Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: July 9th, 2026

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on July 9, 2026, primarily focused on a special permit application for the alteration of a non-conforming use at 53-55 Congress Street. The applicant sought to convert a first-floor office space into a three-bedroom residential unit, consistent with zoning bylaws. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of parking arrangements, with the board mandating that parking spaces numbered five through eight be paved with reprocessed asphalt and properly lined by December 1st. Additionally, parking spaces one and two on Congress Street were eliminated as they did not exist. The board also required inspections by the building inspector, board of health, and assessor prior to the appeal period expiration to ensure safety and occupancy compliance. Motions regarding these conditions were unanimously approved, reflecting the board's emphasis on safety, compliance, and property improvement.