Charles River Center proposes 86-unit inclusive housing campus at East Militia Heights, asks Needham CPC for $3.5 million

The Charles River Center and nonprofit developer Planning Office for Urban Affairs outlined plans on Feb. 12 for an 86-unit affordable, integrated housing development at the Army-owned East Militia Heights site and asked the Needham Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for $3.5 million toward the project.

The project, presented by Anne Marie Badra, president and CEO of the Charles River Center, would include a three-story central building with 68 units, three single-story buildings with six studio apartments each, and a 4,400-square-foot community center intended to be open to the public. “We touch more than 1,500 men and women and families every year,” Badra said, describing the agency’s mission and client base.

Nut graf: Proponents said the development is intended to fill a service gap for adults with developmental disabilities, including autism, who need intermittent staff support rather than 24/7 group-home care. Presenters called the design “inclusive” and said the mix is intended to integrate people with disabilities, staff and other community households on the same site while offering wraparound supports.

Project design and services: The presentation described 86 units for households earning roughly 30–80% of area median income (AMI), including: - Approximately 33 studios and 10 one-bedroom units…