Opening remarks: Select Board (Board) Chair Dean Charter opened the April 27, 2026 Board meeting by introducing Interim Police Chief Douglas Sturniolo, who honored Officer Stephen McCarthy for his swift, life-saving response to a choking emergency earlier this month. With many uniformed officers in attendance, Chief Sturniolo praised the Acton Police Department’s daily service before highlighting the April 8 incident, calling Officer McCarthy’s actions “an exceptional performance of duty” that reflects the department’s highest standards.
Chief Sturniolo described how Officer McCarthy, while conducting a traffic stop on Great Road, heard a dispatch call about a 72-year-old resident choking at a nearby home. Recognizing both the urgency and his proximity, he immediately cleared the stop and responded. Inside, Officer McCarthy found the man gasping and unable to speak; he quickly administered the Heimlich maneuver, successfully clearing the obstruction. He remained with the resident until emergency medical personnel arrived. Chief Sturniolo credited McCarthy’s prompt recognition and decisive action with saving a life, adding that the officer’s conduct reflected not just training, but personal character and dedication to public safety. [See related press release in this same issue of the Acton Exchange.]
Detour on Main Street: Town Manager John Mangiaratti announced an upcoming road closure and detour on Main Street near the Maynard town line, beginning 7:00 p.m. Friday May 1 and expected to end early Monday.
Board Member Jim Snyder-Grant bids farewell: After six years of service, and at his final regular meeting appearance as a Board member, Mr. Snyder-Grant reflected on his time on the Board. Fellow members expressed their thanks and appreciation for his service.
Great Road Development Hearing
The Board continued — and ultimately closed — its public hearing, opened August 25, 2025, on a proposal by Hawthorn Realty Company to redevelop 465–471 Great Road into two buildings for trade shops. The discussion focused on revised site access and design details. The applicant reported that, following prior Board feedback and consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the plan has been modified to eliminate one of two existing curb cuts on Great Road, reducing access to a single driveway narrowed to 36 feet. While wider than the 24-foot standard, the applicant cited turning requirements for delivery and emergency vehicles. To maintain internal circulation, the plan retains an existing connection to Sachem Way, with the Board supporting a condition that this access be limited to exit-only use in order to reduce impacts on the adjacent residential street.
Board members raised concerns about traffic patterns, particularly potential truck movements near homes and a nearby bus stop, as well as questions about the extent of MassDOT’s recommendations. Additional conditions discussed included restricting construction access to Great Road, requiring a traffic management plan, and installing temporary fencing along Sachem Way during construction. The Board also addressed aesthetic and neighborhood compatibility issues, strengthening landscaping requirements by removing qualifying language and ensuring that vegetation enhancements align with design review recommendations. Concerns about lighting and delivery hours near residences led to conditions limiting lighting operation and reducing permitted delivery hours. Following discussion, the Board approved the project with amended conditions, concluding the multi-session review.
Briefly noted
- Board member Fran Arsenault will represent the Board at an Eagle Scout ceremony for William Haines, May 16th 1:30-3:30pm at NARA picnic pavilion.
- The Board authorized the Town Manager to execute a Lease-Purchase Agreement for a new ambulance approved at the November 2024 Special Town Meeting.
- The Board approved a draft Inter-Municipal Agreement with the Town of Carlisle to allow sharing the services of a plumbing and gas inspector.
- The Board agreed to joint sponsorship of an Acton-Westford LGBTQ+ Pride Festival.
Hearings
A Site Plan Special Permit hearing for the development at 13 School Street was continued to May 11; similarly, a hearing on the application of Eversource Energy for an installation of 16 utility poles on Quarry Road was continued to May 18.
Tom Beals is the Acton Exchange Select Board beat reporter.
