The final article on the warrant, Article 29, proposes a technical zoning amendment designed to protect businesses along Route 28 ahead of a major state-led infrastructure project. With MassDOT planning a significant streetscape overhaul in 2029, town officials are moving to ensure local businesses remain in compliance with zoning laws.

Town Administrator Robert L. Whritenour explained that the potential widening of the road could result in land takings that would push existing buildings closer to the property line. If they widen Route 28 a little bit, that may make some of those local businesses be in danger of not meeting their setbacks from the road that are in the zoning, Whritenour noted. So, they're taking proactive action to look at that zoning.

The amendment would adjust the setback requirements for properties affected by the state project, preventing businesses from being inadvertently penalized for changes to the public right-of-way. This move reflects the Planning Board’s ongoing efforts to assert local control and protect the character of the Route 28 business corridor during a period of significant regional transition.