Development News for Billerica, Massachusetts

Sports Bar Approved with Modified Hours Amidst Resident Concerns

The Select Board heard public testimony and discussed a proposal from Playoff Sports Bar LLC for a new annual all-alcohol restaurant license, common victualer license, and entertainment license at 512 Middlesex Turnpike. The applicants, Alex Evras and Chris (head of business), presented their vision for a family-friendly sports bar, emphasizing their experience with successful businesses like Rocco's in Wilmington. Concerns were raised by board members and residents regarding the establishment's past history and potential for noise disturbances and public safety issues, particularly with proposed hours of operation until 1 a.m. daily. After considerable discussion and resident testimony highlighting noise issues extending late into the night across multiple previous owners, the board ultimately approved the licenses with operating hours limited to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, citing the need to address neighborhood concerns and ensure public safety.

Billerica Proclaims June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Recognizes Juneteenth

The Select Board proclaimed June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the Town of Billerica and recognized Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19th. The Pride Month proclamation affirms the town's commitment to inclusion, respect, and the belief that every person deserves to live openly, safely, and with dignity. A Pride flag-raising ceremony was scheduled for Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at 2 p.m. The Juneteenth proclamation commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and acknowledges its significance as a federal and state holiday, recognizing the contributions of Black and African American members of the Billerica community. A formal flag-raising ceremony for Juneteenth was scheduled for Friday, June 19th, 2026. Both proclamations emphasize the town's stance against hate, discrimination, and intolerance.

Harley-Davidson Event License Approved Contingent on Outstanding Payments

The Select Board discussed and approved the renewal of a one-day alcohol license and a one-day entertainment license for High Octane Harley-Davidson at 1 Chelmsford Road for a motorcycle bike run event on June 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., including live music. The approval was made contingent upon the payment of two outstanding invoices related to previous one-day license applications. The applicant, Dakota, who is new to the role, agreed to address the outstanding payments immediately. The event is expected to include Adam Sandoval for the Great American Convoy and a bike wash.

Board Reviews Committee Vacancies, Consent Agenda, and Town Manager's Report

The Select Board addressed announcements and vacancies for various town boards and committees, including the Agricultural Commission, Substance Awareness Committee, Board of Appeals, Cable Advisory Board, Land Reuse Committee, Commission on Disability, Conservation Commission, Council on Aging, Electronic Voting Committee, Fence Viewer, Historic Commission, Historic District Commission, Local Cultural Council, Middlesex Canal Commission, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Scholarship Committee, and Water Sewer Oversight Board. The board also discussed and approved the consent agenda. An announcement was made regarding the town manager's upcoming use of vacation time. The board also reviewed and discussed the town manager's report, which included updates on the town website migration back to the old platform, the town meeting's success, a change in comp time policy, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new fitness court at Pinehurst Park, a manufacturing synopsis event hosted by the planning department, and updates on water towers and drought conditions.