Zoning Board approves Richards Ave. porch, addition
The West Boylston Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit and a variance for a Richards Avenue homeowner to add a second story and covered porch.
Zoning Board · Meeting of March 19, 2026
WEST BOYLSTON — The West Boylston Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit and a variance for a Richards Avenue homeowner to add a second story and covered porch. The board voted 5-0 twice to approve Matthew Barakian's requests at 14 Richards Avenue, with Clerk David Femia noting he is "a very big stickler" on variance standards before ultimately supporting the porch, which will sit 11.5 feet from the front setback. Chair Christopher Olson said the variance "would always have permission from the town" since it runs with the land.
Separately, the board discussed a March 16 MassDOT letter on the Gates Brook Place apartment project, agreeing to tell the state it opposes closing a West Boylston Street driveway used for truck deliveries and prefers keeping trucks off Pierce Street.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 830 words
Source: the Zoning Board meeting of March 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Worcester County meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Worcester County who follows town government? Share Townbrief Worcester County: they can sign up free.