The Leominster Planning Board convened on September 15, 2025, to address significant community concerns surrounding the proposed multifamily residential development at Orchard Hill Park. The meeting highlighted the ongoing debate regarding the amendment of the zoning ordinance related to the MU-2 district, which has drawn considerable public attention and commentary.

Mayor's remarks opened the session, emphasizing the need for transparency and community engagement in light of the public's vocal opposition to the proposed changes. The mayor requested that a summary of community feedback be presented at the next meeting, indicating the administration's recognition of the project's controversial nature.

A key focus of the meeting was the planning board's recommendation to the city council regarding the MU-2 zoning amendment. The board voted unanimously in favor of the amendment, which aims to facilitate the development project. However, this decision has not been without contention. Residents have expressed concerns about the project's scale and its potential impact on local property values and quality of life.

Several community members, including city councilor Bob Tosi, voiced their apprehensions about the size of the proposed development, arguing that it does not align with the character and needs of the North Leominster neighborhood. Tosi's letter underscored the feelings of many residents who feel blindsided by the project's magnitude and its implications for their community.

Additionally, residents have raised specific concerns regarding environmental impacts and traffic management associated with the development. A resident named Haley Brady urged the planning board to enforce maximum landscape buffer requirements to mitigate potential negative effects on nearby residential areas. Similarly, Steven White highlighted the need for a comprehensive traffic analysis to address public safety issues stemming from the addition of hundreds of new housing units.

The planning board's discussions reflect a broader tension between development goals and community preservation. As the board prepares for future meetings, the feedback from residents will likely play a crucial role in shaping the final decisions regarding the Orchard Hill Park project. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the zoning amendment and continued engagement with the community to address their concerns.