Merrimac ZBA unanimously approves permit to convert barn at 26 Church Street into accessory dwelling unit

The Merrimac Zoning Board of Appeals on July 9 unanimously approved a special permit to convert the two‑story barn at 26 Church Street into a detached accessory dwelling unit, the board recorded.

The four members voting in favor — Joanne Rodrigues, Kenneth Nobrega, Mitch Kostoulakos and Chair Matthew Passeri — approved issuance of the permit after a public hearing and review of application materials, including a plot plan, photographs, a floor plan and structural drawings. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Kostoulakos and seconded by Ms. Rodrigues and passed in a 4–0 roll call vote.

Applicants Chris J. Woods and Theresa D. Paul Woods, who listed Cooper J. Paul and Nicole O. Paul as co‑applicants and property owners, told the board they recently purchased the property and plan to occupy the house while Chris and Theresa will live in the unit above the barn. They said municipal water and sewer serve the property and that they have engaged a structural engineer and contractors to perform the renovations needed to make the barn habitable as an accessory dwelling unit.

Building Commissioner Bob Sinibaldi spoke in favor of the renovation and told the board that the property lies in the Village Center District and could, under zoning, be developed as a two‑family dwelling. No members of the public spoke on the application during the hearing.

The board’s written decision states that the petition for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 17.3 of the Town of Merrimac Zoning Bylaws is allowed. The decision document includes standard appeal language: any appeal pursuant to G.L. c.40A §17 must be filed within 20 days after the date of filing the decision in the Town Clerk’s office. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.