Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting June 16, 2026

The City of Gardner, Massachusetts Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on June 16, 2026, primarily to discuss a variance request related to the installation of a telecommunications monopine tower at an existing Walmart site. Representatives from SBA Communications and Valmont Industries presented detailed engineering information about the tower's design, safety features, and fall zone considerations, emphasizing compliance with building codes and safety standards. The board deliberated on the interpretation of the city's fall zone ordinance, particularly whether the tower's fall zone encroached on business-use property such as the Walmart parking lot, and the need for a legal opinion from the city solicitor. The board agreed to continue the hearing to July to obtain this legal guidance and suggested the applicant file for a variance application as a precautionary measure, with the possibility of withdrawal if not needed. The discussion also covered inspection protocols, insurance coverage, and removal bonds related to the tower. No final vote on the variance was taken, but the board approved extending the hearing without additional fees.