Bellingham Planning Board votes 4-0 to deny Blackstone Street special permit

BELLINGHAM — May 28, 2026 — Bellingham Planning Board denies Blackstone Street special permit 4-0 in member's final meeting. The board voted four to zero, with Member Liz abstaining after missing two related meetings, to deny the Blackstone Street improvement and stormwater management special permit application, adopting a written denial decision prepared by Town Planner Rachel and dated May 27, 2026. The board also approved a major modification to the special permit at 239 Maple Street on a 5-0 vote and continued the Red Mill subdivision major modification hearing — brought by Jeff Eidelberg of Toll Brothers — to June 25, 2026, with debate centering on whether construction phase triggers should be tied to certificates of occupancy or building permits. Eidelberg argued that CO-based phasing could stretch the five-year project to eight years; Chair Patrick cited past Bellingham subdivisions where building-permit-based phasing left sites in disarray for neighbors. The meeting was the last Planning Board session for Member Bill, a 12-year board veteran, and Member Liz, both of whom are not seeking re-election.