Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting focused on two public hearings: a continued comprehensive-permit application for 276, 278, and 280 Main Street and a new variance request for 15 Third Street. For the Main Street comprehensive permit the Board reviewed a revised draft decision and accompanying engineering and architectural plans; staff found the revisions compliant with the OCED/DRC memo. Changes in the draft reflected prior waiver approvals, DPW concurrence on hydrant waterflow test language, binding stormwater operations and maintenance requirements, construction protections and erosion control measures for several Norway maple trees, a requirement for a rumble strip at the construction exit to reduce roadway debris, temporary fencing to protect tree trunks, and withdrawal of most proposed alterations to the Bartlett building except removal of the fire escapes. After discussion the Board approved the draft decision dated 9-24-25 with added stipulations that the perimeter fence be 6 feet high and located one foot from the property line (vote 4-0). The appeal period for that decision was noted.

The Board also heard a variance request for 15 Third Street. The applicant’s representative and a member of the public spoke in favor; the house is non-conforming in the R20 zone and the application seeks an addition to accommodate the family. The Board found the hardship was primarily topographic (the lot is on a hill), determined the requested relief would not adversely affect parking or the character of the district, and concluded the variance criteria were met. The Board voted to approve the variance as presented (vote 5-0). No other substantive items were acted on during the meeting.