Planning board approves 50‑unit Providence Street building with five affordable units

The Worcester Planning Board approved a special permit and definitive site plan on July 15 for a five‑story residential development at 651 Providence Street that will deliver 50 apartments and five affordable units at 60% area median income.

Attorney Matt Echol presented the project on behalf of the applicant, noting a mix of studios, one‑ and two‑bedroom units, 50 on‑site parking stalls (28 indoor, 22 surface), 5 EV spaces and room for three future EV‑ready spaces. The design places amenity spaces at the Providence/Harrison corner and provides an interior bike room with multiple access points. The applicant requested waivers to reduce required loading spaces and tree spacing and to permit a 22‑foot drive aisle to increase the landscape buffer; staff recommended conditions and said the applicant agreed to many of them.

Planning staff (Steve Carey) and DPW asked the applicant to explore infiltration for stormwater; staff conditioned approval that infiltration be provided unless geotechnical data show it is infeasible, in which case detention sized to the project's increased wastewater should be provided. The applicant agreed to supply infiltration/detention options during permitting. Staff also included caveats about e‑bike/scooter charging subject to Fire Department approval and asked for outdoor furniture samples or delayed submittal prior to building permit.

One online resident raised concerns about parking and safety at the Harrison/Providence intersection and urged stronger traffic safety measures. Board members acknowledged neighborhood concerns but said the project’s transportation management plan, interior bike amenity and proximity to transit mitigate impacts. The board voted to close the public hearing and approved both the special permit and the definitive site plan with the discussed modifications and conditions.