Ayer Planning Board Approves 8-Unit Washington Street Conversion, Opens Main Street Hearing

AYER -- February 24, 2026, Ayer Planning Board approves 8-unit Washington Street conversion and opens hearing on 11-unit Main Street project. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to grant site plan approval for the rehabilitation of a historic building at 14 Washington Street into eight residential units, one deed-restricted affordable, subject to 36 general conditions and three special conditions requiring the affordable unit to qualify for state Local Initiative Program designation and remain affordable in perpetuity to households at or below 80 percent of area median income. A public commenter, identified as Pauline, urged the board to pursue local preference for the affordable unit, but Town Planner Danny Ruiz said the planning board lacks authority to impose such a condition under the state's lottery-based system. The board also opened and immediately continued to March 10 a public hearing for 63 Main Street, where Ayer resident Rob DiPiro is seeking approval for an 11-unit mixed-use building with no on-site parking, a special permit for a Depot Square parking agreement is also requested, just steps from the MBTA commuter rail station.