Wellesley Planning Board approves 31 Old Farm Road large house review

WELLESLEY -- May 4, 2026, Wellesley Planning Board approves 31 Old Farm Road and advances $50,000 Lower Falls study. Meeting May 4 with Vice Chair Thomas Taylor absent, the four-member board unanimously approved LHR-26-02 after Interim Planning Director Brad Downey said town counsel found no added ADU condition was needed. Members set 0.30686 assisted units as the fractional inclusionary obligation for a 15,343-square-foot commercial project at 26 Washington Street, with a cash payment-in-lieu figure due from the Wellesley Affordable Housing Trust before May 18. Patricia Mallett objected to a staff ruling on lighting at 20 Oakland Street/365 Washington Street, saying she "disagrees with the decision." Chair Marc Charney and member Edward Chazen said four resumes are in hand for the permanent planning director job, with Town Meeting having denied $400,000 for a comprehensive plan.