Planning Board

The Planning Board is responsible for the administration of the Subdivision Regulations under the purview of ML ac 41 §81 AK to GG as well as all site plan applications and most of the special permits required under the Zoning Bylaw. The Board is responsible for creating and updating the town’s master plan; and they usually take the lead in updating the zoning bylaw as well. The Board also participates in other planning activities in town, such as the Open Space & Recreation Plan, redevelopment planning, and neighborhood planning. Finally, the Board provides advice on the development of the town or on specific proposals when requested by other boards and commissions.

The Planning Board meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Ware Town Hall (please check postings for current dates and cancellations).

Planning Board Members

 

Members Title Term Expiration
Richard Starodoj Chairman 2026
Ed Murphy, III Vice Chairman 2024
Available Opening Clerk  
Kenneth Crosby   2025
Chris DiMarzio   202
Elizabeth Hancock Alternate June 30, 2023

Forms Fees
Planning Board Rules & Regulations Meeting Information
Submittal Schedule Meeting Agendas
Meeting Materials & Supporting Documents 2023 Filings
Filing Archive  



Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial body which operates under the authority of Chapter 40A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, convenience, and general welfare of the Town of Ware.  The ZBA reviews requests for variances submitted by applicants who want an exemption to the local zoning bylaw in order to use their land in a particular way.  The ZBA may be asked to review requests submitted by residents or business owners who are aggrieved by a decision made by the Building Commissioner or the Planning Board.  The ZBA reviews requests for Comprehensive Permits submitted under Chapter 40B by developers who wish to create affordable housing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets when necessary on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Ware Town Hall (please check postings for current dates and cancellations).

Board Members

Zoning Board of Appeals Members  Title  Term Expiration June 30th 
 Lewis Iadarola  Chairman  2024
 Jodi Chartier Vice Chairman  2025
 Chuck Dowd    2023
 Greg Eaton    2023
 Phil Hamel    2023
 David Skoczylas  Alternate  2024
 Shaun K. Robinson  Alternate  2025

Submittal Schedule Meeting Agendas
Meeting Materials & Supporting Documents 2023 Filings
Filing Archive Regulations


cda web posting
Community Development Authority (CDA)-

Beginning July 1, 2014, the Charter amendment (passed by Annual Town Meeting in 2013 and by ballot vote in April 2014), combined two departments creating the Planning & Community Development Department.

The Charter amendment specifically addresses the Community Development Authority: There shall be a Community Development Authority which shall consist of five (5) members. All members shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen for terms of three (3) years each, with terms staggered. The Community Development Authority shall have the following powers and duties:

  • Oversee all CDBG grants awarded to the Town and other grants which were obtained through the Planning & Community Development Department;
  • Oversee loans provided to businesses from the Economic Development Fund;
  • Oversee loans provided to individuals through any other loan programs administered by the Planning & Community Development Department;
  • Determine which areas of the town constitute decadent, substandard, or blighted open areas as such terms are defined in MGL Chapter 121B, and prepare plans for the redevelopment of such areas;
  • Working with stakeholders, prepare plans and oversee implementation of strategies to revitalize the downtown and millyard areas;
  • Participate in general economic development projects; and Any other activities as needed to effectuate positive change in regard to community or economic development.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Ware Town Hall (please check postings for current dates and cancellations).

Community Development Authority

Members Title Term Expiration June 30th
Danielle Souza Chair 2024
Available Opening    
Brandy Bruso   2024
S.K. Robinson   2024
Rhiannon Gresty   2023

2023 Meeting Dates Meeting Agendas
Meeting Materials & Supporting Documents Projects
   
   


Conservation Commission

CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEMBERS:   
Conservation Member Title Term Expiration (June 30th)
Mark Swett Chairman 2024
Thomas Barnes Vice Chairman 2023
Kristin Rosenbeck Member 2025
Dennis Cote Member 2025
Available Opening    

2023 Meeting Dates Meeting Agendas
Meeting Materials & Supporting Documents Projects
  Conservation Commission Page