Tyngsborough Planning Board Advises Against Cannabis Outdoor Entertainment Permit

TYNGSBOROUGH — August 7, 2025 — Tyngsborough Planning Board signals opposition to outdoor entertainment at cannabis shop, launches ADU bylaw overhaul. At the August 7 meeting, the board delivered an informal but pointed unfavorable advisory comment to the Select Board on an entertainment license request from House Premium Cannabis on Middlesex Road, with member Chaz Dowdy saying flatly, "I'm completely against it," and citing parking limits, traffic noise distraction, and the hazards of hosting a band on a four-lane commercial corridor. Resident Gustavo Darno of 19 Nottingham Road told the board, "Middlesex Road is a zoo already." Town Counsel Adam Costa then briefed the board on the Affordable Homes Act, effective February 2, 2025, explaining that Tyngsborough's existing temporary independent living quarters bylaw already conflicts with state law on detached units, special permits, parking minimums, and owner-occupancy requirements — with state law controlling wherever a conflict exists. Costa and the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments recommended scrapping the existing bylaw entirely and adopting a new ADU bylaw drafted by NMCOG, targeting a spring 2026 Annual Town Meeting article. The board also approved minor field changes at 500 Potash Hill Road, minor plan modifications at 93 Kendall Road Business Park, released an $80,000 performance bond at 50 Old Ting Road, and postponed a planned executive session on pending litigation after two members cited potential conflicts of interest left the board without a quorum for closed session.