Planning Board denies cell tower permit after zoning variances rejected
Planning Board · Meeting of August 27, 2026
Groton Planning Board unanimously denies a cell tower special permit at the regional high school after zoning variances failed. Vice Chair Paul Hathaway told applicant TowerCom the project could not be approved because it remains "not in compliance with the zoning" following the Zoning Board of Appeals' denial of two setback variances. Members Russell Burke and George Barringer said they voted to deny only because of the zoning ruling, with Burke calling the site "a big safety issue at the high school." TowerCom, represented by attorney Francis Parisi, said it plans to fold the denial into a state and federal court appeal rather than accept the board's offer to withdraw the application without prejudice.
In separate votes, the board unanimously approved a 100 Boston Road site plan for two wellness tenants, continued a Town Line Road used-car dealership hearing to September 10, and released roughly $40,000 tied up in dormant old project accounts.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,935 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of August 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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