Join Westford Recreation Special Programs During Eid-al-Fitr Observedon March 20 for Grades K-8.

Activities include a visit with SNL SPORTS ACADEMY and a field trip to Lowell National Historic Park’s:BOOTT COTTON MILLS Museum and MOGAN CULTURAL Center!

SPORTS , GAMES, HISTORY, AND FUN! 

9AM to 3PM with options for early arrival and extended day. Open to residents from Westford and other surrounding communities.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER westfordma.myrec.com65 Main Street, 3rd floor, Westford, MA  | 978-692-5532

FOLLOW US AT FACEBOOK FOR PROGRAM PHOTOS AND UPDATES!

The Attendance Survey for the 2026 Westford Annual Town Meeting is live!  This Survey helps staff ensure there is enough seating and informational materials for all who plan to attend.  Please take a moment to fill out the survey, using either this link or QR code, by March 19th.   We look forward to seeing you at Annual Town Meeting on March 28th, 2026.

Stay informed on the latest Town updates, upcoming projects, seasonal reminders, and community highlights. You can read the full newsletter online using the link below. We encourage all residents to take a moment to stay connected with what's happening in Westford! 

March 2026 Westford Town Managers Newsletter (PDF)

The Town of Westford is seeking candidates to fill an open 1-year seat on the Westford Select Board in the upcoming Annual Town Election on May 5, 2026.

Residents interested in running for this position may obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, 55 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886.

Completed nomination papers, with signatures from at least 50 registered Westford voters, must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office no later than Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5 PM.

Information about open positions and the Select Board seat can be found at https://westfordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17437/2026-Open-Positions-for-may-5-town-election.

For additional information, please contact Town Clerk Laurie Shaw at LShaw@westfordma.gov or 978-692-5515.

This is an important opportunity to serve the Westford community and help guide the Town’s future. Interested residents are encouraged to consider running.

Three training classes re Life support 2/11 , First Aid 2/12 and CPR/AED 2/25 are available with registration by emailing gjohnson@westfordma.gov

The Cameron Senior Center is proud to announce the launch of its new branding, shaped directly by the voices of Westford residents and the Cameron community. 

This community-driven process began in October 2025, when the Westford Council on Aging (COA) launched an engagement effort to better understand how residents experience, value, and envision the future of the Cameron Senior Center. Through a town-wide survey and an in-person Visioning Workshop, community members shared thoughtful feedback about what the Cameron means to them and how it continues to serve as a vital place for connection, wellness, and belonging. 

The survey revealed important insights into how the community views the Cameron Senior Center—not just as a building, but as a friendly welcoming hub that reflects care, trust, and shared experience. These perspectives played a central role in shaping the Center’s refreshed identity. 

The newly introduced logo was intentionally designed to encompass the feel and presence of the Cameron Senior Center and to reflect the community that brings it to life. It honors the Center’s familiar and trusted role in Westford while looking ahead to the next chapter of programs, services, and engagement. 

The Council on Aging and the Friends of the Cameron Senior Center extend a sincere thank you to all who participated in the survey and shared their perspectives. Your input not only helped shape the new logo, but also continues to inspire thoughtful improvements to programs, services, and opportunities at the Cameron. This collaborative process is a meaningful reminder that the Cameron Senior Center is, first and foremost, a place built by and for its community.

Beginning on February 12, 2026, the Town of Westford will be utilizing a lockbox service for excise tax payments through Leader Bank. Residents might notice that their excise tax bills will have ‘Town of Westford, P.O. Box 848244, Boston, MA 02284’ printed on the remit copy, rather than the address of Town Hall. If you choose to mail your bill stub and check, this is where it will be sent to. This will help us process your payments more efficiently. You are always welcome to send your bills to us directly at the Westford Town Hall, drop them off in person or at our drop box, or utilize our online payment system at: https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/. We are very excited to offer this service to the residents of Westford! If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 978-692-5506 or send an email to taxcollector@westfordma.gov.

To help keep roads safe and allow for snow removal operations, please remember the Town of Westford's winter parking ban rules:

• No on-street parking for more than one hour between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM (November 1 through March 31).
• No on-street parking during snowstorms or while snow removal/cleanup is underway.
• Parking violations: $25 fine (vehicles may be towed).
• Dumping snow into the roadway: $50 fine.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping the Westford Police Department and Department of Public Works keep our roads safe this winter.

