Planning Board backs floodplain fix, delays RIO zoning article to Feb. 23

WELLESLEY -- February 9, 2026, Wellesley Planning Board endorses floodplain bylaw fix but delays RIO zoning article amid Town Counsel concerns. The board voted 5-0 on Monday to support a minor amendment to Section 3.7 conforming the town's floodplain bylaw to the 2020 state model, adding recreational vehicle rules in flood zones, and Interim Planning Director Brad Downey said it would likely land on Town Meeting's consent agenda. Members voted 4-0 to continue the Residential Incentive Overlay hearing to Feb. 23 after Town Counsel Tom Harrington warned that a condition precedent requiring development agreements could conflict with state law. Member Patty Mallett said the proposal was "not sufficiently developed" for Town Meeting; Task Force Chair Tom Taylor countered that "80 percent" of the goal could be achieved through district prohibitions alone. The board also voted 4-0 to release the Feb. 6 counsel memo publicly.