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Design Review Board approves minor Wingate site changes including bocce court, dog run and EV chargers
Summary
The Needham Design Review Board unanimously approved minor site-plan modifications for the Wingate redevelopment at 589 Highland Ave, adding a bocce court, small dog run, two EV chargers (four-vehicle capacity), an extended sidewalk and three parking spaces; the changes are described as modest and largely cosmetic.
Design Review Board Chair Mark Glusing said the Needham Design Review Board on May 19 unanimously approved minor site-plan modifications for Wingate Development’s project at 589 Highland Ave.
David Feldman, senior vice president of Wingate Development, told the board the application sought “approval for some minor site plan modifications” that include a small dog run, a bocce court, extension of an internal sidewalk, the installation of two EV chargers (to accommodate four vehicles) and restoring three previously removed parking spaces.
The changes are part of the conversion of the former Wingate nursing home into 63 independent-living apartments. The applicant told the board the proposed bocce court would sit within an existing open grass area beneath three pear trees and that the work would eliminate grass in that spot. Feldman said the project would require “some minor grade changes” at the bocce location, increasing the south-side grade by about 2 percent; he said no retaining wall would be needed and existing sidewalks will remain accessible.
Board member Millie, who reviewed planting plans on earlier submissions, said the package reflected a previously thorough review and asked whether planting or other site elements had changed; Feldman and the project team confirmed the bocce court location is under existing trees and that Tom Minor, the landscape architect, was available for planting questions. Chair Glusing asked whether the sidewalk extension would connect to Gould Street; the applicant confirmed it would.
Steve Dornbusch, a board member, said, “Well, I'm glad it's not pickleball and we have to worry about the noise,” and added the changes “seem minor and, you know, functional.” No board member raised objections to the proposed modifications.
The board approved the site-plan changes as submitted on a roll-call vote. The motion was made by Steve Dornbusch and seconded by Millie; Dornbusch, Millie and Chair Mark Glusing voted yes. The applicant noted it will appear before the Planning Board on June 3.
Glusing also reminded the applicant that earlier special-permit approvals for construction fencing banners required contractor signs be located in approved positions; Feldman said he had the signs removed after being notified.
Because the changes were described as modest and primarily limited to amenities, landscaping adjustments and minor grading, board members said they did not require more extensive review at this meeting. The board did not direct further study or conditions beyond the usual coordination with Planning and Building Department permit requirements.
