Table of Contents
🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes
✅ Special Permit Approved for 23 Library Lane
— Granted to John Kingsbury for a 60-square-foot addition to square off existing home, with side setback reduced from 17' to 12.2' (5-0 vote)
✅ Non-Conformity Finding
— Board determined the minimal addition will not be more detrimental to the neighborhood than existing non-conforming use (5-0 vote)
✅ Public Hearing Closed
— Hearing for 23 Library Lane closed with no questions or concerns from the public (5-0 vote)
💬 Major Discussion: Library Lane Home Addition
John Kingsbury appeared before the Board requesting permission to add a small addition to his home at 23 Library Lane to "square off" the existing structure.
Application Evolution
The project underwent refinement during the planning process:
Original proposal: 298 square feet (as advertised in public hearing notice)
Final request: 60 square feet
Impact: Side setback reduction from 17 feet to 12.2 feet
Department Review
D. Trapasso reviewed input from town departments and the Town Planner's report, confirming there were no concerns about the project. The application included comprehensive documentation:
Site plans prepared by Levesque Geomatics, Inc.
Residence plans from Pizzano Consulting Engineers
Certified abutters list
June 30, 2025 plans revised through August 11, 2025
Public Input
The Board opened the floor to public questions and concerns, but none were raised by attendees.
Board Action
The Board unanimously found that the 60-square-foot addition, despite increasing the property's non-conformity with side setback requirements, would have minimal impact on the neighborhood. F. Onwubueke made the motions for both the finding and the special permit approval, with support from fellow board members.
🏗️ Community Impact
📋 Streamlined Application — The Kingsbury project demonstrates how applicants can refine proposals during the review process, reducing the original 298-square-foot request to just 60 square feet
🏘️ Minimal Neighborhood Impact — Board's unanimous finding that the side setback reduction from 17' to 12.2' will not negatively affect surrounding properties
🔍 Quick Recap
✅ John Kingsbury approved for 60-square-foot home addition at 23 Library Lane
✅ Side setback variance granted, reducing from 17' to 12.2'
✅ No public opposition or departmental concerns raised
✅ All votes passed unanimously (5-0)
✅ Meeting adjourned at 6:46 PM
🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups
No upcoming meetings or follow-up dates were mentioned in these minutes. Check the Town website for the next scheduled Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
🗂️ 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.
