Zoning board approves two variances, 4-0 and 3-0

Zoning Board · Meeting of July 28, 2026

HADLEY — The Hadley Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variances under a newly revised state standard that weighs housing benefits against neighborhood impact. Chair Andrew Bombardier and members Iris Tang and Jason Galvin, joined by alternate Jason Bohonowicz, voted 4-0 to grant Michael and Sarah Weinzik a front-setback variance at 40 Rocky Hill for an accessibility ramp, with Sarah Weinzik saying the family wants to "age in place." The board then voted 3-0 to grant Richard Bramucci a use variance converting the former North Hadley Hall at 239 River Drive into five apartments and office space, after Bombardier read a letter from Select Board member Molly Keegan calling the project "an excellent one" that provides "much needed housing." Town Counsel found added driveway pavement would add just 0.75 percent coverage to the 1.2-acre site, calling it "de minimis." The board also continued a setback matter for absent applicant Richard Costello to August 18 and deferred a nonconforming-garage finding for Pauline Keener's 109 Middle Street property pending payment of a filing fee.

In the full story:

• 40 Rocky Hill: Accessibility Variance for Aging in Place
• 239 River Drive: Five-Unit Conversion of North Hadley Hall
• Richard Costello Setback Matter: Continued in Applicant's Absence
• 109 Middle Street: Nonconforming Garage Finding Deferred
• Staffing Update: Land Use Coordinator Search
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,061 words

Source: the Zoning Board meeting of July 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.