Planning Board closes hearing on Willow Street garage
Hamilton's Planning Board closed a hearing on a Willow Street garage after being told the town's new zoning code may bar it.
Planning Board · Meeting of May 5, 2026
Hamilton's Planning Board closed a hearing on a Willow Street garage after being told the town's new zoning code may bar it. The board voted 6-0 to close the public hearing on the special permit sought by applicants identified as Mike Gladchon and Leah Tink, with a written decision due within 90 days. Town counsel Robin Stein of KP Law told the board the Town Center code, adopted in July 2025, uses the word "dwelling" rather than "structure" in its non-conformity provisions, meaning accessory buildings like garages may not qualify for reconstruction protections extended to houses.
Board member Bill Wheaton warned the gap could affect many non-conforming downtown lots. Assessors chairman Steve Ozahowski urged approval, calling the applicants' home "the nicest house in downtown Hamilton." The board also scheduled the code's drafting consultant to present May 19 and added a special session May 26.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 724 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of May 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Essex 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 Essex County who follows town government? Share Townbrief Essex County: they can sign up free.