Planning Board appoints Downey as interim director, continues 592 Washington Street hearing.
Planning Board unanimously appoints Downey as interim director and continues 592 Washington Street hearing. Brad Downey was elevated to Interim Planning Director retroactive to January 2, 2026, in a unanimous vote; Board members cited his experience and streamlining work on zoning board cases. The
Planning Board · Meeting of January 12, 2026
WELLESLEY — Planning Board unanimously appoints Downey as interim director and continues 592 Washington Street hearing. Brad Downey was elevated to Interim Planning Director retroactive to January 2, 2026, in a unanimous vote; Board members cited his experience and streamlining work on zoning board cases. The special permit hearing for a 19-unit mixed-use development at 592 Washington Street in Wellesley Square was continued to January 26 after public comments raised concerns about tree removal, parking, and pedestrian safety; the Board voted 5-0 to continue pending consultation with Town Counsel on its authority to attach conditions to the permit.
The project includes four affordable units and exceeds all four density-permitting criteria: Design Review Board approval, inclusionary zoning compliance, 20 percent open space (14,703 of 35,861 square feet), and two parking spaces per unit.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of January 12, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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