Spicer Makes Framingham Zoning Board of Appeals Picks

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer has picked six city residents to fill spots on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Nine people applied for the open spots, but three of them either did not complete the application or did not meet the criteria.

Spicer has been trying to put new members on the ZBA since January 2018 when Framingham moved changed from a town to a city. But her initial picks were blocked by the City Council in August 2018. The ZBA grants special permits, and hears appeals of decisions made by the building commissioner.

The six candidates will be forwarded to City Council for final approval. Here are details on the ZBA picks from a mayor's office press release:

Zoning Board of Appeals

• Edward “Ted” Cosgrove is recommended to serve a three (3) year term. Cosgrove holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and B.A. in Politics and Government from Ohio Wesleyan University. Cosgrove is currently by General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., as the Director of Commercial Contracts. Cosgrove resides in District 6.
• Stephen E. Meltzer is recommended to serve a two (2) year term. Meltzer holds a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law and holds a B.A. in psychology from Brandeis University. Meltzer has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the past 12 years and has experience in zoning laws, real estate development and the permitting process. Meltzer resides in District 6.
• Sue Bernstein is recommended to serve a one (1) year term. Bernstein holds a B.A. from the University of Connecticut. Bernstein has worked as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Real Estate for 40 years. Bernstein resides in District 3.

Associate Zoning Board of Appeals

• Rick McKenna holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Northeastern University. McKenna has extensive experience in construction, and is the owner of Symphony Builders general contracting firm. McKenna resides in District 1.
• Heather O’Donnell holds a M.S. in Urban and Regional Policy from Northeastern University and a B.A. in History from Messiah College. O’Donnell has worked extensively with municipalities in Massachusetts working for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and in Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Ms. O’Donnell resides in District 7.
• Lap Yan is currently pursuing a PhD for Social Policy at Fordham University, holds a Masters of Business Administration, Finance and Marketing from New York University, and B.A. of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology. Yan is currently employed as a construction manager with Turner Constriction Company. Yan resides in District 5.