Uxbridge ZBA finds Douglas Ward may reconstruct demolished house on original footprint

The Uxbridge Zoning Board of Appeals determined that Douglas Ward may reconstruct the previously demolished pre‑existing nonconforming residence at 1 Carpenter Terrace, provided the new structure is located on the same footprint and does not exceed the original volume or area. The finding resolves an appeal of the building inspector—s guidance and clarifies the applicant—s options under the town—s bylaws.

Ward, who identified himself as the owner of 1 Carpenter Terrace, told the board he recently purchased the 35,000‑square‑foot lot after the town demolished an unsafe house and said he intends to rebuild a residence that conforms to setbacks. “I am the owner of 1 Carpenter Terrace, and seeking to reestablish the pre existing residence that was recently, demolished, by the town,” Ward said when he introduced his application.

Neighbors spoke in support. George Lukasinski (Griswold Court) said that a residential replacement would be acceptable if it did not become a business use; Stanley Suprena and Jessica Plummer also endorsed residential reuse and raised local access and safety concerns (noting a large pine tree near the right‑of‑way). Board members reviewed two relevant bylaw pathways: the abandonment/non‑use provision (bylaw 400‑12) and the reconstruction‑after‑demolition provision (section 412 g). The board concluded the applicant may reconstruct on the original footprint within two years after demolition and that any reconstruction that would be located other than on the original footprint or greater in volume would require a special permit from the ZBA.

A motion reflecting those findings was made and passed; board staff will draft a written determination for the applicant. The board advised Ward to return with a survey and a site plan if he seeks a special permit for a different footprint or larger structure.