Newbury Planning Board Delays Central Street Subdivision Vote, Cites Drainage and Traffic

Planning Board · Meeting of February 18, 2026

Newbury Planning Board continues Central Street subdivision hearing over traffic and drainage concerns. The board voted unanimously at its February 18 meeting to push the public hearing on Michael Becker's proposed two-lot subdivision at 15 Central Street to March 18, after civil engineer Jack Sullivan disclosed that a Zone 2 water supply designation requires a full drainage redesign eliminating a proposed pervious pavement driveway. Multiple abutters, including Melissa Gaspar of 3 Johnson Lane, told the board the proposed Church Street driveway is "really dangerous" given limited sight lines on a steep corner.

The board also voted unanimously to release $13,998 from the Cypress Follow subdivision security account, leaving roughly $56,000 held by the town, and passed two unanimous votes to advance a proposed zoning amendment that would expand the Zoning Board of Appeals from three to five voting members — a change contingent on Select Board referral by February 24 and a public hearing at the March 18 meeting.

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Source: the Planning Board meeting of February 18, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.