Two proposed Chapter 40B projects go before ZBA this Thursday

This Thursday the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to hold a special meeting to consider proposals for two large residential developments.

The prospective developments, West Main Apartments and the Alexan Winter Street, located at 1362 Main St. and 245-265 Winter St., respectively, fall under the regulations of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B. 

Chapter 40B allows special permits for residential buildings if they provide sufficient affordable housing and if the community in which they want to build does not meet the state’s affordable housing benchmarks. In such cases, the local ZBA is responsible for putting together the comprehensive special permit.

West Main Apartments initially appeared before the board in March. Since then, the ZBA has investigated the project’s plans for fire safety, traffic and sewage. Board members have also clashed with the developer on affordability concerns, which have been a sticking point in multiple Chapter 40B cases on which the ZBA is currently deliberating.

When last the project appeared at the ZBA in early July, its developer was in the process of conducting an updated study on the building’s sewage needs, which might affect financing available for other parts of the project. 

The ZBA had expected to get a draft of a decision granting the comprehensive permit from the city’s Law Department by mid-July but extended the deadline for its final decision to Sept. 9.

The Alexan Winter Street was first proposed to the ZBA at its July 8 meeting. The project is located down the street from The 305, a recently opened development that was built using a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit, and near the proposed location of The Residences on Winter, another 40B development currently in front of the board. 

As a result, Waltham Housing and Community Development Director Colette Casey-Brenner raised concerns with the size of the proposed Alexan Winter Street in a letter to the ZBA. Multiple neighbors also attended the July meeting to voice concerns about an increase in traffic and insufficient neighborhood infrastructure.

At the July meeting, the ZBA voted to commission a review of the developer’s proposal from an independent consultant. In the meantime, it requested the developer conduct a neighborhood meeting to address concerns from abutters.