All About Correspondence
Sending correspondence is one of two primary ways to share your input with the Zoning Board of Appeals. The first way is to attend a Public Hearing and share your questions and comments during the public input period. The second way to send correspondence to the Board. Correspondence is submitted to the Board as a letter or memorandum. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that will provide you with more information.
What input can I provide the Board?
You may send the Board any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have about the application. Please note that the Board may not be able to respond to every question, comment, or concern.
Who can send correspondence to the Board?
Anyone can submit correspondence to the Board. This includes abutters, residents of Stow, and local boards and committees.
Who do I send my correspondence to?
By email: send all correspondence to Michael Slagle, Land Use Planner/GIS Administrator, at planning2@Stow-MA.gov.
By mail: send to Zoning Board of Appeals, Stow Town Building, 380 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775.
In Person: deliver to the Planning Department, Room 301 at Stow Town Building.
When do I need to send correspondence to the Board?
The earlier, the better. This gives members of the Board time to read the correspondence prior in preparation of the meeting. All correspondence must be received while the Public Hearing is open; any correspondence received after the Public Hearing is closed cannot be considered by the Board.
What do I need to include in my correspondence?
In correspondence to the Board, please include your name and address (example: John Smith, 380 Great Road) and address the correspondence to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The remainder of the correspondence is up to you. Please be concise and specific in your message (like referencing a section of the application or a page in the development plans).
Do I need to be present at the Public Hearing if I send correspondence?
You do not need to be present at the Public Hearing if you send the Board correspondence. Attendance at a Public Hearing is always welcome.
Have a quick question?
The Planning Department is here to help! Contact us:
In Person: Stow Town Building, Room 301 during Business Hours
By Email: Send to Michael Slagle at planning2@Stow-MA.gov
By Phone: 978-897-5098
Administrative questions can be answered quickly by Department Staff instead of waiting to hear a response from the Board at the Public Hearing. If the question is better suited to be answered by the Board, Department Staff will defer you to the Board.