Westborough Voters Approve Commercial Drone Restrictions: Reports

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough voters overwhelmingly approved a new bylaw aimed at stopping commercial drone launch, landing and delivery operations in town.

The measure passed 510-13 at its Monday Special Town Meeting, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. It targets ground-based commercial drone activity, including staging, takeoffs, landings, loading, unloading and delivery drop zones, and carries a $300 fine for each violation.

The Select Board and Advisory Finance Committee recommended approval before Monday’s vote.

The bylaw does not amount to a ban on drones flying through Westborough, according to Boston.com. The Federal Aviation Administration controls national airspace, while the town says local authority includes some land-use rules. The measure prohibits commercial launch pads and delivery endpoints while allowing uses including emergency response, land surveying, real estate, photography and lawful news gathering, according to Boston.com.

The vote followed Amazon's proposal to open New England's first Prime Air delivery center at its existing fulfillment facility at 64 Otis St. The company has said its electric MK30 drones could carry packages weighing up to 5 pounds to addresses within about 7.5 miles and eventually make as many as 1,000 deliveries per day.

See Related: Amazon Urged To Pause Drone Delivery Plans In Westborough

Residents and state lawmakers raised concerns about noise, privacy, safety, cybersecurity and environmental effects. State Sen. Michael Moore and state Reps. Hannah Kane and Kate Donaghue asked Amazon in September to pause the project and hold more community discussions, Patch previously reported.

Amazon's local review remains unfinished. The Planning Board continued its site-plan hearing to Nov. 10, according to the town's project page. A separate appeal challenges the building commissioner's determination that the operation is an allowed accessory use at the warehouse.

The bylaw still requires approval from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the state Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division before taking effect, according to Boston.com.

See Also:

• Westborough Police Earn Gold Award For Traffic Safety
• Westborough Dance Studio Celebrates One Year, Expands Offerings For Beginners