I received the following note from Edgar Luna, of the Planning Division:

This office received your letter dated June 18, 2008, addressed to the “Zoning Board”. I read with interest yout proposed project. Attached please find the Worcester Zoning Ordinance regulations that pertain to “Manufacturing Uses”. I included a small map to help you identify the uses allowed (or not allowed) in your district. This seems to indicated that manufacturing uses are not permitted in your area, as your home is located within a strictly residential neighborhood: RS-7 (Residential, Single family homes), 7,000 square feet minimum lots per dwelling. Nevertheless, I would like to help you in any way I can. Please call me to discuss your ideas further. Don’t give up yet.

As soon as I have a moment, I’ll explore this further. Perhaps some sort of variance is a possibility.