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Planning board offers largely positive comments on five‑unit Housing Trust 40B referral, asks for design tweaks
Summary
The board reviewed a ZBA referral for a Housing Trust 40B proposal for five homes off Wilcoit Highway and provided generally favorable comments on architectural design and affordability mix while asking for changes to unit orientation, ADA access and path surfacing; staff will include those comments in the referral to the ZBA.
The Planning Board reviewed a referral from the Zoning Board of Appeals on a 40B comprehensive permit application filed by the Housing Trust to build five affordable homes at 4419 Wilcoit Highway. Staff described the site plan and unit types; board members and residents provided largely positive design feedback while flagging several items for the ZBA to consider.
Board members said the elevations and rooflines were appropriate for the neighborhood, but several members suggested re‑orienting three narrow duplex‑style units so they face the new internal drive rather than the highway to create a stronger neighborhood feel and reduce direct frontage on Route 28. Town staff recommended replacing gravel walkways with paved pathways where ADA access is needed and reviewing the parking layout so parking does not feel detached from front doors.
Staff said the proposal includes a range of income restrictions: two units restricted at 80% of area median income, one at 100% AMI and two at 120% AMI. Town staff also noted some plan pages or elevation sheets in the ZBA packet were missing; the planning department will ask the ZBA to ensure the full set is provided so the reviewing boards and the public can see all elevations and floor plans.
Why it matters: the project is a small, town‑sponsored affordable housing proposal (a 40B comprehensive permit) and the board's referral is part of the ZBA review process; design and access comments can be translated into conditions or recommendations.
Next steps: the planning department will forward the board—s comments to the ZBA, requesting full plan submittals, consideration of unit orientation and paved ADA access, and clarification on parking proximity to homes.
