Developers, neighbors and planning board push to preserve vegetated buffer as ZBA continues 0 Marcy Street variance to April 10

A proposal by Commonwealth Realty Foundation (Cummings Properties) to split a parcel at the end of Marcy Street and build a modest single‑family home drew extended public comment and multi‑board engagement before the Woburn Zoning Board of Appeals voted to continue the case to April 10 so petitioners can submit refined plans and draft conditions.

Michael Bang, representing Cummings Properties, said the applicant seeks a lot‑area variance to reduce the minimum lot area from 12,000 to roughly 8,003 ft2 to create one developable lot while deeding an adjoining vegetated buffer (lot 2) to the city. ‘‘We believe that the buffer that's there… presents a unique topographical condition slash feature that affects this property,’’ Bang said, arguing the buffer’s preservation was the primary public benefit of the proposal.

Planning Board Director Tina Cassidy and other planning‑board members urged the ZBA to coordinate with the planning board, noting the planning board is willing to consider subdivision waivers (including paved frontage) so the buffer can remain intact. City Councilor Bill Papalado told the board the neighborhood and petitioner have worked toward a compromise and urged the ZBA to consider the buffer as public benefit.

Neighbors testified they support a smaller buildable lot provided the trees remain city‑owned and maintained; several residents asked for explicit deed restrictions or transfer language and for confirmation that the parks or DPW would accept and maintain the buffer. Board members requested marked civil plans, explicit draft conditions (including the exact rectangle of right‑of‑way being deeded), and legal review by the city solicitor before any decision.

Given outstanding technical and legal details, the board accepted a motion to continue the matter to April 10 so the petitioner can deliver marked engineering drawings, a draft decision, and proposed conditions and secure any needed departmental signoffs. The continuance passed on a voice vote.