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Needham ZBA OKs Charles River Heights 40B plan for 86 affordable units, including supportive housing
Summary
The Needham Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Feb. 19 to issue a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit to Charles River Heights LLC for 86 affordable units at 59 East Militia Heights Drive; roughly half of the units will provide supportive housing for adults with developmental disabilities and the approval is subject to final edits to the draft decision.
The Needham Zoning Board of Appeals voted Feb. 19 to issue a comprehensive permit under Chapter 40B and the applicable 760 CMR provisions to Charles River Heights LLC to redevelop 3.5 acres at 59 East Militia Heights Drive into 86 affordable residential units.
Board members said the permit will allow four buildings on the site and that the proposal includes housing and services targeted to adults with developmental disabilities run by Charles River Center. The board and applicant agreed to a process to finalize a small number of editorial and condition-specific changes in the draft decision before the written decision is filed.
Why it matters: The project combines traditional affordable housing with supportive services and uses Low-Income Housing Tax Credit–style financing and long ground-lease structures typical of subsidized developments. Applicant and planning staff said financing and tax-credit timing mean construction likely…
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