Programs just for you!

happening in January

LUNCHTIME YOGA WITH KELLY DIAS  STRENGTHEN, BUILD FLEXIBILITY, AND BREATHE. ENJOY PRACTICING WITH OTHERS. AGES 18 & UP. DROP-IN OPTIONS

IMPACT SPEED & AGILITY WITH D.J. BROCK  GET FASTER, MOVE BETTER, IN A COMPETITIVE AND  SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. AGES 11-18.  DROP-IN OPTIONS

starting in February

VINYASA YOGA WITH KELLY DIAS – STARTS FEB 9 SMOOTH, ACCESSIBLE INSTRUCTION LAYERED WITH MUSIC THAT MARVELS. AGES 18 & UP. DROP-IN OPTIONS

LUNCHTIME YOGA WITH KELLY DIAS  STRENGTHEN, BUILD FLEXIBILITY, AND BREATHE. ENJOY PRACTICING WITH OTHERS. AGES 18 & UP. DROP-IN OPTIONS

ARCHERY WITH “ON THE MARK” – STARTS FEB 11 FOCUS AND RELAX – ENJOY THE OLYMPIC SPORT OF RECURVE ARCHERY. PERFECT FOR ANY AGE OR ATHLETIC ABILITY. FOR YOUTH AND ADULTs.

CPR, FIRST AID & AED WITH Mike Votano, RN – FEB 25 EMT, ER NURSE, PRE-POST OP AND OR NURSE – MIKE’S EXPERIENCE SAYS IT ALL.  NEXT CLASS, FEBRUARY 25. AGES 14 & UP.

YOUTH CHESS WITH INT’L MASTER PRATHIBA – STARTS FEB 26 FOCUSED, ENGAGED AND HAVING FUN! GROUPED FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE. AGES 4-16.

FEBRUARY BREAK WITH CHESS MASTER PRATHIBA – FEB 17-20 HAVE FUN LEARNING CHESS! INSTRUCTION TIME, TOURNAMENT PLAY, PUZZLE TIME, AND MORE. TWO HOUR'S OF CLASS FUN TUESDAY - FRIDAY. FOR ALL LEVELS. AGES 5-16.

Recreation Special Program FEBRUARY BREAK!  FEB 17-20, 9AM-3PM, PLUS EARLY ARRIVAL AND EXTENDED DAY OPTIONS. TWO AWESOME FIELD TRIPS - DETAILS TO COME, plus visits from: SCIENCE HEROES; RAINFOREST REPTILES; SNL SPORTS ACADEMY!

FOLLOW US AT FACEBOOK FOR PROGRAM PHOTOS AND UPDATES!

REGISTER NOW at westfordma.myrec.com  |  65 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Westford, MA  |  978-692-5532

Stay informed on the latest Town updates, upcoming projects, seasonal reminders, and community highlights. You can read the full newsletter online using the link below. We encourage all residents to take a moment to stay connected with what's happening in Westford! 

Town Manager's Newsletter January 2026 PDF

At its November 25, 2025 meeting, the Select Board unanimously voted to move forward with a “hybrid” Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) curbside trash collection program, scheduled to launch in July 2026.  

This decision follows a multi-year process of public input, research, and community discussion evaluating how best to transition to a fee-for-service model while maintaining a reliable and sustainable trash collection program for Westford residents.  

Rising disposal costs, increased state pressure related to waste management, and significant changes within the waste industry prompted the Town to re-examine its current system. The approved hybrid PAYT model is designed to balance affordability, equity, and long-term sustainability.

How the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Program Will Work

Under the hybrid PAYT program, each eligible household will receive one standard 35-gallon trash cart, funded through the existing tax levy. Households that generate additional trash beyond the cart’s capacity may purchase PAYT bags for overflow waste, paying only for the additional disposal used.  

How to use Basic Curbside Service (no charge) 

1. New Town-branded 35-gallon trash carts delivered to your home before July 1, 2026.
2. Fill your cart; you do not need to use PAYT bags in your Town cart.
3. Place your 35-gallon cart at the curb by 7:00AM on your regular day for weekly trash collection.

How to use Overflow Curbside Service (fee-based PAYT Bags) 

1. Bags can be purchased from local retailers for $2.75/bag and sold in rolls of five (5) for $13.75/roll.  One (1) 32-gallon bag holds 2-3 full 13-gallon tall kitchen garbage bags.  
2. Put extra trash in official PAYT overflow bags and place at the curb by 7:00AM on your regular day for weekly trash collection.
3. Bags may be placed on the ground, but it is recommended they be placed in a barrel or cart to discourage animals and pests.
4. All trash must fit in the bag with bag closed and weigh no more than 30lbs.  There is no limit to the number of bags you can put out in a week.

Recycling stays the same! Set recycling out as usual - recycling remains free and unlimited.  

