Hubbardston Zoning Board Approves Williamsville Road Garage Variance Unanimously

HUBBARDSTON -- March 31, 2026, Hubbardston Zoning Board approves garage variance with reduced side yard setback on Williamsville Road. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 with one abstention Tuesday to grant Matthew Nowlan a dimensional variance at 101 Williamsville Road, reducing the required minimum side yard setback from 30 feet to 16.9 feet under Hubbardston Zoning Bylaws Article 5, Section 5.1. Nowlan, a mechanic who has owned the property since 2018, told the board the addition would provide garage workspace, a mud room, relocated laundry, and a master bedroom suite. Chair Bill Holmes, who said he had personally visited the property, described the requested location as "the only place you can really do it" given extensive ledge rock on the lot. Abutter representative Robert Richer appeared on behalf of his daughter, the owner of the neighboring undeveloped parcel, and offered no objection. The approval carries a 21-day appeal period; once that window closes and the variance is recorded at the Registry of Deeds, Nowlan may apply for a building permit.