A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the MBTA zoning proposal. The Planning Board clarified that Chelmsford is an adjacent community to the MBTA, which has specific zoning requirements to meet the state’s housing crisis goals without mandating actual construction. The proposal includes the UMass West area, with a net gain of 521 units to the town, and the 110 District, which could accommodate 477 units. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on traffic, schools, and available land. A debate ensued over the timing and impact of the proposed changes and the importance of submitting zoning changes to the Attorney General’s office for approval.

The police department’s budget presentation, led by Chief Colin Spence, was another focal point. Chief Spence outlined the need for increased funding for overtime due to staff shortages and the introduction of wellness initiatives and diversity training. He also reported on crime statistics, including a rise in overdoses and motor vehicle accidents, a decrease in breaking and enterings, and an increase in shoplifting. The success of the department’s foot patrols, property checks, and the inclusion of a clinician in their Wellness unit were also highlighted.

Deliberations on the Community Preservation Fund’s budget included considering a reallocation of funds from an underutilized historic building facade program. The committee recommended removing $100,000 from the program and redirecting it to historic available funds, with the caveat that property owners could still request funding in the future.

Further discussions touched on the financial commitments of the Community Preservation Committee, noting a decrease in state match funding and an open receivable of $392,000. The debate also included the potential borrowing of money for a new school, the reconfiguration of grade levels within the school system, and the approval of various budget items, including the Sewer and Stormwater Management Enterprise Funds.

The Finance Committee recommended the appropriation of funds for the town’s fiscal year 2025 capital budget and the Parker Middle School feasibility study, which has a projected cost of $1.8 million and a reimbursement rate from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.