Board of Appeals

The HCAM Board of Appeals held a public hearing on August 12, 2026, to consider variance requests related to property development at 27 Pleasant Street and zero West Main Street. The discussions focused primarily on variances for lot frontage and driveway access due to topographical and environmental constraints, including wetlands and steep grades. The applicant sought relief from strict frontage access requirements to allow driveway access via School Street instead of the main road, citing public safety and environmental preservation as key reasons. Several residents expressed concerns about increased traffic, safety, environmental impact, and loss of privacy. The board reviewed legal standards for granting variances, including recent changes in state law regarding practical difficulty and hardship definitions. After extensive public input and deliberation, the board moved to approve the variances allowing alternative driveway access for the four lots, balancing the benefits of additional housing against potential detriments to public safety and neighborhood character.