Table of Contents
🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes
✅ Meeting Minutes Approval (April 7, 2025)
— Approved as written by vote of 4-0-1, with Stephen Possemato abstaining
✅ 110 Paradise Lane Determination (Tracy & Nancy Murphy)
— Approved demolition of existing structure and construction of new ~1,100 sq.ft. single-family home; vote of 5-0
✅ 23 Bates Hill Road Determination (Julie Boyd DelGaudio & William DelGaudio)
— Approved demolition of existing structure and construction of new 2,668 sq.ft. single-family home with 8' wide porch; vote of 5-0
💬 Major Discussion: Two Home Replacement Projects Move Forward
The board heard presentations for two properties seeking to replace aging homes with new construction, both reducing existing non-conformities on their lots.
110 Paradise Lane Project
Christopher McClure of McClure Engineering presented on behalf of applicants Tracy and Nancy Murphy. The project will replace an existing home with a smaller, approximately 1,100 square foot single-family residence. Key details included:
The proposed home will be "slightly less non-conforming than the existing structure"
The existing home has only a crawl space; the new construction will include a full basement
No garage is planned for the property
The plan received no departmental concerns
Vice Chair Fidelis Onwubueke and board members asked detailed questions about the footprint, basement plans, and square footage before unanimously approving the determination.
23 Bates Hill Road Project
Julie Boyd DelGaudio and William DelGaudio presented their own application to demolish and rebuild at 23 Bates Hill Road. Their proposal includes:
A 2,668 sq.ft. home with an 8-foot wide porch
Relocating the proposed house to the north side of the property and slightly west
The new home will be approximately 10 feet larger than the existing structure
Both existing and new homes will have basements
Administrative Assistant Jeneé Lacy noted that due to the age of the existing home, the applicants met with the Historic Commission under the Demolition Delay bylaw. The Commission voted unanimously that the home is not a significant structure and demolition may proceed.
The board approved this determination unanimously as well, finding that the proposal does not create new or increase existing non-conformities.
🏗️ Community Impact
👋 New Board Member Welcome
Vice Chair Fidelis Onwubueke welcomed Stephen Possemato, the newest member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, at his first meeting.
📋 March Minutes Tabled
The board lacked a quorum to approve the March 19, 2025 minutes, postponing the vote until the next meeting.
🔍 Quick Recap
✅ Board welcomed newest member Stephen Possemato
✅ Approved April 7, 2025 minutes (4-0-1)
✅ Granted determination for 110 Paradise Lane home replacement (5-0)
✅ Granted determination for 23 Bates Hill Road home replacement (5-0)
✅ Both projects found to not create new or increase existing non-conformities
🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups
📅 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting — May 21, 2025, Time TBD | Center Office Building
🔗 Add to Google Calendar
📅 Vote on March 19, 2025 Minutes — May 21, 2025, Time TBD | Center Office Building
🔗 Add to Google Calendar
🗂️ Resources
✍️ Written by The Town Minute — making town government easier to follow, one meeting at a time.
Disclaimer
The Town Minute is an independent publication not affiliated with the Town of Sturbridge or any municipal office. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur. For official and complete records, please refer to the Town's approved meeting minutes or watch the official meeting recordings on the Town's website.
