The Planning Board meeting held on May 6, 2025, in Northborough, Massachusetts, focused on the approval process for a land division involving a lot with no direct frontage. The discussion centered around the hybrid process required for such approvals, which includes obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) before seeking endorsement from the Planning Board.

The primary case discussed involved a landlocked lot at 28 Overlook Park, which is accessed via an easement. The Planning Board reviewed the proposal to divide this lot into a buildable parcel and a non-buildable parcel, which would then be combined with an adjacent lot at 24 Colburn Street. Town council confirmed that the plan required an Approval Not Required (ANR) endorsement since it did not constitute a subdivision of land into two or more lots.

Key points from the discussion included the confirmation that both resulting lots would meet the minimum size requirement of 20,000 square feet, with 24 Colburn Street increasing to 32,941 square feet and 28 Overlook Park expanding to 36,776 square feet. The board noted that while the endorsement does not guarantee compliance with zoning bylaws, the existing structures on the lots are grandfathered due to their age, predating current zoning regulations.

The meeting also addressed logistical questions regarding access to the properties, confirming that both lots share a gravel driveway easement from Colburn Street. The Planning Board concluded that the proposal was acceptable and aligned with legal advice from town council, allowing for the endorsement of the plan.

In summary, the meeting effectively navigated the complexities of land use regulations, ensuring that the proposed changes adhered to local zoning laws while facilitating the development of the land in question. The board's endorsement marks a significant step in the ongoing management of Northborough's land use and planning efforts.