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Greenhouse proposal for 210 Adams Street continued after easement and survey questions
Summary
A homeowner’s request for a 20x18 backyard greenhouse at 210 Adams Street was continued to Feb. 10, 2026 after the board and commenters raised questions about a 15‑foot utility/sewer easement and requested a registered land survey to confirm whether the greenhouse or existing pond encroach on the easement.
The Zoning Board continued Kevin Katz’s application to install a 20‑by‑18‑foot greenhouse over a koi pond at 210 Adams Street to its February 10, 2026 meeting after questions emerged about easement boundaries and whether the proposed structure encroaches on a sewer or utility easement.
Katz explained the greenhouse is intended to protect fish from hawk predation and falling black walnut debris and described proposed materials and dimensions. DPW and several board members noted that permanent structures generally cannot be placed in easement areas and asked Katz to provide a registered land survey showing the exact easement lines and the greenhouse location before the board can act.
Opposition speakers, including architect and planner Jeffrey Zenda, pointed to the 15‑foot utility easement and cited Mass. Gen. Laws, Chapter 187, Section 5, which limits construction in easements. Zenda urged the board to decline the request and noted he believed the existing pond and some associated improvements may already occupy easement space.
Given the disputed as‑built conditions and the need for a plotted survey, the board voted to continue DVA 2559 to the February 10, 2026 meeting so the applicant can supply a registered survey and DPW can verify easement and sewer locations.
