Opening remarks:
Board Chair Alissa Nicol called attention to a date change for an upcoming Board meeting from October 19 to October 26, and announced that the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council is accepting grant applications until October 15.
Board Member Dean Charter noted the Community Preservation Committee’s approval of the 2027 Community Preservation Plan, and the November 23, 2026 project application deadline.
Town Manager John Mangiaratti announced that installation of a solar canopy over the rear parking area of the public safety facility had begun.
Deer management in Acton
Conservation Agent Olivia Barksdale introduced Mr. Harrison Pratt, who had been a summer intern with the Conservation and Planning departments, to present part of his work, “Deer Management Program (DMP) – Acton”, subtitled “Preliminary Research”. Mr. Pratt defined the problem by reference to the Acton Open Space plan, which estimates 30 to 50 deer per square mile in Acton. (At about 20 square miles, this suggests an Acton population of about 600 to 1000 deer). Problems associated with that population include tick-borne infectious disease, deer strikes on roadways, and ecological damage.
The deer population explosion is attributed to the absence of predators. Mr. Pratt cited deer management programs in neighboring towns, which rely on hunting to reduce the deer population. Bowhunting was mentioned as an option for Acton, and he identified possible locations where such hunting might take place. As this was a preliminary report, the logistics of reducing Acton’s deer population by more than one-half—which would be the minimum required to reduce the population to the recommended goal—were not considered in detail. The Acton Exchange reported in more detail on research regarding a potential deer management program for Acton, in our August 15, 2026 edition.
Board members and a resident appreciated the presentation, and related their vehicle/deer collisions, infectious disease, and ecological perspectives on the issue. The presentation closed with the anticipation of further public and Town Board(s) involvement.
Preservation Incentive Zoning
A 2026 Select Board short-term goal is “Advance a process to examine public interest in and feasibility of implementing a preservation incentive zoning regulation”. To that end, Planning Director Kaila Sauer described Preservation Incentive Zoning: Existing Tools & Future Opportunities. Director Sauer described an initiative to add incentives to existing regulations to better preserve historic cultural resources. Like the earlier deer control presentation, this was an introductory presentation.
Ms. Sauer described the present regulatory environment: the demolition delay bylaw, and the greater regulation in the historic districts. She described a “Density Bonus” in East Acton Village that allows increased floor area density contingent on preservation, a localized option that has not been utilized, and another type of incentive that deals with conversion of older buildings to contain multiple dwelling units. In closing, she proposed assembling a working group to further explore the issue.
Briefly noted
The Board approved an agreement for the Farmers’ Market 2027 season.
Before approving the closure (“sunsetting”) of the Kelley’s Corner Steering Committee, Mr. Mangiaratti reviewed the status and progress of the project, noting ongoing planting and the imminent installation of street lights. Board members noted improved traffic flow.
Data for Department of Public Works building cost estimates has been submitted, and estimates are expected in mid-to-late October.
Hearings:
An application for a Site Plan Special Permit to add squash courts to an existing facility at 29 Knox Trail was discussed at some length, then continued to November 16.
An application to transfer a malt and wine license, previously at Acton Convenience, to Esterbrook Plaza, 155 Great Road, was approved without discussion.
An open public hearing concerning a Site Plan Special Permit for rebuilding the Northern Bank building was continued to October 26.
Tom Beals is the Acton Exchange Select Board beat reporter.
