West Bridgewater Select Board Votes 3-0 Against Recommending MBTA Zoning Article

WEST BRIDGEWATER — April 16, 2025 — West Bridgewater Select Board votes 3-0 against recommending the MBTA Communities zoning overlay to town meeting voters. Chair Jeff Ryan, Vice Chair Marcy Lee, and Clerk Mike Perez each said they oppose the state mandate on principle, though all three acknowledged that non-compliance could cost the town hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost state grants and legal fees — citing Milton's estimated $300,000 to $350,000 court fight, which the town ultimately lost before the state Supreme Court. Ryan pledged to present a full accounting of potential financial losses to voters before the May 12 annual town meeting, where residents will have the final say. The board also approved one-day liquor licenses for Vineyard Farm at 175 East Center Street covering five dates in April and May, and a fee-waived liquor license for the Lions Club Spring Fest on May 18 at Friendship Park, while tabling its recommendation on Article 37 — portable storage building regulations — pending a Planning Board hearing April 30 and an anticipated 45-day grace-period amendment.