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Planning board hears Beth Israel plan for valet-only parking lot on Oak Street
Summary
Beth Israel Deaconess Needham proposed converting two underused Oak/Chestnut parcels into a 39-space valet-only lot; the board heard presentations on landscaping, stormwater controls and lighting and took public comment on light spill and pedestrian access. The hearing was closed for decision on Aug. 25.
The Needham Planning Board on July 28 heard a proposal from Beth Israel Deaconess Needham to demolish two structures on Oak Street and create a 39-space valet-only parking lot intended to serve the hospital’s on-campus valet operation.
Attorney Tim Sullivan, representing the hospital, told the board the lot would be used only by valet attendants, not for public parking, and said the application includes fencing, landscaping and stormwater upgrades: "So we're here tonight regarding a valet parking lot at 14 and, 12 Oak Street," Sullivan said during the presentation.
Sullivan and project consultants described a six‑foot opaque board fence and an evergreen screen along the MBTA right-of-way. Engineers said stormwater treatment elements will be installed and that the plan reduces impervious area compared with current conditions. On lighting, the applicant submitted a photometric plan and the project engineer reported measured light levels: "Say for the 1st 10 feet, it was 0.1 foot candles that was measured. Beyond that, it's 0," the engineer said, noting selected fixtures are shielded toward the lot.
Neighbors during public comment raised concerns about nighttime light spill, fixture color and the potential for 24/7 illumination. Abutter Marilyn Schuster urged shielded fixtures and lower color temperatures to reduce impacts on bedrooms and wildlife: "My concern is lighting," she said, asking whether fixtures could be dimmable or motion‑sensing.
Board members pressed the applicant on operational details, including valet handling of large vehicles and coordination with MassDOT for any signalization. Staff noted Department of Health and other departmental comments are in the file. The board closed the public hearing and scheduled the decision for the August 25 meeting to allow staff to finalize review and draft conditions.
What’s next: the board will publish a draft decision and permit conditions ahead of the Aug. 25 meeting; the packet includes the applicant’s materials, the design-review comments and town department memos.
