Boxborough ZBA Approves Art Studio Sign Permit, Elects McCormack as New Chair

Zoning Board of Appeals · Meeting of June 16, 2026

Boxborough's Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit for a freestanding sign at 25A Stow Road and reorganized its leadership at a virtual meeting June 16. The board voted 4-0 to grant the permit to applicant Barbara Shapokas Taglier, who operates an art studio at the Town Center District property, approving a white-background sign featuring a muted primary-color logo, white posts with decorative finials, and a maximum height of seven feet — but excluding both a phone number and a banner open sign, the latter left for the building official to evaluate. Member Mark Barbadoro argued that cellular PVC is visually indistinguishable from wood and that both Concord and Lexington now permit it under similar historic-district rules, but newly elected Chair Shawn McCormack held that the bylaw's "shall" language was mandatory and the board lacked authority to authorize plastic.

The board also voted 4-0 to seat McCormack as chair and Than Stuntz as clerk, both effective at the close of the meeting.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,540 words

Source: the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of June 16, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.