Zoning board approves 6-foot fence with scrim at 225 Arlington Street

Framingham City’s Zoning Board of Appeals on April 9 approved an amendment to existing special permits allowing the erection of a six-foot fence at 225 Arlington Street, with the condition that the fence be covered with scrim and that no other changes be made to previously issued permits.

The change was requested by property owner Michael Knapp, who told the board he had put up fencing after repeated dumping on the property and cleared brush and garbage. Knapp said he is not seeking to add more “disabled cars” to the site and described the request as a way to keep the space cleaner and allow short-term storage of materials such as plows or bricks for contractors.

Board members asked for clarity about the fence already installed and its height. Knapp said he initially installed an eight-foot fence and cut it down to six feet after being advised the original permit required six. During discussion the board asked that the newly erected section be screened to avoid visual blight and discourage dumping from passersby; Knapp agreed to add scrim.

A motion to approve the amendment — allowing a six-foot fence covered with scrim and specifying no other changes to the earlier special permits — passed on a roll-call vote. Members recorded their votes in the meeting: Mister Meltzer voted yes, Mister Yam voted yes, and the chair voted yes.

Board members briefly discussed barbed or concertina wire; the applicant said he would not install such measures at this time, and members signaled concern about hazards and aesthetics and noted they could revisit if issues arise.

The board’s formal action was limited to amending the special permits to authorize the fence with the stated condition; there were no changes to use or other permit terms that night.

The board closed the item after the vote and moved to the next scheduled case.