ZBA finds Baldwinville School Apartments changes insubstantial; developer may remove deteriorated house if historic approvals obtained

The Templeton Zoning Board of Appeals on July 15 found proposed changes to the Baldwinville School Apartments’ comprehensive permit to be insubstantial, allowing the project team to incorporate the revisions into the existing Chapter 40B permit. The board’s finding clears a path for the developer to implement several site adjustments; one larger change — demolishing a deteriorated house at 12 School Street — remains conditional on approvals from historic-preservation agencies and financing partners.

Project counsel told the board that construction began after closing in April and that field staking revealed a property line overlap affecting an abutter at 6 Cottage Street. The applicants proposed two scenarios: (A) move a pedestrian path and accept the loss of two parking spaces so the abutter’s backyard is preserved with an easement; (B) if the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the National Park Service (National Historic Trust approval noted in the filing), and lenders permit demolition of 12 School Street, remove that building and reconfigure the site to add approximately 15 parking spaces, a small…