FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 06/04/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
Mayor Sisitsky Nominates Johnson & Cosgrove To ZBA & Planning Board
FRAMINGHAM – City of Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky today, June 4, announced the nomination of Zoning Board of Appeals Vice Chair, Edward "Ted" Cosgrove, to fill a seat on the Framingham Planning Board.
Cosgrove will be replacing Kristina Johnson’s seat on the 5-member Framingham Planning Board.
Mayor Sisitsky also announced he plans to nominate Johnson to replace Cosgrove on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
Johnson, currently Chair of the Framingham Planning Board and Planning Director in the Town of Hudson, will be stepping down from the Planning Board in June. Johnson has provided volunteer leadership, grace, and vision to the Board during her five-plus years of service.
"I am sad to see Kristina leaving the Planning Board," said Mayor Sisitsky. "She has been an extraordinary leader, and her work has had a lasting impact on our City’s development. But I am excited to announce that Kristina is being nominated to serve Framingham as a member of the Zoning Board, where her leadership and experience will continue to benefit Framingham."
Johnson expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Planning Board and her enthusiasm for the new appointment.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the Planning Board for the past six years. As I step away from the Board, I am grateful for the relationships built, the members past and present that I have served with, and the opportunity to serve the community that I care deeply about," said Johnson. "I'm excited to continue to serve the City of Framingham as a member of the ZBA. I appreciate the Mayor nominating me to the new Board."
Cosgrove also shared his gratitude and commitment to continuing his public service in a new capacity.
"It’s been a privilege to serve the residents of Framingham as a citizen volunteer since 2002. I’m honored by the opportunity to continue that service on the Planning Board and contribute to the responsible growth and development of our city," said Cosgrove.
Mayor Sisitsky praised both nominees for their experience and commitment to Framingham.
“Kristina and Ted are two of our city’s most dedicated and capable public servants,” said Mayor Sisitsky. “This exchange of roles between them reflects their flexibility, deep understanding of municipal planning, and their unwavering commitment to Framingham’s future. I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will each bring in their new capacities.”
Mayor Sisitsky plans to formally submit his nominations for Cosgrove to the Planning Board and Johnson to the Zoning Board this month.
Both nominations are subject to approval by the 11-member City Council.
Cosgrove had served as a Town Meeting member for several years and has been on the ZBA for 13 years . He has held several leadership positions at General Dynamics and began his career at the Massachusetts Water Authority. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Ohio Wesleyan University and a JD from Suffolk University School of Law.
Johnson, who has been the Planning Director in Hudson since 2021, has served as the President of the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors since 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a degree in Urban & Community Planning from the University of Rhode Island.
The Mayor also noted that additional nominations will be forthcoming for alternate seats on the Zoning Board and holdover positions on the Planning Board.
"I look forward to working with these dedicated individuals to continue building a thriving Framingham," said Mayor Sisitsky.
With Johnson’s departure, the Planning Board will need to elect new leadership in July.
Steven Meltzer is the Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Cosgrove is currently the ZBA’s Vice Chair.
About Framingham Planning Board:
The Framingham Planning Board is responsible for the city’s long-term planning, zoning, and development initiatives. It works with developers, local leaders, and citizens to ensure Framingham’s continued growth and success while preserving the character of the community.
About Framingham Zoning Board:
The Zoning Board of Appeals oversees zoning issues and special permits to guide the development and use of land within Framingham. It plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s growth and ensuring that land use complies with the city’s zoning regulations.
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