A ‘Win-Win-Win’ is Possible in Wellesley and Beyond
Shaping a plan for 180 apartments on a Wellesley community college campus illustrates the complexity of carrying out the State Land for Homes program.
A proposal to turn 45 acres of underused land at MassBay Community College in Wellesley into at least 180 units of housing would be a win for all parties involved.
However, getting there highlights the complications of such projects, even under legislation designed to streamline housing development, such as last year’s Affordable Homes Act.
This act includes a provision allowing the commonwealth to turn state parcels into housing with a density of at least four units per acre, bypassing local zoning processes.
Under this law, municipalities can only impose
“reasonable regulations”regarding characteristics like setbacks and building height, for about five years.
Author's summary: A plan for 180 apartments in Wellesley shows complexity.