Charles River Center and partners seek 86 affordable units at 59 East Militia Heights under 40B; neighbors press stormwater and visual-impact concerns

Needham — Charles River Heights LLC and partner organizations presented a comprehensive‑permit (Chapter 40B) application on Dec. 10 for a 3.5‑acre project at 59 East Militia Heights that would create 86 affordable residential units, including supportive units serving people with autism and intellectual disabilities under Charles River Center staffing.

Philip Crane, the project manager, described a four‑building plan with three one‑story buildings containing six apartments each and a three‑story building with 68 units (mix of studios, one‑ and two‑bedrooms). The proposal lists a total of 61 parking spaces, with most located behind the three‑story structure; Charles River Center will also provide shuttle services and property management will promote bicycle storage and MBTA reduced‑fare signups.

Applicants submitted Phase I and Phase II environmental reports by McPhail that found no recognized environmental conditions after sampling 24 soil borings and concluding no remaining underground heating‑oil tanks. The stormwater consultant (VHB) presented a stormwater management plan that…