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CJA Ventures 78-84 Washington Ave. hearing carried while board reviews deed-of-easement language
Summary
The board continued the three-family redevelopment application for 78-84 Washington Ave., asking counsel to finalize a deed of easement that board members said must be explicit and permanent; the item was carried to July 6, 2026 with consent to an extension of time.
The Westwood Zoning Board on June 1 carried consideration of CJA Ventures' proposal for 78-84 Washington Avenue to the July 6 meeting while counsel finalizes easement language and corrected plan documents.
Attorney L. Scott Berkoben represented the applicant; surveyor Jeffrey Dunn and architect Vincent Cioffi testified about dimensions, easement interest and plan corrections. Bank representative Lisa Darling, appearing under oath, confirmed the deed-of-easement remains outstanding and that the parties are negotiating the allocation of perpetual interest. Board members, including Beth Staples and Keith Doell, raised parking and deed-term concerns and asked to see a final executed or finalized deed before moving to a decision.
Board Planner Steve Lydon and Board Attorney Thomas Randall stressed that any changes in zoning use or the easement terms would require return to the board. Mr. Randall said he will review and amend the deed language to ensure it cannot be canceled and will advise the board on required clarifications.
Because the Deed of Easement and corrected plan sheets (including a revised Key Map and corrected numeric labels on Sheet SP101) were not finalized, the board carried the matter to July 6, 2026 with no further notice and with a consent to extend time to act on the application.
The board did not vote on merits; the continuation preserves the parties' time for negotiation and allows the board to review final legal language and corrected drawings before rendering a decision.
