The Swellesley Report

More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Fells Branch library in Wellesley, a work in progress

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Work is coming along on the Fells Branch Library on Weston Road, temporarily closed for renovations that will transform the historic building into a place with unique and intimate early learning experiences for its patrons ages infants – 6. Here are some exterior pictures of the work-in-progress on Wellesley’s oldest municipal building. The 160-year-old structure was originally a one-room schoolhouse.

Fells Branch Library, Wellesley

Fells Branch Library, Wellesley

 

Fells Branch Library, Wellesley

Fells Branch Library, Wellesley

Fells Branch Library, Wellesley

The last time the branch shut down was under much less favorable circumstances. In 2006 – 2008 the Fells (and Hills) branch was shuttered due to lack of funds, but private fundraising brought it back into action. The library now operates 100% on privately raised funds. The $70 – $90k renovation project being covered through private donors and grants.

The project is expected to reach completion in late Fall, 2018.

The book drop at Fells is still operational during the renovation project.

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Linden Square Summer Sale ad Swellesley

Be heard: Wellesley Housing Production Plan draft available for comment

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The draft Housing Production Plan is ready and awaiting public comment.

The draft Housing Production Plan identifies the housing needs of a community and the strategies it will use to make progress in facilitating the development of affordable housing. By taking a proactive approach in the adoption of a Housing Production Plan, communities such as Wellesley, that are under the 10% threshold of Chapter 40B, but are making steady progress in producing affordable housing on an annual basis, gain more control over comprehensive permit applications for a specified period of time.

Please find the complete draft Housing Production Plan here. The Town will be taking public comments on the draft plan until August 31, 2018. Please send comments or questions to Michael Zehner, Planning Director at [email protected] or by calling 781-431-1019 x 2232.

Following the end of the comment period, the Planning Board will be reviewing the draft plan at their meeting on September 4, 2018, and the Selectmen will be reviewing the draft plan at their meeting on September 11, 2018. A joint meeting is scheduled between the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Wellesley Housing Development Corporation for September 24, 2018 to adopt the plan. Once the plan is adopted it must be certified by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.

For more information on the Wellesley Housing Production Plan and the public process to date visit https://www.wellesleyma.gov/987/Housing-Production-Plan

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Wellesley Business Buzz: Orangetheory Fitness gets pumping; La Mia Moda makes its move

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Here’s the latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Orangetheory, Wellesley
Orangetheory Fitness’ owner Paul Blanchard, left; and Hope Howard at the studio’s Wellesley Square location.

Orangetheory Fitness, a chain that specializes in 60-minute cardiovascular and strength training workouts has started up its first classes in its 56 Central St. Wellesley Square location. For right now you can get special deals by signing up as a VIP member. The grand opening is scheduled for August 23, at which time all are welcome.

 

La Mia Moda, Wellesley
La Mia Moda boutique has moved from Linden Square over to its permanent location at the Belclare on Washington St.

La Mia Moda Boutique has moved from its temporary Linden Square digs over to its permanent location at Belclare in Wellesley Square. Owner Luis Nunez’s upscale women’s clothing store also has a store in Andover and he says both showcase fashion that has “a European touch with a New York edge.”

MORE: Past editions of Wellesley Business Buzz

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Drivers in Wellesley face potential Cliff Road delays on Wednesday and Thursday

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wellesley policeUPDATE From the Wellesley Police Department:

The Town of Wellesley has rescheduled paving work on Cliff Road for Wednesday and Thursday this week, August 15 and 16, primarily due to weather concerns.  Previously, the work had been scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, but that has now been changed.

Work will begin at 7am on both days, and will involve all of Cliff Road.  Detours will be in place, but delays are expected.

On WEDNESDAY, August 15 and THURSDAY, August 16, 2018, the Town of Wellesley will be repaving a majority of Cliff Road.  Work is expected to begin at 7am on both days, and should conclude by 5pm.   The work will disrupt both the morning and evening commutes.

There will be detours and police officers in place while the repaving work is done.  Traffic on Cliff Road and some surrounding streets will be impacted, and there will be delays due to these detours and lane closures.  Please avoid the area of Cliff Road if possible on Wednesday and Thursday.

Questions about the paving process may be directed to the DPW Engineering Division at 781-235-7600, extension 3315.

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Washington Street reconstruction continues on in Wellesley

 

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