Shrewsbury Zoning Board Continues Food Truck Case, Approves Contractor's Yard With Conditions

SHREWSBURY -- April 27, 2026, Shrewsbury's Zoning Board of Appeals continued a contested food truck variance, approved a contractor's yard, and cleared two residential building cases at its April 27 meeting. The board voted 5-0 to defer a decision on a variance sought by Teresa Gulette to operate a Wednesday food truck event, 4 to 7 p.m., on the grounds of Trinity Episcopal Church at 440 Main Street, a Residence A zone, after more than a dozen neighbors from the street raised concerns about parking, traffic, noise, and the proximity of the site to wetlands. Vestry member Joellen Broder told the board Trinity has roughly 20 active parishioners and faces closure within three to four years, calling the food truck night "a leap of faith" to bring community into the church. Member Dave Moore said he could not reach the statutory finding that the event "will not create a nuisance by virtue of noise, odor, smoke, vibration, traffic generated," while member Fran Manella called opposition to "a food truck for three hours once a week" an "absurdity." The board will take up the case again on May 14 at 6 p.m. In other action, the board approved a special permit for electrician Jeff Motha to operate a contractor's yard and storage yard at 28 Cherry Street, with conditions requiring screening per bylaw, no on-site repair work, and a lighting plan submitted for board approval, on a 4-1 vote, with member Anne dissenting.