We, the residents of the Westlands, and surrounding neighborhoods ofChelmsford, respectfully ask the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) todeny any variances for the business operating in violation of multiplezoning laws in a residentially-zoned home at 12 Steadman Street.

We ask that you, as a board, adhere to the zoning bylaws setWe ask that you, as a board, adhere to the zoning bylaws setforth by the town and not set a precedent for “zone creep”forth by the town and not set a precedent for “zone creep”by allowing a business which employees several people;by allowing a business which employees several people;which occupies more than 25% of the owner’s property; andwhich occupies more than 25% of the owner’s property; andwhich serves its customers on-site in a residential area.which serves its customers on-site in a residential area.

Zoning regulations were established for a reason; and the strict enforce-ment of these regulations must be adhered to, especially in residen-tially- zoned neighborhoods with home-based businesses.

The company operating at 12 Steadman St. has created a business-based home, not a home-based business. It is a viable business, andChelmsford has many vacant, commercially-zoned buildings that arereasonably priced and could benefit from having this growing companyas an occupant.

If we are to maintain the quality of this town, we need to protect the in-tegrity of our environment and not let commercial encroachment destroythe fabric of our neighborhoods.

We hope that the members of the ZBA share this goal.

Respectfully the Citizens of Chelmsford,