Easton ZBA Approves Auto Repair Return to Aquifer Zone, Clears Demolition of Historic Home

Other Committee · Meeting of July 21, 2026

Easton Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 on two special permits and reorganized its leadership Tuesday night. The board granted attorney Michael Spillane's application on behalf of Darlene and Donald Borgeson to reestablish a discontinued auto repair business at 254 Washington Street inside the Aquifer Protection Overlay District, the first known use of Easton Zoning Bylaw Section 235-24 for such a purpose, with conditions requiring all work inside the building, drip pans under parked vehicles, and ownership restricted to the Borgeson family. The Board of Health, Water Division, Fire Department, and Building Department all recommended approval, with Health noting the site falls outside the stricter Zone 2 aquifer zone.

The board also approved petitioner William Humphrey's request to demolish the circa-1810 Swift House at 64 South Street — found historically significant by the Historical Commission on July 13 — and replace it with a code-compliant two-family home; a Historical Commission preservation hearing is set for July 27. Ryan Cook was reappointed chair, John Curran vice chair, and Jeremy Kaye clerk, all 5-0 or 4-0-1.

In the full story:

• Background and stakes
• The question before the body
• Substantive content
• The deliberation
• Procedural steps and outcome
• Implications and what is next
• The complete report — 2,950 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of July 21, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.