The Needham Zoning Board of Appeals opened a comprehensive-permit (Chapter 40B) hearing on a proposed 86-unit affordable development at 59 East Militia Heights Drive and sent the matter to another session after extensive public comment and departmental requests for additional technical materials.

Project manager Phil Cree and Charles River Center leadership described the proposal as 86 100% affordable units serving households at roughly 30–80% of area median income, with 43 accessible units, supportive-housing pods tied to the Charles River Center, a 3-story building containing 68 units and three one-story buildings holding six studios each. "The entire building will be all electric and will be designed to passive house standards," Cree said, adding that the team plans shuttle service, bicycle racks and community spaces.

Civil engineer Joe Capalino described a preliminary stormwater approach that relies on four subsurface infiltration systems sized to capture an inch-and-a-half storm, with overflow piping to an existing storm main on Dwight Road and, in one extreme overflow scenario, to wooded areas behind the site. Capalino said field work and test pits were completed recently and that the team will expand their stormwater memorandum into a full stormwater management report.

Neighbors from North Hill and nearby streets urged more detailed analysis. Rick Nahigian told the board the neighborhood has experienced long-standing "sodden backyards" and basement flooding and asked for independent or peer review of the drainage calculations; Tina Chin urged use of more sustainable materials and careful consideration of infiltration given steep slopes and rocky soils. Several speakers also raised wildlife concerns and the need to preserve habitat.

Board members and staff acknowledged the concerns and departmental reviewers flagged outstanding items. Planning and conservation noted additional materials are needed; the building department asked for clarification on requested waivers and height; public health asked for details about trash, pest control and kitchen operations; water and sewer requested connection details; parks and forestry asked for species diversity in plantings. The applicants confirmed they will submit Phase I/II environmental reports and the full stormwater report for posting.

After discussion, the board voted to continue the hearing to December 18 to allow submission and review of the stormwater report, environmental materials (Phase I/II), the traffic study and other clarifications. Chair Howard Goldman directed the applicant to provide the PowerPoint, environmental reports and stormwater documentation for posting to the ZBA website so departments and neighbors may review them before the next meeting.

Next steps: applicants to provide the requested reports at least two weeks before the Dec. 18 hearing; town staff will review and determine whether a town-sponsored peer review is needed.