The Town has launched a webpage with more information about the program, including FAQs, program timelines, and key information for residents. Visit https://www.westfordma.gov/1831/Pay-As-You-Throw-PAYT-Program to learn more. Updates will also be shared through the Town’s social media channels. 

Stay informed on the latest Town updates, upcoming projects, seasonal reminders, and community highlights. You can read the full newsletter online using the link below. We encourage all residents to take a moment to stay connected with what's happening in Westford! 

Effective Monday, December 1st, the Boston Road detour will end for the season and will resume again sometime in April 2026. Construction activities will continue Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, during which time Boston Road will be reduced to a single lane of alternating traffic as needed. Work will continue until weather conditions are no longer suitable for construction. The temporary traffic signals at the intersections of Main Street with Depot Street and Tadmuck Road will remain fully operational throughout the winter and for the full duration of the Boston Road Reconstruction Project.

 Please be aware that the 25 MPH speed limit on Boston Road will be strictly enforced. Expect delays, reduce speeds, and use caution when traveling within the construction zone.

Blasting notice today  90 Ledge Rd 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Blasting Notice 49 N Main St. 0700-1500

MassDOT Bridge Inspectors have discovered structural failures in a small bridge over Boutwell Brook near 13 Old Homestead Road.  The Department of Public Works has closed the road to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, on a long term basis, until a solution can be designed and constructed.  Residents will have access to their properties, but may need to detour onto Long Meadow Road.  Trash, recycling, school buses, mail and other deliveries will remain on schedule, but will be subject to the detour as well.  Commuters are asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes if possible.

The Town of Westford is excited to offer a simple way for residents to stay informed about important news, updates, and events. By subscribing to Town News, you’ll receive timely information directly in your inbox — from public safety alerts and meeting notices to community programs and seasonal reminders. 

Watch Now: How to Subscribe to Town News in 60 Seconds

This short video will guide you through the quick and easy steps to sign up. Don’t miss out on what’s happening in Westford — subscribe today and stay connected with your community! 

Stay informed on the latest Town updates, upcoming projects, seasonal reminders, and community highlights. You can read the full newsletter online using the link below. We encourage all residents to take a moment to stay connected with what's happening in Westford! 

Town Manager's Newsletter September 2025 PDF

The Town of Westford, in coordination with MassDOT, will be converting the intersection of Pine Street/Forge Village Road at Abbot Street/Town Farm Road, and the intersection of Forge Village Road/Cold Spring Road from a two-way stop to a four-way stop.

This change is being implemented to improve safety, following a MassDOT evaluation that identified the intersection’s crash history as meeting the federal warrant for All-Way Stop Control.

What to Expect:

• New STOP signs and STOP AHEAD warning signs will be installed on all approaches.
• Pavement markings (STOP bars) will be added.
• Temporary “NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD” signs will be in place to alert drivers of the change.

Timing:

• The conversion is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10. Portable message boards will be placed in advance of the intersection prior to the change to alert drivers of the upcoming change.

We encourage all motorists to use caution and allow extra time when traveling through this intersection as drivers adjust to the new traffic control.

Intersection Plans:

• Cold Spring @ Forge Village
• Town Farm @ Forge Village

Stay informed on the latest Town updates, upcoming projects, seasonal reminders, and community highlights. You can read the full newsletter online using the link below. We encourage all residents to take a moment to stay connected with what's happening in Westford! 

Town Manager's Newsletter August 2025 (PDF) 

Starting Monday, June 2, Boston Road will be detoured on weekdays between 9 AM and 3 PM for the next several months while MassDOT’s contractor installs new drainage infrastructure.

Boston Road traffic will be directed to the designated detour route, which includes Main Street, Tadmuck Road, and Littleton Road (Route 110).  The temporary traffic signals recently installed along the detour route at the Main Street intersections with Depot Street and Tadmuck Road are now fully operational. Please stay alert to the new traffic patterns and use caution when traveling through these intersections. Follow posted detour signs and allow for extra travel time when using the detour.

For more details and project updates, please visit the project webpage.

Long Sought For Pond to be treated for nuisance aquatic vegetation on 5/28/25. Do not use the pond water for drinking and cooking until 6/1/25, for boating, fishing and swimming until 5/29/25, for watering of livestock until 5/30/25, and irrigation until 6/3/25. For more information contact Solitude Lake Management at 508-865-1000.

The temporary traffic signals at the intersections of Main Street with Depot Street and Tadmuck Road, along the Boston Road detour route, are now up and running. The signals will initially operate in a flashing mode to alert drivers that the signals are now active. Following the initial flashing period, the signals will be switched over to full automated control and will function continuously, 24 hours a day, until the detour is no longer needed for the project.  

