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Board continues Lower River Road variance amid historic‑neighborhood, ledge and utilities concerns
Summary
The board continued a dimensional-variance request for a uniquely shaped lot on Lower River Road to April 7, asking the applicant to provide definitive renderings and to verify historic‑district status and wetlands/easement constraints after extensive public comment on blasting, ledge and neighborhood character.
Lincoln’s Zoning Board of Review continued action on an application to build on a long, shallow lot on Lower River Road after residents, preservation advocates and technical staff raised unresolved issues about siting, ledge, utilities and historic context.
Attorney Kelly Morris Salvatore presented for the owner, describing a 20,110‑square‑foot lot bisected by a 60‑foot electric easement and containing steep slopes and ledge that — the applicant said — make compliance with required front and rear setbacks infeasible. Salvatore argued the land’s configuration creates a hardship beyond mere inconvenience and said the applicant would apply for any necessary RIDEM wetlands permits during permitting.
Multiple abutters and local groups urged caution. Mary Gervais, who lives nearby in a house built in 1810, said she fears heavy machinery or blasting could damage old foundations; James Seymour and John Collin provided local historic and infrastructure context, including the presence of a regional sewer trunk and an electrical easement. John Bosland of the Blackstone River Watershed Council said the site sits across from the historic Blackstone Canal and the National Historical Park and urged protection of the canal viewshed and runoff controls.
Board members and the solicitor concluded there were outstanding factual questions the board needs answered to analyze the ordinance standard about whether the proposal would “alter the general character of the surrounding area.” The chair said the board will not decide tonight and moved to continue the matter to April 7, 2026. The motion to continue (to require a definitive rendering and verification of historic‑district status and related documentation) passed by voice vote.
