Lynn D'Abrosca

The Regular Meeting of the Zoning Board of Review addressed several petitions requiring variances and special use permits. Petition #11091 involved a request for a dimensional variance to construct a two-story addition requiring setback relief from two front property lines, which was unanimously GRANTED. Petition #11095 requested a special use permit for land and water equipment rental, virtual reality rentals, and merchandise sales near the water, which was also unanimously GRANTED following input from neighbors. Petition #11096 concerned a dimensional variance for a fast food restaurant to operate with less than the required parking spaces, which was unanimously GRANTED despite concerns raised by a nearby resident regarding potential traffic impact. Petition #11097 requested a dimensional variance to construct a detached garage with a reduced front yard setback; this petition was GRANTED AS AMENDED after the petitioner agreed to adjust the garage location to meet driveway setback requirements.

The meeting addressed applications for major land development subdivision preliminary plan approvals. For the property at 1187 Post Rd, the board favorably discussed the plan to combine two lots and construct 11 residential buildings, ultimately approving the plan. For the property at 1515 Centerville Rd, the plan to construct a 14-unit condominium development was discussed, with an abutter expressing concern over stormwater containment. The board approved this plan contingent upon coordination with the Department of Public Works regarding water outfalls.

The special hearing addressed an appeal concerning a Building Permit issued for the construction of a new single-family dwelling on an undersized lot (Appeal #11080, Ward 1, 12 Druid Rd.). The City Solicitor raised a technical point regarding jurisdiction and timeliness, arguing the appeal was moot because the initial Building Permit (issued July 14, 2025) was canceled on August 29, 2025, due to an address issue, although a new permit application was stayed. The appellant's attorney requested a continuance, which was denied by a unanimous vote. Ultimately, the Board voted 4-1 to deny the appeal based on untimeliness.

The meeting agenda includes several key areas for discussion and potential action. Key topics cover the monthly activity reports for the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) and Collections Department, including construction updates and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for the Three Ponds Interceptor. Operational discussions focus on the Superintendent's Facility Performance Update Report, covering flow/chemical composition, solids handling (including Veolia and Synagro updates), plant projects like SCADA system updates and rehabilitation projects, and a Levee update. Actions items include the installation of actuators for disinfection gates, the purchase of a new overhead door, and the purchase of spare Gorman Rupp parts. The Billing Services Division items review billing activity, permit fees, abatements, and tax status updates. Administrative items involve reviewing the WSA Monthly Financial Reports for Fiscal Year 2026, updates on staffing/vacancies, and confirming the schedule for future board meetings.

The Zoning Board of Review conducted its regular meeting, addressing several petitions. One petition requesting a special use permit for retail sales of marijuana and marijuana related products at 450 Pavilion Ave. was continued to the January 13, 2026 hearing. A request for a dimensional variance at 1328 Warwick Ave. to install a flagpole taller than allowed and with a reduced front yard setback was granted with stipulations. Another request for a dimensional variance at 298 Varnum Dr. to construct a detached garage larger than the primary residence was withdrawn without prejudice by the petitioner following concerns from the Board and City staff regarding scale and style. Finally, a dimensional variance at 116 Dahlia St. to construct an addition, demolish an existing garage, and build a new garage with living space above, which resulted in a reduced side yard setback, was unanimously approved.