ASHFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The town of Ashfield is working to revise their Large Scale Industrial and Commercial Facilities bylaw. Some proposed revisions include adding application requirements, a pre-application conference for the purpose of advising the applicant before they can make larger commitments to the project, and further clarifying the language of several sections.
The amendments also add definitions of a Large Scale Industrial and Commercial Facility and an Appurtenant Structure as follows:
Large Scale Industrial & Commercial Facility (LSICF) – Any industrial or commercial facility, including any associated facilities, which – because of the extent of land affected – requires preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The following are also defined to be a LSICF/ASEF: 1) Any facility or use that creates five (5) or more acres of impervious surface and 2) A facility or use which alters twenty-five (25) or more acres of land, unless the LSICF/ASEF consists of an approved agricultural use or a forest cutting plan in accordance with State law.
Appurtenant Structure, Equipment or Facilities (ASEF) – Any structure, equipment, or other facilities (e.g. parking, contractor’s yards, staging areas, storage, access points, etc.) associated with the construction, operation or maintenance of a Large Scale Industrial and Commercial Facility.
The Ashfield Planning Board will host a public hearing on Wednesday, February 5th at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall and via Zoom to take comments and feedback on the revisions.