Needham ZBA approves Chapter 40B comprehensive permit for 339 Chestnut Street for six rental units with two affordable

The Needham Zoning Board of Appeals on June 12 voted unanimously to issue a comprehensive permit under M.G.L. Chapter 40B (sections 20–23) and 760 CMR 56.00 for the development at 339 Chestnut Street. The permit allows six rental units — one 1‑bedroom and five 2‑bedroom units — with eight parking spaces; two units are designated affordable under the regulatory agreement reviewed at the meeting.

Nut graf: The board’s approval incorporated clarifications and edits requested by the board and the applicants, including a plan substitution that adds a narrow textured granite surface at the front of the building in lieu of a raised “Cape Cod berm,” edits to energy‑standards language to avoid implying application of passive‑house requirements, and edits to which state agency will monitor the project. The board also set construction hours by condition after consulting the Building Commissioner.

Attorney George Gentry Jr., representing the applicant, summarized plan adjustments since the continuance from May 15. The most notable change was a minor plan shift that allowed the project team to slide the entry columns back up to one foot and create a narrow strip at the…