Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Aug 18, 2026

The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on August 18, 2026, to consider two main cases involving property variances and special permits. The first case involved John Harpin seeking a 3-foot front setback variance for a residential property at 623 West Street due to wetlands buffer requirements impacting the house placement. The board discussed site specifics and agreed to conduct a site visit to verify property lines before making a final decision. The second case concerned Christine Tree representing Cadway Holdings, requesting two special permits to reconstruct a pre-existing non-conforming structure at 172 Parker Street as a three-family dwelling without expanding the footprint but increasing the volume and use. The board reviewed parking, safety, and neighborhood compatibility issues, including construction impacts and coordination with city services. After public comments and discussion, the board approved both special permits with conditions related to construction safety and site maintenance. Additionally, the board approved meeting minutes for June and July and adjourned the session.