On Tuesday, August 8, Waterfield Lot developer Civico presented its zoning permit application to the Winchester Planning Board. Civico is seeking approval under the town zoning by-law Section 7.3, Center Business District, that allows transit-oriented, affordable housing in multi-story buildings. Proposed are a total of 60 apartments, 40 units to be at affordable rent levels and 20 at market rate, along with a total of 119 parking spaces, specifically 71 public spaces at ground level and 48 tenant spaces underground.

According to the presentation, the 69,197 square foot building will have a three-story portion facing Waterfield Road and a larger four-story component above the parking garage behind it. The building design will need Planning Board approval to exceed the by-law’s height limit. This larger component’s main

roof height is 50 feet with a peaked tower near the MBTA station that is 60 feet. Also required is review of stormwater management, traffic and parking impact, and overall design.

Plans show a mixture of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, with three units designed for wheelchair-using tenants, and feature all-electric HVAC and other building systems and solar-ready roof. Amenities include a small roof deck near Waterfield Road and a second-floor community room that opens on a landscaped outdoor terrace facing the courtyard.

Pedestrians and vehicles will access the development and MBTA station via a crosswalk and driveway across from Laraway Road. Access to the existing rear service area for businesses next-door and facing Church Street will be preserved. The proposal’s stormwater management system, designed according to state and town regulations, includes green stormwater infrastructure and low impact design. At the MWRA’s request, related to removing the Chamber of Commerce building, the existing brick sewer main crossing the property will be re-lined (reinforced) at developer expense prior to project construction to protect the aging underground structure. All courtyard landscaping will use native species, with trees to provide shade without exceeding the MBTA’s height guidelines for the station.

The project is designed to be eligible for subsidy programs (see definition below) to support construction costs. Civico will need to have zoning and other government permits in hand to apply by late fall. To voice support for this Waterfield design, and/or to support increasing the affordable housing options downtown in general, you can speak at a meeting or write to the board via email.

Planning Board usually holds virtual meetings and it has set up at least three more Waterfield hearings (see dates below). There should be opportunities to speak at those or you can send comments to Planning Board members at any time at the email address listed at the board’s main webpage.

To learn more about the details, you can watch the August 8th meeting recording online at WinCAM.