Billerica ZBA Unanimously Rejects Turnpike Market Expansion Bid After Four Months

BILLERICA — December 17, 2025 — Billerica's Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 Wednesday to deny a special permit and parking variance sought by the Turnpike Market restaurant at 509 Middlesex Turnpike. Attorney Steven Martini, representing Gemco Realty Group, sought to expand the restaurant's permitted seating from 37 to 70 seats and obtain a variance excusing the site from a four-space parking shortfall, but disclosed that a promised lease for two off-site condominium parking spaces had collapsed after the would-be lessor turned out not to own the units. Neighbors Andrew Dahlberg of 10 Water Street and Mary Leach of 7 William Street argued the application failed Massachusetts variance law on all four statutory criteria and called the months of shifting numbers — from 88 seats in September down to 70 — a stall tactic. A compromise motion to grant the special permit at 54 seats, which would have eliminated the variance need entirely, also failed 0-5. The board also continued three High Street hearings to its January 14, 2026 meeting at the applicants' request, with no further abutter notification required.