The Boston Road detour is scheduled to begin on June 2 and will be in place on weekdays, between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM, for the next several months. Outside of these hours, during normal construction days, Boston Road will be reduced to a single lane of alternating traffic if needed and will fully reopen at the end of each day.  Expect delays, plan accordingly, and allow extra travel time.

Additional information on the detour route and updates on the Boston Road project can be found on the project webpage and DPW Facebook page.

The Town of Westford invites all community members to attend this year’s Memorial Day parade and commemorative events on Sunday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m. 

The day will begin with veterans assembling at Freedom Park to start their march through town. Wreaths will be placed at the graves of fallen service members, accompanied by performances from the Honor Guard. The wreath-laying ceremonies will conclude at Nabnasset Lake. 

At 10:15 a.m., veterans will gather on the Town Common for the traditional reading of the Military Honor Roll, recognizing and remembering Westford’s fallen heroes. 

The Memorial Day parade will begin around noon, stepping off from the Roudenbush Community Center and proceeding through town before concluding at the Town Common. A community ceremony will follow, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Westford Girl Scouts and a blessing from Chaplain Arthur Pellerin of American Legion Post 159. Veterans Service Officer Terry Stader will deliver opening remarks. 

A Memorial Day proclamation from Gov. Maura Healey will be read by Westford’s Project 351 Ambassador Nitya Patel. The ceremony will continue with a flag-folding presentation by the Westford Boy Scouts and remarks from Westford Colonial Minuteman Dan Lacroix and State Rep. James Arciero, 2nd Middlesex District. 

Additionally, this year’s ceremony will include a special tribute recognizing the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution—honoring the enduring legacy of America’s fight for independence and the generations of service members who have since defended that hard-won freedom. This commemorative moment will highlight the deep historical roots of Memorial Day and Westford’s own connection to our nation’s founding ideals. 

Musical tributes will be performed by the Westford Academy Band, which will play the national anthem, and the Westford District Pipes and Drums, who will offer a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” 

View the complete event schedule at 2025 Memorial Day Event Guide containing parade routes and important times. 

Residents are encouraged to attend and take part in this day of remembrance to honor the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms and rights of fellow Americans. 

In the event of rain or inclement weather, the village events (Freedom Park Forge Village, Graniteville, Nab and Main Street parade) will be canceled. The Memorial Day service will be held inside the old Center Fire Station, 51 Main St. 

MassDOT has started installing the new storm drainage system within Boston Road and will continue with this work over the next several months.  Traffic will be reduced to a single lane of alternating traffic where necessary.  Expect delays and please drive with caution and reduce speed in the construction zone to ensure the safety of workers and all road users.

Later this month the Boston Road detour will be in effect on weekdays between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. For additional information on the planned detour route and periodic construction updates, please visit our project webpage. Project photos and updates can be seen on our Facebook page. 

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our roadways!

The Westford Water Department is pleased to partner once again with The Great American Rain Barrel Company to provide a community rain barrel program.  Rain barrels can be purchased online at a discounted price.  Visit the Great American Rain Barrel Company website at www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com and under “Shop Community Programs” select “MA” and “Westford”  (this link is also available on the Water Department website at www.westfordma.gov/water.

The deadline to purchase a rain barrel is May 11^th at midnight. Order pickup will be held at the Water Department at 60 Forge Village Road on May 21st between 4 and 6 pm

S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed the Town of Westford’s ‘AAA’ bond rating, the highest possible designation, citing the town’s strong local economy, forward-looking financial management and continued housing demand. The rating reflects Westford’s stability and commitment to sound fiscal planning, bolstered by significant development activity, including 800 proposed residential units in the town’s new multifamily housing district and additional projects that may drive long-term property tax growth. 

The town is preparing to borrow just under $37.4 million to support a series of capital improvements. These include the J.V. Fletcher Library expansion, Oak Hill Road, Plain Road and Moore Road infrastructure project, Town Farm and Francis Hill water tanks, culvert repairs on Pond Brook, design work for the 185 North Main Street culvert, new sidewalks on Plain Road and Carlisle Road, a portion of the PFAS water treatment plants and the Blanchard Middle School roof project, which is supported by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

In its analysis, S&P stated, “Westford’s GO bonds and notes are eligible to be rated above the sovereign because we believe the town can maintain better credit characteristics than the nation in a stress scenario. The Town has a predominately locally derived revenue source with locally derived revenue source, with independent taxing authority and treasury management from the local government.” Property taxes make up 69% of Westford’s general fund revenue. 

