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.