Framingham Planning Board Meeting – January 8, 2026

The Framingham Planning Board met remotely on January 8, 2026, at 7 p.m., with Chair Ted Cosgrove presiding. The board conducted its annual reorganization, approved an endorsement of approval not required (ANR) for a lot line adjustment at 112 and 120 Central Street, and denied a resident's request to remove a public shade tree on Grant Street. The board also appointed a representative to the Metro West Regional Collaborative and discussed future zoning articles to be presented by staff.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian Fabry (Grant Street resident): Asked the board to approve the removal of a large public shade tree in front of his home. He presented measurements showing the tree was approximately 10 feet closer to his house than other trees on Mansfield Street, and cited concerns about squirrels accessing his roof/solar panels and potential foundation damage. He noted that many trees on Mansfield Street are missing and questioned the city's replacement process.
• Charles Budnik (project manager, CAPCO Consult): Representing the applicants for the ANR at 112 and 120 Central Street, he explained that the plan is a result of a litigated adverse possession case involving a 2,194-square-foot parcel being conveyed from 120 Central Street to 112 Central Street, where it will be merged with the existing lot.

Discussion Items

• Board Reorganization: Due to a vacancy, the board elected Mitch as Vice Chair. Tom (Clerk) nominated Mitch; it was seconded and approved with two ayes and one abstention. Chair Cosgrove confirmed the Chair position did not require a new vote.
• Appointment to Metro West Regional Collaborative: The board appointed Elsiana (also referred to as El Ciana) as its representative to the Metro West Regional Collaborative, run through MAPC. Elsiana accepted, and it was noted she is being promoted to full voting member of the planning board.
• Approval Not Required (ANR) – 112 & 120 Central Street: After initial confusion due to technical difficulties with the applicant's representative, Charles Budnik joined via Zoom and clarified the plan. The ANR endorses a land swap (conveyance of 2,194 sq. ft. from 120 to 112 Central Street) resulting from a settled adverse possession lawsuit. No frontage changes. The board voted unanimously to endorse the ANR as presented. The mylars were to be signed after the meeting.
• Grant Street Tree Removal Request (Brian Fabry): Chair Cosgrove and board members expressed opposition to removal, noting the tree's age (~100 years), its contribution to the streetscape's grandeur, and that the concerns (squirrels, potential foundation damage) had not materially changed. Board members suggested trimming overhanging branches and using squirrel guards as alternatives. The tree warden, Rebecca Now, offered to revisit the property in the spring to ensure proper maintenance. A motion to approve the tree removal failed 0-3 (two no votes, one abstention). The chair noted the vote was consistent with a previous board decision on a similar case.
• Future Zoning Articles: Chair Cosgrove reported that staff (Sarkey) had presented proposed zoning articles to the city council on January 6, and would walk the board through them at the next hearing. Board members agreed that zoning changes are the purview of the city council; the planning board's role is to review and recommend when asked. No further discussion occurred.

Key Outcomes

• Vice Chair Election: Mitch elected Vice Chair (2 ayes, 1 abstention).
• Metro West Regional Collaborative Representative: Elsiana appointed as board representative.
• ANR Endorsement (112 & 120 Central Street): Motion to approve ANR as presented passed unanimously (3 ayes).
• Grant Street Tree Removal: Motion to approve removal failed (0 ayes, 2 no votes, 1 abstention). The tree warden will follow up on maintenance.
• Minutes: Approved.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.