Newburyport meeting roundup: ZBA, Conservation, Historical agendas on record; minutes pending
Minutes have not yet been published for three recent Newburyport board meetings held over the past two weeks, so outcomes — including any votes on permits, variances, and demolition delays — are not yet available. The agendas on file show what each board planned to take up.
Zoning Board of Appeals — July 28
The ZBA scheduled public hearings on four items, all continued or newly filed:
- **VAR-26-4** and **ZNC-26-7**: A variance and special permit for non-conformities tied to constructing an accessory dwelling unit within the front setback at **82 Water Street**, which would increase non-conforming lot coverage.
- **ZSP-26-3**: A special permit for **14 townhomes in 4 buildings** at **5 Parker Street**.
- **ZNC-26-15**: A special permit for non-conformities to demolish and rebuild a single-family home at **13 55th Street**, increasing non-conforming floor-area ratio.
The agenda also listed approval of minutes and discussion of changes to Ch. 40A.
Historical Commission — July 23
The Historical Commission agenda included three demolition delay applications:
- **29 Boardman Street** (HCDD-26-10), continued from June 25, 2026.
- **13 55th Street** (HCDD-26-11).
- **82 Water Street** (HCDD-26-12).
Two advisory reviews were also listed: 31.5 Union Street and a Section 106 review for 37.5 Forrester Street.
Conservation Commission — July 21
The Conservation Commission agenda listed a certificate of compliance for 137 Old Point Road and a notice of intent for a project at 9-11 Merrill Street. Correspondence regarding utility maintenance at 6 Plum Street and 64th Street was also scheduled for discussion.
Coming up
- **Conservation Commission — Aug. 4**: Public hearing on a Notice of Intent from Benjamin Brooks for Arwood Machine (Vulcan Forms) at **95 Parker Street**. Continued items include a Certificate of Compliance at **137 Old Point Road** and a Notice of Intent at **9 Louise Street**, both carried from July 21.
- **Planning Board — Aug. 5**: Public hearings on two zoning amendments — one to **prohibit data centers** as a use, and another to create an **R2A residential subdistrict** with a **25-foot height limit** for single- and two-family structures (down from 35 feet). Also on the agenda: a DOD special permit for **9 Center Street** (PBSP-26-2, continued from July 1) and discussion of changes to Ch. 40A.
- **Resiliency Committee — Aug. 5**: Updates on water infrastructure, including the MVP 2.0-funded Newburyport Water Public Education & Communication Program, the Ad Hoc Committee on Water Infrastructure, ECO 1-Stop applications, a Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program review, and Cashman Park MVP grant outreach. Committee leadership and fall planning are also listed.
- **Zoning Board of Appeals — Aug. 11, 7:00 p.m., Senior Community Center**: A minor modification request for **44 Purchase Street, Unit 1** (MM-26-10) and a public hearing on a special permit (ZNC-26-18) to construct a covered entry porch at **16 Virginia Lane**, which would increase a preexisting nonconforming front yard setback.
Because the recent meetings' minutes are not yet published, the items above reflect agendas only, not final decisions. Readers seeking official records should consult the linked agendas and any subsequent minutes posted by each board.