A procedural notification error has stalled a proposed residential expansion at 22 Parkway Crescent, after the Milton Zoning Board of Appeals discovered a neighboring property owner had not been properly alerted to the project. Acting as Zoning Administrator during an April 28 hearing, Virginia Donahue King moved to delay the decision after realizing a notice intended for Yale Investments, the owners of 26 Parkway Crescent, was mailed to the rental property itself rather than the firm’s business office in Chestnut Hill.

The applicants, Michael Mole and Holly Mary McEttrick, are seeking a special permit to construct a 5-foot by 24-foot addition to the front of their home. Because the project would result in a 14.6-foot setback from the front lot line—short of the 20 feet required in a Residence C district—the building permit was initially denied. While the applicants provided a letter of support from the current tenants at 26 Parkway Crescent, King noted that the lack of formal notice to the actual deed-holder created a legal risk. King explained that if an owner is not notified and later objects to a completed project, it would be a horrible expense to take it down.

Attorney Marian McEttrick, representing the homeowners, expressed surprise at the mailing discrepancy, noting she was puzzled because we have a letter of support from 26 Parkway. Applicant Michael Mole confirmed the supporters were long-term renters, stating, They've been there the whole time we've been here. We've never met an owner or anything. Motion Made by V. King to continue the hearing to May 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Motion Passed 1-0-0. The delay aligns with the board’s recent administrative focus on improving notice accuracy and transparency for abutters.

In a swifter matter, the administrator approved a four-year special permit renewal for Steven and Jenna Lechuk to maintain a temporary in-law apartment at 17 Heritage Lane. The 800-square-foot unit, located above an attached garage, continues to house Mrs. Lechuk’s mother. King praised the arrangement as a benefit to the community, noting it helps in freeing up homes for growing families as opposed to people aging by themselves.

Steven Lechuk testified that the living situation has remained unchanged since the original permit was granted four years ago. We are good with all of our neighbors. It's worked out really well for our family and we just want to continue it for another four years at least, Lechuk said. King found the application met all town requirements, including sufficient off-street parking and the ability to reincorporate the space into the main dwelling in the future. Motion Made by V. King to approve the renewal of the special permit for the temporary in-law apartment for a period of four years. Motion Passed 1-0-0.