Newbury Planning Board Continues Byfield Subdivision Hearing, Eyes May Vote

NEWBURY — April 15, 2026 — Newbury Planning Board continues Byfield subdivision hearing amid Church Street traffic safety concerns. The board voted 5-0 at its April 15 remote meeting to continue the public hearing on a proposed two-lot subdivision at 15 Central Street in Byfield to May 6, after civil engineer Jack Sullivan addressed outstanding peer review comments on stormwater design and revised wall-height limits at the site entrance. Planning Director Kristen Grubbs and the Department of Public Works both endorsed Concept One of four intersection improvement options prepared by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission — a simple corner realignment at Central and Church streets — as the least-burdensome safety improvement, though applicant Mike Becker said on the record he would accept the cost of a full dead-end configuration if the Select Board approves it. Abutters Tom Rogers, Trish Rogers, and Mike Fabiano, all of Church Street, pressed the board on speeding cut-through traffic, with Trish Rogers saying four nearby families with young children were "really nervous" about safety. The board also voted unanimously to direct a 45-day compliance letter to the owner of 84 Blossom Road and to recommend Woody Knight, Kristen Grubbs, and newly volunteering member Steve Mangian to the Select Board for FY2027 liaison and MVPC commissioner appointments.