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Public commenters raise accessibility and historic‑preservation complaints about planning‑board candidate; candidate denies allegations
Summary
Several members of the public objected to the appointment of Robert (Rob) Schoen to the Planning Board, citing a zoning appeal related to a neighbor’s ADA accommodation and alleged demolition work without permits; Schoen said the public comments were "false, misleading and unfair" and defended his record.
Public comments and a candidate interview over a Planning Board appointment at the Town of Brookline Select Board meeting focused on disputes between applicant Robert (Rob) Schoen and nearby neighbors over accessibility accommodations, demolition and zoning enforcement.
Multiple residents spoke during public comment. Abby Swain told the board she submitted written materials opposing Schoen’s appointment and described a case heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 2, 2023. Swain said the appeal involved a neighbor’s reasonable‑accommodation request under the ADA and local bylaws to build an accessible entrance and garage to accommodate a child who uses a motorized wheelchair. Swain said that the request related to both setbacks and an entry sized to fit a…
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