Board signals approval for Winchester Country Club clubhouse addition at 468 Mystic Street

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals closed the public hearing on the Winchester Country Club’s proposed clubhouse addition at 468 Mystic Street and asked a board member to draft an opinion supporting the special permit.

Consultant Sarah Sterns of Beiel and Thomas presented site plans showing a roughly 3,100-square-foot addition to an existing ~18,000-square-foot clubhouse, sited to preserve mature trees and minimize disturbance to the bordering Herbert Meerbrook. Sterns told the board the project was reviewed and approved by the Arlington Conservation Commission with a subsurface stormwater-management system positioned to limit impacts.

Architect Judson Hornck walked the board through floor plans showing new casual and adult dining spaces and an outdoor seating area that ties into the existing building without altering the historic front parlor. Applicant team members emphasized the project would not increase club membership or generate new parking demand.

Board members praised the plan’s tree preservation and sensitivity to neighborhood character. Chair Christian Klein asked Mr. Hanland to draft the board’s findings; the board voted by roll call to close the hearing and proceed with a decision draft including the board’s standard conditions and continuing jurisdiction.

What happens next: A draft decision will be prepared and circulated to the board for adoption. If approved and filed with the town clerk, the decision will start the statutory appeal period and allow the applicant to proceed through building-permit review.