Zoning Board approves officer elections, continues ADU variance hearing
Franklin Zoning Board holds officer elections and presses pause on contentious ADU variance. Chair Ginelle Lang, Vice Chair Jennifer Williams, and Clerk Isabella Carter were each elected unanimously to three-year terms. The board unanimously approved a one-year extension of the comprehensive permit
Zoning Board of Appeals · Meeting of January 22, 2026
Franklin Zoning Board holds officer elections and presses pause on contentious ADU variance. Chair Ginelle Lang, Vice Chair Jennifer Williams, and Clerk Isabella Carter were each elected unanimously to three-year terms. The board unanimously approved a one-year extension of the comprehensive permit for a 60-unit affordable housing project at 237 Pleasant Street through April 21, 2027.
In the meeting's primary matter, the board continued the McGee ADU variance hearing to February 19 after direct abutters and board members raised concerns that the proposal--requiring 15.5 feet where 40 feet is required--would compromise neighborhood privacy and character. Chair Lang requested solar shadow studies and revised site plans before the applicants return with their architect.
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Source: the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of January 22, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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