The proposed 40B project at Delanson Circle across from the Wellesley Square train station parking lot has received a key preliminary approval from a nonprofit outfit that works with the state to boost affordable housing production.
The proposed Wellesley Crossing project off of Linden Street gained public awareness over the summer — and was soon followed by a handful of other 40B plans that developers are looking to build out in light of Wellesley’s overall stock of affordable housing not being large enough by state standards. Under the 40B statute, builders get leeway on zoning rules in exchange for including affordable units in their projects.
Neighbors have argued that plunking down 90 rental units on Delanson Circle will create serious traffic and safety issues, as well as greatly change the feel of the neighborhood. The Massachusetts Housing Partnership, however, has given preliminary site eligibility approval, specifying that “the site of the proposed Project is an appropriate location for residential development.” It says that the site is zoned for residential development, is within walking distance of assorted services (i.e., Linden Square shops), and is near public transportation. MHP found the developer’s revised plans, including one less story than originally proposed, to be acceptable. The project also appears to be a good bet to get financing, according to MHP.
Only a few 40B proposals in recent years have been shot down by organizations like MHP that work with the state. The quasi-public MassHousing agency hasn’t rejected the site eligibility of proposed 40Bs at 680 Worcester St., and Stearns Road in Wellesley but has asked the developer to revise its plans.
MHP acknowledges that Wellesley, which is now working on a housing production plan and interviewing consultants this Friday, has taken steps in recent years to boost its affordable housing stock. But the fact remains that the town’s stock of affordable housing is below the 10% threshold sought by the state, and that makes it vulnerable to 40B proposals.
Meanwhile, the developer still has lots of work to to. It’s expected that a Comprehensive Permit plan will be submitted to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals shortly. After that, there could be appeals, and the developer will need to sort out funding.
Latest on 135 Great Plain Ave. 40B plan
Separately, the town has sent a letter to MassHousing regarding the proposed 40B development at 135 Great Plain Ave. The town says that the architectural design of the 44-unit Great Plain project fits in, but has a list of questions regarding traffic impact, public safety (pedestrians/cyclists) and stormwater management. The town says the development, located near the Wellesley Recycling & Disposal Facility on Rte. 135, would essentially double the size of the neighborhood.
The developer originally planned to build 12 separate homes but determined later that it would not be financially feasible.
All Wellesley residents are invited to connect re alleged abuse related to 40B at the Facebook Group -https://www.facebook.com/groups/ouraffordablewellesley/ and to learn about what town government is currently doing to support our community.
I requested to join, hope to be approved. I’m not sure the term “abuse” is appropriate and I would hope that’s not a passive aggressive word to describe how the residents affected feel. The FB group appears to be pro-affordable housing although I am speculating. Ii hope to have the right to explain my opinion in more detail without sounding like a spoiled brat, which I certainly am not. This has significant implications on my children.
Best,
Town residents are definitely being abused! The 40B mandate doesn’t fit all communities, especially one like Wellesley which is already built out. We cannot just stand by and let selfish developers jam huge housing projects in to our neighborhoods where they simply do not fit, simply to meet some arbitrary threshold that was invented by politicians at the state level. It’s absolutely ridiculous. These developers are foaming at the mouth to build these monstrosities and now they are on the precipice of being able to do it and it’s scary. Wellesley residents are being abused right now. What is upsetting is that the developers and the politicians are the wealthy ones, the greedy ones, the selfish ones. They will build these hideous projects, make millions, and then disappear, leaving town residents to deal with the aftermath forever. Just watch. It’s unbelievable that we are even having these conversations. Wellesley is built out and is dense enough, please leave us alone.
Sadly, I think you should consider moving before this thing gets built, because once it does the traffic on your road will increase 100 fold. I have been following this story and it seems like these developers (with unbending support from elitist politicians) are gaining ground. Unfortunately, once these government sponsored mushroom clouds start to rise, your best option is to run like hell. Luckily, I live far enough from this development that it will not impact traffic on my street necessarily, but as a frequent user of Linden and Weston roads, and a frequent passer through the intersection at Linden/Weston, I am afraid, very afraid. Wellesley Board of Selectmen, please PLEASE help! According to the town of Wellesley website, “The Board of Selectmen serves as the chief executive board of the Town, and as such, oversees all matters affecting the interest and welfare of the community.” Linden is a major artery in town and keeping in navigable is absolutely a matter affecting the interest of the community.
Thank you for your suggestion. Haven’t been here even 7 months and I am seriously considering moving to another area. Hearing the politicians are “elitist” and the Board of Selectman run the town like a dictatorship, perhaps this isn’t the right place for me.
However, I’ve always learned to take the diplomatic approach first and will reach out to the board members personally and hope fellow neighbors, including ones not significantly affected like me, might consider standing behind me. Power and money is a terrible combination, and I’m not against affordable housing, however congesting an area already overwhelmed is a slap in the face to residents whom this affect.
I really feel your pain. I’m so sorry, that is incredibly frustrating. Not to add insult to injury, but it appears the developers are now pitching a 55 unit development at the OTHER end of your street on Weston Rd. Good luck my friend.
I just moved here from Beacon St. My family moved here for the peace and quiet and the idea of our children playing in the streets with others. Turns out we are on a cut through as it is from the train station to Weston. Cars speed by without regard for my children and yell inflammatory comments.
Not the Wellesley I had heard was the best neighborhood in Boston.
Now this? As if I want to live on Beacon St again? I will team up with whomever to fight this. Alternative? Move. I own an ad agency and I’m not scared to call out this ridiculous idea and those involved in it.
So. Frustrating.
Wow…this is your government at work. Just lining some developers pocket and ruining our town in the process. Gee, thanks! As if Linden street is not already congested enough. Let’s just add 85 households and another 170 cars onto the most crowded street in town. What a brilliant idea! NOT. This is complete lunacy. The policiticans, developers and now this MHP are all in on it….Crooks. This is organized crime.
Charlie Baker, please help! Someone help! Wellesley is under attack. Am I the only one that is outraged by this? Citizens unite!
Let’s connect.