October 21, 2025
A Lot to Rake In This Week
As autumn deepens in Chelmsford, the colorful foliage has given way to leaf piles so tall they might need their own zoning permits. If you find your view temporarily blocked by a mound of crispy leaves, don’t worry – we’ve got all the important happenings around town to keep you looking forward!
Upcoming Local Events
Zero Waste Day + Shred Event
- Event date: October 25, 2025 Event Time: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM Location: 250 North Road Chelmsford, MA 01824
Halloween Trick-or-Treating
- Event date: October 31, 2025 Event Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Location: Chelmsford (all neighborhoods)
Sober Karaoke Night
- Event date: November 14, 2025 Event Time: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM Location: 1A North Road Chelmsford, MA 01824
Leaf & Brush Pickup Day
- Event date: November 22, 2025 Event Time: 06:30 AM - 09:00 PM Location: Curbside collection for Chelmsford residents
School News
Designer Selected for Parker School Project
- A design firm has been chosen to lead the Parker Middle School building project, with the selection approved by the Select Board in late September. With the project team now in place, the planning will ramp up with public input sessions – the first community forum is scheduled for Wed, Oct 22 at 7:00 PM at the Chelmsford Elks Lodge (300 Littleton Rd).
Local Politics
Drive-Thru Proposal Stirs Opposition
- Residents are voicing concerns about a proposal to add two drive-through restaurants at Chelmsford Mall on Chelmsford Street. Citing potential traffic congestion, safety issues, and quality-of-life impacts in the Westlands neighborhood, many have rallied against the plan. The project requires special permits and will be reviewed by the Planning Board, with a public hearing scheduled for Wed, Nov 12.
Ctown Lowdown is a nonpartisan community newsletter and neither supports nor opposes this zoning proposal. The points of opposition discussed above are drawn from official documents and public testimony, provided here for informational purposes.
Committee Meetings
- Chelmsford Commission on Disabilities — Tue, Oct 21
- Housing Advisory Board — Tue, Oct 21
- School Committee – Regular Session — Tue, Oct 21
- Chelmsford Planning Board — Wed, Oct 22
- Chelmsford Water District — Wed, Oct 22
- Northern Middlesex MPO — Wed, Oct 22
- Select Board Meeting — Mon, Oct 27
- Conservation Commission Meeting — Tue, Oct 28
- Chelmsford Water District Elections — Wed, Nov 5
- Planning Board Meeting — Wed, Nov 12
- Select Board Meeting — Mon, Nov 17
- Chelmsford Commission on Disabilities — Tue, Nov 18
- Housing Advisory Board — Tue, Nov 18
- School Committee – Regular Session — Tue, Nov 18
Business Spotlight
Chelmsford Street Vision Study
- The Town, in partnership with NMCOG, has launched a survey seeking public input on the future of Chelmsford Street (Route 110) through Center Village. The study will explore opportunities to improve this commercial corridor’s land use, transportation flow, and public spaces. Residents are encouraged to share ideas to support compatible growth and economic development along the Chelmsford Street area.
Community Resources
Chelmsford Choice Electricity Update
- Starting in November, the town’s electricity aggregation program will switch to a new supplier contract that lowers rates and increases green energy. Under the new default “Basic Green” plan, participants will receive 20% more renewable energy while paying about 14.72¢/kWh – a drop from the current rate and below National Grid’s standard rate. Residents can also opt into an even lower-cost plan or a 100% renewable plan at any time with no penalty.
Memorial Tree Program
- The Select Board has approved a new commemorative tree planting program. Residents will soon be able to donate a tree to be planted on town land in honor of a loved one or special event. Preferred tree species and locations can be suggested by donors. Applications will be reviewed over the winter for planting in spring 2026. Keep an eye on the DPW section of the town website for upcoming details on how to participate.