Table of Contents

🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes

March 19, 2025 Minutes Approved
— Approved as written with a vote of 4-0-2 (Maryann Thorpe and Fidelis Onwubueke abstained)

April 16, 2025 Minutes Approved
— Approved as written with a vote of 4-0-2 (Diane Trapasso, Chair and Tom Welch abstained)

Special Permit Granted for 92 Westwood Drive
— Approved 6-0 to allow Patricia and Michael Tomko to construct a 59 square foot mudroom addition and replace existing rear deck despite increasing front setback non-conformity

Determination Granted for 145 Walker Pond Road
— Approved 6-0 to allow Pat Longvall to build a 14'x14' screened-in porch on existing deck footprint

💬 Major Discussion: 92 Westwood Drive Expansion

The Board heard a special permit application from Patricia and Michael Tomko to expand their home at 92 Westwood Drive with a mudroom addition and enlarged deck. Jose Cottone of 1 Cedar Pond Road represented the applicants as the builder.

Project Details

The proposal includes:

  • A 59 square foot mudroom expansion on an existing concrete pad

  • A covered entryway with roof extension

  • Replacement of the existing rear deck, expanded to the full width of the house

  • New plantings, crushed stone patio, and walkway pavers

Non-Conformity Issues

The project will increase existing non-conformities:

  • Front setback: Changes from 26' 9" to 22' 6" (requirement not specified in minutes)

  • Lot coverage: Increases from 17% to 20.7%

Despite these increases, the Board found the changes "consistent with the immediate neighborhood" and determined they "will not result in detriment to the neighborhood."

Board Questions

Elizabeth Banks inquired about roof expansion and the existing garage. Cottone explained the garage has been demolished, the house interior has been updated, and the roof extension only covers the front entryway.

Maryann Thorpe asked about septic capacity for the new bathroom. Cottone confirmed the property is connected to public sewer, eliminating that concern.

The Board unanimously approved the special permit pursuant to Article XV§300-15.2A and Article XVIII §300-18.2 (2) of the Zoning Bylaws.

🏗️ Community Impact

🏡 Walker Pond Road Screened PorchPat Longvall received approval to build a 14'x14' screened-in porch at 145 Walker Pond Road. The structure will be built on the footprint of an existing deck, creating no new non-conformities. The Board had no questions or concerns and approved the determination unanimously.

📋 July Meeting Quorum ConcernJoshua Cole and Elizabeth Banks both notified the Board they cannot attend the July 16th meeting. Jeneé Lacy, Administrative Assistant requested other members confirm their availability to ensure a quorum.

🔍 Quick Recap

Board approved minutes from March 19 and April 16, 2025 meetings with some abstentions

Special permit granted for 92 Westwood Drive mudroom addition and deck expansion despite increasing lot coverage to 20.7%

Determination granted for 145 Walker Pond Road screened-in porch built on existing deck footprint

Two Board members will be absent from July 16 meeting; quorum confirmation needed

Meeting lasted 29 minutes, adjourning at 6:59 PM

🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups

📅 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting — July 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM | 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.

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