Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Mar 17 2026

The City of Gardner Massachusetts Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on March 17, 2026, primarily addressing zoning relief requests and special permits related to residential and parking developments. Key procurement-related discussions included a request for a special permit to change a two-family home back to a three-family use at 69 Oak Street, which was continued to the April meeting. Another significant case involved a request for multiple variances related to setbacks and deck construction for a six-unit residential project on Stevenson Avenue; the board requested more detailed documentation and a continuation to the next meeting. Additionally, Walnut Heritage Space sought approval for adding two parking spaces and a two-bedroom unit, with concerns raised by the city engineer about parking layout, drainage, and compliance with zoning impervious coverage limits. The board voted to continue this case to allow the applicant to address engineering comments and provide detailed plans. The meeting also included a legal opinion on permit extension provisions under Massachusetts law, clarifying that certain land use approvals are extended through December 2027, which impacts ongoing development projects. No contract awards or direct procurement actions were taken, but the discussions involved planning and compliance issues that could influence future construction and development contracts in the city.