✅ Accepted resignation of Margaret Cooney from ZBA
— Effective March 17, 2025. Approved by Select Board 3-0, then by ZBA 6-0. Both boards thanked Cooney for her years of service to the Town.

✅ Appointed Stephen Possemato to ZBA
— Term runs April 8, 2025 through September 17, 2025. Approved by Select Board 4-0, then by ZBA 6-0. Town Planner Jeff Bubon met with Possemato prior to appointment and supported the selection.

This joint meeting between the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Select Board focused solely on managing a smooth transition following the resignation of a long-serving board member.

Margaret Cooney's Departure

Margaret Cooney resigned from the Zoning Board of Appeals effective March 17, 2025. Both the Select Board and ZBA took formal votes to accept her resignation, with members expressing gratitude for her years of service to Sturbridge. The minutes don't specify how long Cooney served on the board, but the formal recognition from both boards suggests significant tenure.

Appointing the Replacement

To fill the vacancy, the boards appointed Stephen Possemato to serve through September 17, 2025—a term of approximately five months. This appears to be filling out the remainder of Cooney's term.

Town Administrator Robin Grimm reported that Jeff Bubon, Town Planner, had met with Possemato and agreed with the appointment. This consultation reflects the close working relationship between the Town Planner's office and the ZBA, which handles zoning variances, special permits, and related land use decisions.

Both boards congratulated Possemato on his appointment.

🏛️ Board Composition Maintained — The ZBA returned to full strength with Possemato's appointment, ensuring the board can continue hearing zoning variance requests and special permit applications without delay.

✅ Margaret Cooney resigned from ZBA effective March 17, 2025

✅ Both Select Board and ZBA formally accepted resignation and thanked Cooney for her service

✅ Stephen Possemato appointed to fill vacancy through September 17, 2025

✅ Town Planner Jeff Bubon supported the appointment

📅 Stephen Possemato's ZBA term begins — April 8, 2025 | Town Hall
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📅 Stephen Possemato's ZBA term ends — September 17, 2025 | TBD
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✍️ Written by The Town Minute — making town government easier to follow, one meeting at a time.

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.