James (Jim) Venancasa of SJB Investments presented a conceptual site plan on Dec. 8 for a four-acre parcel on Southville Road within the MBTA-communities overlay. The developer described a two-building rental project totaling 60 units (two 30-unit buildings) at 15 units per acre, with amenities including a clubhouse, indoor bicycle storage and accessible units.

"We have 60 units — two 30-unit buildings plus a clubhouse, which is consistent with the zoning," Venancasa said, describing performance and amenity expectations and noting the economics require the proposed density to achieve affordability objectives.

Parking and waiver request: The developers said they will request a waiver from the bylaw's usual rear-parking requirement because septic systems and riverfront buffers constrain placement. They discussed parking multipliers used by the town (1.5 spaces per unit per state guidance) and said their operational experience suggests approximately 1.8 spaces per bedroom is more reliable; the submitted concept included roughly 55 parking spaces per building plus clubhouse spaces.

Wetlands, riverfront buffer and ConCom: Residents and board members asked whether wetlands and riverfront buffers reduce the developable area. The team said wetlands were flagged, that the property has uplands to work with, and that a Notice of Intent to the Conservation Commission is planned as an early step. Several residents also questioned whether the full four acres are buildable and urged the developer to confirm footprint and buffer calculations before detailed site-plan review.

Height, roof form and neighborhood character: Neighbors and some members questioned a proposed three-story/flat-roof appearance versus a two-and-a-half-story/gabled form consistent with the underlying residential district. Staff and the developer discussed potential design mitigations and confirmed the team will refine building form to respond to character concerns and applicable height definitions.

EV parking and other amenities: The developer said the project would include EV-ready infrastructure (e.g., two EV charging spaces with additional future-ready wiring or a 50-kW fast charger option) and indoor bike storage.

Next steps: The developer anticipates filing for a formal site-plan review and the one waiver discussed (parking location). Planning staff and neighbors urged early Conservation Commission engagement and requested additional materials on developability, roof form options and a more detailed parking analysis in subsequent submissions.