert. Here. And Carol Poole here. Okay, so we have cool. So the next is the approval of the minute. So do I need a motion? Do I have a motion? I move approval. Second. Uh one moment. Uh wasn't Carol here last. I was here for the March meeting and it shows Jason Rice as being present and absent for that meeting. In the minutes. Okay, so just so that I'm clear. Um Jason was absent and then Carol was present. Correct. We will make that change. Thank you. Okay. All those in favor of the minute for the March 17, 2026 meeting with those minor changes, say aye. Aye.