Ryan Wobbley interviews for Board of Appeals vacancy; board to review candidates March 18
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Summary
Ryan Wobbley, a Westford resident and corporate attorney at Morse in Waltham, interviewed for a Board of Appeals vacancy and told the board he has zoning and municipal-government experience; the board will consider four candidates and decide at its March 18 meeting.
Ryan Wobbley, a Westford resident and corporate attorney at the firm Morse in Waltham, interviewed before the board as a candidate for a Board of Appeals vacancy.
Wobbley said he moved to Westford in 2024 and described experience relevant to the post, including internships with municipal government and coursework in zoning, real property and environmental law. "I understand the basic principles of the zoning board... a quasi-judicial kind of appellate review," he said, and added he is willing to undertake training and information sessions with planning staff.
Board members asked whether he has experience reading plot plans and building elevations; Wobbley said he does not have direct drafting experience but offered that his legal background gives him familiarity with bylaws and precedent-based decision making. He explained his understanding that a variance grants relief from the bylaw while a special permit authorizes specified uses and may differ by bylaw provisions.
The board said it will collect volunteer-activity forms and candidate materials for the four applicants and take up appointments at its March 18 meeting; staff will circulate the packet and follow up with candidates.