Cambridge Zone Law Hits Conrad's Climate Research

Homework has run Victor A. Conrad, Ward Research associate in Climatology, afoul of the Cambridge housing ordinances.

Conrad has been doing statistical tabulating and research for the Air Force in rooms on the second floor of his 195 Upland Street home. The Cambridge Building Department claims Conrad has turned his home into a laboratory and that this constitutes violation of the Cambridge zoning law.

But Conrad, an icing specialist, asserts his laboratory is not a laboratory because he doesn't use instruments and devotes himself solely to computations. To save being forced to discontinue work in his home, Conrad appealed this week for a waiver of the zoning law.

Neighbors Testify

At a hearing before the Board of Appeals Monday several of Conrad's neighbors appeared to testify against a change in the zoning rule, protesting against "invasion" of the area by persons desiring to do business.

Since the neighbors didn't object to the nature of Conrad's work, William L. Galvin, chairman of the Board of Appeals, suggested that if Conrad should drop his petition, he would be allowed to work unmolested. Conrad wanted security, however, and refused to withdraw his petition.