Zoning Board of Appeals 11/09/2026

The City of Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals met on November 9, 2026. The board continued several hearings to November 30, including a request to convert one face of a billboard adjacent to 692 Millbury Street to a digital display. The billboard applicant provided information on energy use, lighting, complaint response, and free advertising space for city notices. Board members discussed the Blackstone River Parkway sign overlay district and a proposed condition limiting operation to 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; the applicant asked to remove that condition, while some members supported retaining it. No decision was made on the billboard application; the hearing was continued to December 21, with a constructive deadline of January 12, to allow for a fuller voting board. The board also postponed hearings for 14–18 Kiara Drive, 209 Lincoln Street, 195 Mill Street, and 718 Crown Street to November 30.

The board approved a variance for a front porch at 538 Grove Street, including 2.9 feet of relief from the minimum front-yard setback, and approved variances for a proposed subdivision and residential development at 118 Dana Avenue, subject to staff conditions and waivers. Board members also discussed upcoming training, meeting minutes, and quorum availability. No procurement, contract award, vendor selection, or spending action was identified.