Gann Academy gazebo given green light

A gazebo is set to be installed at Gann Academy based on a decision by the Waltham’s Zoning Board of Appeals. Ahead of the hearing, board member Glenna Gelineau disclosed that she has had previous dealings with Gann Academy but did not feel those experiences would affect her decision-making.

Attorney Michael Connors of Connors & Connors LLP represented the school. Senior director of operations for Gann Academy Brian Bradley was also present. According to Connors, the school wants to construct, use and maintain a 12-by-20 foot gazebo at its 333 Forest St. property. The gazebo is a class gift and would be placed between the main school building and the adjacent baseball field. The gazebo would modify previous plans for the property filed in 2001, which Connors stated was within the zoning board’s right.

Additionally, Connors argued that the gazebo falls under the Dover Amendment, which states that zoning regulation can’t limit the use of land or structures for religious or educational purposes on land owned or leased by a religious organization or a nonprofit education corporation.

The board motioned to adopt the proposed finding of fact and proposed decision from  the city’s Law Department, which stated that the Dover Amendment applied to the gazebo, and that the board should modify its 2001 decision to include the construction of a gazebo. The board then approved the proposed decision.

The board also entered an executive session to discuss pending litigation from 2023 involving the Walnut Street Center Inc. at 131 Pond End Road.