The Zoning Board of Appeals has begun reviewing the 40B application for the proposed redevelopment at 59 East Militia Heights Drive. The project calls for a residential complex with 86 affordable units designed to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. Although neighbors supported the mission of the development, they raised concerns about its potential impact on flooding in the area. The board will continue its discussion at its next meeting in December. The meeting is currently available for viewing in the window below:
Determination of Changes to the Comprehensive Permit as substantial or unsubstantial.
Case #1 – 99 Hillcrest Road
David A. Westenberg and Nancy L. Gooden Westenberg, Trustees of the MJW 2025 Realty Trust, Owners, applied for a Special Permit to allow the extension, alteration, and enlargement of the lawful, pre-existing non-conforming single-family. The relief is associated with reconstruction and enlargement of the enclosed sunroom. The property is located in the Single-Residence B (SRB) zoning district.
Case #2 – 59 East Militia Heights Drive
Charles River Heights LLC, Applicant, has applied to the Board of Appeals for a Comprehensive Permit to redevelop 3.5 acres of land for 86 affordable residential units. Half of the units will be supportive housing serving individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities with associated Charles River Center (CRC) staff. The development consists of four buildings: three of the buildings will be one-story structures each containing 6 studio apartments, with a community room and outdoor amenities; the fourth structure will be a 3-story building containing 68 units comprised of studios, 1 bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments. There will be a total of 61 parking spaces. 6 spaces each for the 1-story structures. The remaining and majority of parking spaces to be located in a parking lot behind the 3-story building. The property is located in the Single Residence A (SRA) zoning district.
Agenda:
Minutes: Review and approve Minutes from the October 30, 2025 meeting. Administrative Matter – 339 Chestnut StreetDetermination of Changes to the Comprehensive Permit as substantial or unsubstantial.
Case #1 – 99 Hillcrest Road
David A. Westenberg and Nancy L. Gooden Westenberg, Trustees of the MJW 2025 Realty Trust, Owners, applied for a Special Permit to allow the extension, alteration, and enlargement of the lawful, pre-existing non-conforming single-family. The relief is associated with reconstruction and enlargement of the enclosed sunroom. The property is located in the Single-Residence B (SRB) zoning district.
Case #2 – 59 East Militia Heights Drive
Charles River Heights LLC, Applicant, has applied to the Board of Appeals for a Comprehensive Permit to redevelop 3.5 acres of land for 86 affordable residential units. Half of the units will be supportive housing serving individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities with associated Charles River Center (CRC) staff. The development consists of four buildings: three of the buildings will be one-story structures each containing 6 studio apartments, with a community room and outdoor amenities; the fourth structure will be a 3-story building containing 68 units comprised of studios, 1 bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments. There will be a total of 61 parking spaces. 6 spaces each for the 1-story structures. The remaining and majority of parking spaces to be located in a parking lot behind the 3-story building. The property is located in the Single Residence A (SRA) zoning district.
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