Table of Contents
🕊️ Community Tribute
The meeting opened with Chair Diane Trapasso offering condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the Blanchard family for the passing of Mary Blanchard.
🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes
✅ July 16, 2025 Minutes Approved
— Motion by Maryann Thorpe, seconded by Stephen Possemato. Passed 4-0-3 (Tom Welch, Joshua Cole, and Elizabeth Banks abstained)
✅ August 20, 2025 Minutes Approved
— Motion by Stephen Possemato, seconded by Fidelis Onwubueke. Passed 5-0-2 (Maryann Thorpe and Joshua Cole abstained)
✅ 206 Hemlock Path Determination Granted to Nancy Mangari
— Approved razing existing cottage and rebuilding year-round single-family home with detached garage. Motion by Fidelis Onwubueke, seconded by Elizabeth Banks. Passed unanimously 7-0
✅ 208 Hemlock Path Determination Granted to Susan Rogers
— Approved razing existing cottage and rebuilding year-round single-family home, plus rebuilding shed in same footprint. Motion by Fidelis Onwubueke, seconded by Maryann Thorpe. Passed unanimously 7-0
✅ 102 South Shore Road Determination Granted to Allen & Deborah Moore
— Approved new deck construction on existing house. Motion by Fidelis Onwubueke, seconded by Stephen Possemato. Passed unanimously 7-0
💬 Major Discussion: Lakefront Cottage Rebuilds on Hemlock Path
Two adjacent properties on Hemlock Path received approvals to replace seasonal cottages with year-round homes, representing a trend in the area toward permanent residential development near the water.
206 Hemlock Path - Nancy Mangari
Erin Carson of Permitting Pro presented the application on behalf of Nancy Mangari, who plans to replace her cottage with a new single-family home and detached garage. Key details include:
Lot is non-conforming due to area
New construction will meet all setback and lot coverage requirements
Existing shed will be removed to accommodate proposed garage
Conservation Commission has already approved the project
Current cottage has field stone foundation
Deck will be located off second floor
208 Hemlock Path - Susan Rogers
Erin Carson also presented for Susan Rogers, whose property abuts the Mangari lot:
Existing cottage to be razed and rebuilt as year-round home
Existing garage will remain
Existing shed (mislabeled as "boathouse" on plans) will be razed and rebuilt in same footprint
Lot is non-conforming due to area and frontage
New home will meet all setback and lot coverage requirements
Stairs were confirmed to be exempt from setback requirements
Conservation Commission approval obtained
Both projects received no concerns from departmental reviews and were approved unanimously.
🏗️ Community Impact
🏠 Deck Addition ApprovedZachary Kirdulis of Remodel or Renew represented Allen & Deborah Moore for a new deck at 102 South Shore Road. The deck will use 6x6 pressure-treated posts with 6x6 footing brackets and post-to-beam connectors. The property has non-conforming lot area, but the deck does not increase any existing non-conformities.
🔍 Quick Recap
✅ Board offered condolences to Blanchard family for passing of Mary Blanchard
✅ Approved minutes from July 16 and August 20, 2025 meetings
✅ Three determinations granted unanimously for lakefront property improvements
✅ All approved projects meet setback and lot coverage requirements despite non-conforming lot characteristics
✅ No departmental concerns raised for any applications
✅ Meeting duration: 24 minutes (6:30 PM - 6:54 PM)
🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups
📅 Next ZBA Meeting — October 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Center Office Building
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🗂️ Resources
🎥 Watch Full Meeting Video — Link not yet available
✍️ 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.