Town Manager Kristen Las added, “Once again, the Town has shown that is it a responsive and responsible government that carefully plans out our financial path in the best interest of our operations and taxpayers. We are pleased to have received the AAA bond rating to further our capital planning efforts. The efforts of our staff, economic development committee and economic development consultant have also led to positive new growth projections that aid in this bond rating.” 

Westford has maintained its AAA rating since May 2015. A higher credit rating allows the town to secure lower interest rates when borrowing, resulting in savings for taxpayers. 

Select Board Chair Scott Hazelton said, “The Select Board is proud to see the hard work and tough decisions of Town officials and staff reflected in this positive rating. Westford has developed a strong history of prudent fiscal management, and we appreciate the professionalism of our town finance and budget officials in an increasingly difficult environment. The ultimate winner is the Westford taxpayer as this rating will directly reduce the cost of borrowing on our residents.”

The Town of Westford held its 2025 Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, March 22, where residents voted on 24 articles covering a range of topics. A total of 511 Westford voters participated in the process. We would like to thank the poll workers, town staff, the Town Moderator and Boards and Commissions who contributed and participated in making this meeting successful!  

Warrant Article Outcomes: 

Article 1: Voters accept the Reports of Town Officers, Boards and Committees for the Fiscal Year 2024. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 2: Voters approved the appropriation of $629,000 from Free Cash in order to supplement the following operating budgets in Fiscal Year 2025. (Passed 354 to 14) 

Article 3: Voters approved the appropriation of $110,000 from Free Cash for the purpose of providing funds to address associated issues regarding perchlorate contamination. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 4: Voters overwhelmingly approved the appropriation of $200,000 from Free Cash for energy efficiency projects across town and school facilities. (Passed 385 to 19) 

Article 5 (Capital Appropriations): 

• Motion 1: $5.2 million in capital requests including town and school projects (Passed 352 to 42)
• Motion 2: $1.385 million for a new rescue pumper fire truck (Passed 342 to 51)
• Motion 3: $800,000 for pedestrian safety improvements on North Main Street and West Street (Passed 269 to 131)
• Motion 4: $2 million request to replace the synthetic turf field at Nutting Road failed (Failed to receive the required two-thirds majority, with 270 votes in favor and 147 against)

Non-Binding Resolution (related to Article 5): A resolution requesting the Select Board to explore using CPA and other funding sources to improve the Nutting Road field as a natural grass field passed. (Passed 144 to 119) 

Article 6: Dismissed, passed by voice vote. 

Article 7: Approved $1.6 million for a Feasibility Study for the replacement or renovation of Col. John Robinson Elementary School. (Passed 347 to 66) 

Article 8: Community Preservation Act projects and associated requests were approved in the amount of $2,047,346. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 9: Voters approved setting spending limits for the town’s revolving funds, as outlined in the town’s bylaws. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 10: The Town’s FY26 operating budget of $137,649,144 was approved. (Passed 233 to 17) 

Article 11: Voters approved using state road funds for transportation-related expenses in town, as allowed by state law (Chapter 90). (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 12: Voters approved moving $25,822 from the Water Enterprise retirement fund to cover retiree benefits for Fiscal Year 2026. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 13: Voters approved a new provision under the HERO Act that increases the annual property tax exemption for qualifying veterans, with yearly adjustments based on the cost of living. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 14: Residents voted to establish a 300th Anniversary Celebration Fund. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 15: Voters authorized the Select Board to accept easements in Fiscal Year 2026 for things like sidewalks, drainage, utilities, trails, or other public uses if they decide it’s in the town’s best interest. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 16: Voters authorized the Select Board to accept easements for the Stony Brook Bridge Project. (Passed 233 to 45) 

Article 17: Voters authorized the Select Board to accept easements for the West Street at North Main Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 18: Voters authorized the Select Board to accept easements needed for the Acton Road and Reed Brook (East Prescott & North Main Street) culvert projects. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 19: Updated the floodplain zoning bylaw to meet FEMA standards. (Passed 254 to 22) 

Article 20: A proposal to adopt the Specialized Energy Code failed. (Failed to receive the required majority, with 137 votes in favor and 165 against) 

Article 21: Increased fees to comply with state regulations for Dog Control Bylaw violations. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 22: Approved a non-binding resolution to accept Boston Road as a public way. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 23: Voters approved making Diane Lane an official public road and authorized the Select Board to secure any necessary rights to use and maintain it. (Passed by voice vote) 

Article 24: A Citizens’ Petition to move the date of the annual town election was dismissed following the petitioner’s recommendation.