Table of Contents
🕊️ Opening Remarks
Diane Trapasso, Chair, opened the meeting by offering the Board's condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the Blanchard family for the passing of Mary Blanchard.
🗳️ Key Decisions & Votes
✅ July 16, 2025 Meeting Minutes Approved
— Approved as written by vote of 4-0-3 (Tom Welch, Joshua Cole, and Elizabeth Banks abstained)
✅ August 20, 2025 Meeting Minutes Approved
— Approved as written by vote of 5-0-2 (Maryann Thorpe and Joshua Cole abstained)
✅ 206 Hemlock Path Determination Granted
— Nancy Mangari approved to raze existing cottage and rebuild year-round single-family home with detached garage; unanimous 7-0 vote
✅ 208 Hemlock Path Determination Granted
— Susan Rogers approved to raze existing cottage and rebuild year-round home, plus rebuild shed in existing footprint; unanimous 7-0 vote
✅ 102 South Shore Road Determination Granted
— Allen & Deborah Moore approved to build new deck on existing house; unanimous 7-0 vote
💬 Major Discussion: Lake Alum Cottage Conversions
The Board reviewed two similar projects on Hemlock Path that represent a growing trend in the Lake Alum area: converting seasonal cottages into modern, year-round single-family homes.
206 Hemlock Path - Nancy Mangari
Erin Carson of Permitting Pro presented on behalf of Nancy Mangari, explaining that the existing cottage sits on a non-conforming lot due to insufficient area. The proposed new home will meet all setback and lot coverage requirements, and includes a detached garage.
Key details discussed:
The existing cottage has a field stone foundation
A second-floor deck will be added to the new home
The existing shed will be removed to accommodate the proposed garage
Conservation Commission has already approved the project
Joshua Cole inquired about deck elevations and foundation type, while Elizabeth Banks confirmed the shed removal plans.
208 Hemlock Path - Susan Rogers
Erin Carson returned to present Susan Rogers's similar project, also involving razing an existing cottage for a year-round home. This lot is non-conforming due to both area and frontage.
Key differences:
The existing garage will remain in place
An existing shed (initially mislabeled as a "boathouse" on plans) will be razed and rebuilt in the same footprint
The shed is used for storing canoes and kayaks and does not extend over the water
Tom Welch asked about stairs in setbacks; Diane Trapasso clarified that stairs are exempt from setback requirements. Maryann Thorpe questioned the boathouse label discrepancy, which Erin Carson corrected.
Both projects received unanimous approval with no departmental concerns.
🏗️ Community Impact
🏡 South Shore Road Deck AdditionZachary Kirdulis of Remodel or Renew presented on behalf of Allen & Deborah Moore for a new deck at 102 South Shore Road. The property has non-conforming lot area, but the deck will not increase any non-conformities. Construction will use 6x6 pressure-treated posts with footing brackets and post-to-beam connectors. No departmental concerns were raised.
🔍 Quick Recap
✅ Board opened with condolences to the Blanchard family
✅ Two sets of meeting minutes approved with partial abstentions
✅ Three determinations granted unanimously, all for projects on non-conforming lots
✅ No applications were denied or tabled
✅ All projects received Conservation Commission approval where applicable
✅ Meeting lasted 24 minutes
🗓️ Upcoming Meetings & Follow-Ups
📅 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting — October 15, 2025, 6:30 PM | Center Office Building
🔗 Add to Google Calendar
🗂️ 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.
