ZBA signals it will approve Captain Eames gates

Zoning Board · Meeting of September 8, 2026

ASHLAND — The Ashland Zoning Board of Appeals signaled it will approve gates and road upgrades on Captain Eames Circle and Algonquin Trail over resident safety objections, while a 116-unit affordable housing project stalled again on sewer costs. Acting chair Brian Forestal said "the people who own the private property should be able to govern it the way they want," and the board voted 3-0 to continue the Ashland Open Space Trust hearing to September 22 for a draft decision. Separately, attorney Paul Haverty told the board sewer options for 55 West Union LLC's 40B project range from $1.7 million to $8 million, with a proposed $60,000 lift-station payment to the town; the board voted 5-0 to continue that hearing to October 13 and asked for a redesigned plan adding eight units.

Resident Paula Parker said she had "a moral obligation to serve the residents" and balked at assessing 576 households $3 million to $4 million for road repairs. Town Counsel Brian Winner also briefed the board on a new state "practical difficulty" variance standard taking effect under H.5555.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,900 words

Source: the Zoning Board meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.