Planning board approves supplementary access plan for 44‑unit Bifield Heights project

The Newbury Planning Board approved a supplementary decision Sept. 2 modifying the access for the previously approved Bifield Heights project at 34 Central Street. Planning staff explained the conservation commission declined a secondary access and the revised plans establish a single in‑and‑out access that staff said improves sight lines and emergency‑access assurances.

Planning Director Kristen Grubbs told the board the revised access plan "is a substantial improvement to the original design" and that the supplementary decision incorporates prior conditions while requiring coordination with the town and homeowners at 36 and 38 Central Street for removal and replanting of vegetation and other off‑site improvements. Applicant counsel Mark Bobrowski said his clients (Massachusetts Housing Opportunities Corporation LLC) have reviewed the draft and were prepared to sign off.

The decision requires DPW, the building commissioner and the town’s peer‑review engineer to review sidewalk and other Central Street improvements prior to construction; the board voted to approve the supplementary decision by roll call.