Zoning board approves multiple housing and renovation permits; withdrawals and continuances noted

The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals took formal action on a series of property and development items during its June 23 meeting, approving the majority of routine variances and special permits on its agenda and recording continuances and a withdrawal. Separately, after a prolonged hearing the board denied a high‑profile application for a digital billboard at 5 Norton Drive (see separate article).

Key outcomes from votes taken before the billboard hearing included:

- 3304 Shrewsbury Street — Leave to withdraw without prejudice approved. The board recorded a motion to allow the applicant to withdraw the filing; the leave was approved unanimously (vote recorded at the start of the meeting).

- 17 Montclair Drive and 9 Ashland Street — Continuance/postponements approved. The board granted a continuance of the public hearing for 17 Montclair Drive to the July 14 meeting and postponed 9 Ashland Street to the July 14 meeting with extended constructive grant deadlines as noted in the staff memo.

- 85 & 87 Boston Avenue — Special permits approved. The board approved a special permit to permit a low‑rise multifamily use in an RL‑7 zone and to modify parking dimensional and landscaping requirements for 85 Boston Avenue (adding 3 units for a total of five at 85) and a…