Middleton Planning Board Cuts Ridgewood Easement, Clears Two ZBA Referrals

MIDDLETON -- April 9, 2026, Middleton Planning Board unanimously approved a temporary slope easement reduction at Ridgewood Estates, advancing the final phase of a 92-lot interconnected subdivision stalled since at least 2017. Engineer Chris Spiragis of Williams and Spiragis told the board that water, stormwater, and primary electrical infrastructure are in place on the final 13 lots along East Meadow Lane and Simca Road, with a first coat of pavement expected within 30 days; the easement on two undeveloped lots was trimmed from 20 feet to 10 feet to allow a prospective buyer of Lot 12 to position a house without conflicting with the recorded easement, a change endorsed in writing by DPW Superintendent Paul Goodwin. Two abutters, Dr. Justin Fox and Edward Kantorzinski of East Meadow Lane, appeared to voice frustration over the sudden clearing of privacy trees without advance notice and a nine-year delay in road completion. The board also voted unanimously to recommend approval of an automotive repair permit at 2 Birch Road and voted 4-0 with one abstention to recommend approval of a youth basketball facility at 177 North Main Street, conditioning the latter on a full accounting of accessible parking spaces. Board member Jason Belker, who abstained on the basketball vote over a prior development role, volunteered to represent the Planning Board on a new multi-board Zoning Bylaw Review Committee targeting spring 2027.