ZJ’s Home Improvements License Reviewed by Blackstone Board

Home Occupation License for ZJ’s Home Improvements Met with Town Scrutiny

The Blackstone Board of Selectmen meeting on June 17 included a scheduled review of a home occupation license request submitted by ZJ’s Home Improvements, a business operated by local resident Zachary Tremblay. The discussion, which centered around zoning violations and questions of compliance, brought to light several ongoing concerns from both town officials and residents.

ZJ’s Home Improvements began as a small landscaping service started by Tremblay while he was still a student in Blackstone. Over time, the business expanded to include home improvement services like deck building, gutter repair, and even dumpster rentals. While some residents have supported his efforts, others have shared complaints both online and with local authorities. Due to the number of reports, some Facebook group administrators have banned Tremblay’s account entirely, preventing the business from being promoted within local forums.

What Is a Home Occupation License?

A home occupation license is a local permit that allows residents to operate small businesses from their homes under specific zoning bylaws. The Blackstone Board of Selectmen does not issue business licenses, nor can it enforce business practices. Its role in this case was limited to determining whether a home-based business use could be allowed at the applicant’s address.

Unresolved Zoning Issues Discussed

When the application was last discussed by the Board a few months ago, Tremblay was instructed to:

1. Provide a signed letter from the property owner (his parents) authorizing the application.
2. Work with the Zoning Officer to address all zoning-related concerns.

At the June 17 Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Administrator Chad Lovett confirmed that the authorization letter had been submitted. However, a memo from the Zoning Officer—received just before the meeting—outlined three active violations, an enforcement order, and noted that penalty phases could begin as early as June 3 if the issues remained unresolved.

The Board of Selectmen reviewed the zoning concerns and expressed hesitation about moving forward:

• Selectman Castonguay pointed out that exterior materials visible at the property may be in violation of bylaws restricting outdoor display of business-related items. He noted these concerns had been raised and not adequately resolved over a period of months.
• Selectman Olaes emphasized the importance of compliance, stating that repeated violations with limited progress would not support granting a license.
• Selectman Sweeney referenced a June 17 letter from a town inspector listing six outstanding complaints, which, according to Sweeney, had not been fully addressed.

Tremblay responded, saying he has cooperated with town departments and resolved issues as soon as they were brought to his attention. He added that some items reported as violations were not part of his business and said he was trying to stay compliant.

However, when asked directly, Castonguay noted that a trailer remained visible on the property that afternoon, contradicting Tremblay’s earlier claim that such trailers were not present.

Chair Daniel Keefe clarified that the Board could either vote on the request or allow the applicant to withdraw it. Before the meeting could proceed further, Tremblay chose to withdraw the application, stating that he intended to continue working toward full compliance and would return to the Board when ready.

Residents Add to the Record

After the withdrawal, several residents used the public comment portion of the meeting to express their concerns.

• Andrea Grubofski told the Board that she viewed ZJ’s Home Improvements as a liability to the community and said the business had caused serious issues for some neighbors. She referenced past fines from the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and encouraged the town to consider the experiences of residents who say they were negatively affected.
• Elaine Barbrie read a prepared statement opposing the license. She described her personal experience with an unsafe deck built by Tremblay and shared that she pursued the matter with the state’s Home Improvement Committee. Barbrie stated that approving the license would send the wrong message and encouraged accountability moving forward.

These resident statements did not directly influence the Board’s decision, since the application had already been withdrawn. However, they were added to the public record as part of the broader conversation around ZJ’s Home Improvements and its role in the community.

What Happens Next to ZJ’s Home Improvements?

At this time, ZJ’s Home Improvements does not hold a home occupation license in Blackstone. The Board of Selectmen indicated that it would not reconsider the application until all zoning requirements are fully met and confirmed by town officials.

Residents with concerns are encouraged to contact the appropriate departments, including the Zoning Officer, Board of Health, or state licensing boards. While the Board of Selectmen cannot enforce business regulations, town bylaws provide avenues for addressing home-based activity that violates zoning rules.

This meeting also served as a reminder of the importance of public engagement. When concerns arise, taking action—through official channels—helps ensure town decisions reflect community standards.

Discussion on ZJ’s Home Improvements Application for Home Occupation License starts at 43:51

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