Tyngsborough ZBA OKs modification to convert Dunstable Road billboard to digital

The Tyngsborough Zoning Board of Appeals voted to modify a 2008 variance so a Dunstable Road billboard can replace its print face with an electronic digital panel.

Pete Nicos, representing the applicant, told the board the proposal makes the site competitive with two existing electronic boards in town and involves no structural changes. "All they're looking to do is have parity with the other boards that are in town," Nicos said. Town counsel Adam Costa reviewed the town bylaws and recent state changes to the zoning act and concluded the request properly proceeds as a variance modification under the new practical-difficulty standard.

Board members asked technical questions about drop zones, electrical feed and sightlines along Route 3. Costa told the board the town's sign bylaw currently states ‘‘billboards are prohibited in all zoning districts,’’ but that an earlier 2008 decision had granted relief from other sign provisions and could be modified. After debate about financial hardship and consistency with past approvals, a board member moved to modify the 2008 variance; the motion was seconded and carried in a voice vote.

The board closed the public portion of the hearing and approved the modification; the record does not include a roll-call tally in the transcript. Town counsel cautioned that the change now sits against a new state standard that weighs benefits to the proponent and the public interest against detriments to neighborhood health, safety and welfare. The applicant said it will comply with all local restrictions that apply to the other electronic boards.