Linden/Chambers Redevelopment Seeks Planning Board Approval

September 25, 2024
• The Needham Housing Authority sought a special permit for the project from the Planning Board Tuesday, kicking off an anticipated three-part plan.

The NHA found a developer-partner for the first phase of the Linden/Chambers redevelopment project, but concerns over stormwater maintenance, fire safety and traffic linger.

Peabody Companies and Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative — a collaborative abbreviated AHSC/Peabody — will assist NHA with the affordable housing project. Currently, the NHA maintains 152 units between its Linden and Chambers Street properties, which are available for those at or below 80% of the area median income. The major project site plan special permit would allow the NHA to move forward with its redevelopment.

Across the two-part first phase of the project, the 72 studio units on Linden Street — divided between 18 buildings — will be demolished and replaced by one four-story structure containing 136 new units. The 80 units at Chambers Street would also be renovated and increased to 111 units under a subsequent project phase. Current tenants would be temporarily relocated during construction.

Town Meeting passed four related articles on the Linden/Chambers redesign in May, however, the attorney general has yet to approve them due to delays caused by the MBTA Communities Act compliance.

Along with new housing, the property would also expand its existing community garden plots from 600 square feet of plantable area to 1,600 square feet. A back patio, seating areas and walking paths will also offer residents opportunities to socialize and spend time outside, landscape architect Curtis Puncher said.

Because the property abuts wetlands, project architects dedicated 25 feet to a no-disturb zone and planned for 50-foot and 100-foot buffers at other parts of the property. However, the frequency of severe storms, as well as the proposed removal of 24 trees on site, prompted questions on possible flooding.

The Department of Public Works reported the need for further stormwater containment, board Chair Natasha Espada said, as well as the need to annually fund stormwater operation and maintenance. Most of the 24 trees to be removed are considered unhealthy according to arborists who consulted with the project planners, but 80 new trees would be planted on the property.

The current 86 parking spaces would be reduced to 70. Architect Dan Chen explained the spaces are only used about 25-30% of the time. The Affordable Housing District — established at Spring Town Meeting — mandates a parking space ratio of 0.5 per unit.

Discussion eventually led to traffic and the nearby High Rock Middle School, which could be redistricted into an elementary school. But with any school drop-off and pick-up comes traffic, board member Justin McCullen said.

“But I admit that, I have to say, anecdotally, it’s going to be awful for 15 minutes, two times a day,” McCullen said, “but the thing is, it’s only 15 minutes, two times a day.”

Traffic studies indicate that surrounding intersections would not be greatly impacted by the increased number of housing units, Chen said.

One abutter complained of the “tire-busting curbs” on Linden Street, which he feels is already “too narrow.” The remark prompted McCullen to acknowledge the need to remediate Linden Street but also that those curbs ensure sidewalk safety.

“Yes, it’s bad for tires, but good for pedestrians,” McCullen said.

Two Linden/Chambers residents expressed concern over a perceived lack of fire department access to the property, as well as how residents would evacuate in the event of an emergency. There is, however, fire access at the back of the building, as well as hydrants on site, Chen said. The building will also be fully sprinklered, he said.

Fire Chief Tom Conroy didn’t raise concerns on the plans, Espada said, though the board expressed a desire to have Conroy, DPW and other entities address questions raised by the community.

Helen Giragosian, who identified herself as a Needham public housing resident, urged the board to approve the special permit. The redevelopment would enable current tenants to “live with dignity in a clean, safe, healthy environment,” Giragosian said.

“Folks here in Linden/Chambers are a community, they want to remain a community,” Giragosian said. “The Town of Needham also deserves to have more units available for the folks on the local wait list.”

Project organizers requested flexibility in the unit mix, meaning some of the proposed eight two-bedrooms could become one-bedrooms based on market demand. The NHA also suggested receiving a decision on the permit by the end of October, since they could apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funding in early November.

Chambers Street resident Ross Donald, who is a vocal opponent of the redevelopment, criticized what he sees as a lack of sustainability efforts. However, project architects intend to build the new units using passive house, an energy efficient building design with strict standards.

Board members said they support the project but a desire for more information. They voted to continue the hearing to their Oct. 15 meeting.

“I’m in favor of the project, and it’s going to be a great boon to the community,” member Paul Alpert said.