ZBA continues 81 Main Street variance hearing
Zoning Board of Appeals · Meeting of September 23, 2026
Pepperell ZBA continues a nine-unit Main Street variance hearing over scale and wetlands concerns. The board, led by Chair Sean McCaffery with Clerk Annette R. McLean and member Heather Hampson, unanimously continued the 81 Main Street application to October 21 at 7:20 p.m. after Hampson and McCaffery said they weren't ready to back the requested 20-foot front-yard and 7-foot side-yard variances.
Applicant's representative Kenneth Lania said the project disturbs 9,840 square feet of riverfront area, nearly double the regulatory threshold, and cited a new state "practical difficulty" standard for variances. The Historical Commission formally recommended denial, calling the circa-1841 house "the oldest surviving structure along Main Street east of the rotary." McCaffery questioned whether the $160,000 purchase price pointed to a "self-created hardship." The board also approved six sets of back-dated meeting minutes unanimously.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,167 words
Source: the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of September 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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