Maynard Select Board approves liquor license upgrade, hears $60 million sewer warning

MAYNARD -- March 3, 2026, Maynard Select Board heard a $60 million wastewater plant warning and previewed proposed 7 percent utility rate hikes at its March 3 remote meeting. Stantec senior associate David Graham presented a three-phase capital improvement plan for the town's nearly century-old wastewater treatment plant, with Phase 1 solids-handling work estimated at $15.2 million, Phase 2 biological treatment upgrades at $22 million or more, and Phase 3 balance-of-plant improvements at another $22 million, roughly $60 million in total. Public Works Director Justin DeMarco called a 70 percent sewer rate increase to cover the full cost "not feasible" and told the board general fund contributions would likely be necessary, previewing his recommended Option B of 7 percent increases in both water and sewer for FY27 ahead of a rate public hearing set for March 17. The board also voted unanimously to approve a change of license category for Maynard Corner Store LLC at 49 Walnut Street from wine and malt to all alcoholic beverages, fulfilling a home rule petition authorized at October 2024 town meeting, and referred a zoning amendment that would allow medical marijuana establishments in the Central Business District to the Planning Board.