A “For Sale” sign is out in front of the former Coldwell Banker building at 70 Boston Road. Because of its long history, high visibility, and location at the “Gateway to Westford,” and because it’s very close to the former Drew Orchard parcel, people are asking questions about the future of this iconic property. To help us all understand how the property’s zoning and legal status would affect a new owner’s use of it, the League is sponsoring a virtual forum this Thursday, March 24, at 7:00 pm, featuring Jeff Morrissette, Westford’s Director of Land Use Management.

Click here to register.

At the forum Jeff will explain both the property’s zoning status – what can be done in the zoning district without any variances or special permits from the town – and the variances and/or special permits currently affecting the property. Jeff will also describe how the town’s Demolition Delay Bylaw might impact any plans should a future owner want to demolish the house and/or the barn.

Following his presentation, Jeff will answer questions. To help him prepare, please email him any questions before noon today at jmorrissette@westfordma.gov. Questions will also be taken during the forum from attendees.

Westford CAT will broadcast the forum as well, and it will be recorded to be posted online.

Town records show that the farmhouse was built in the early 19th century by the Drew family. Members of the Drew family lived there until it was sold in the late 1970s to Brad Emerson for his real estate office. Though the land is zoned for single-family residential use, zoning variances allowed the buildings to be used as a business. With one change of ownership, the property continued as a real estate office until recently.