Wellesley Planning Board names Brad Downey interim planning director

WELLESLEY -- January 12, 2026, Wellesley Planning Board appoints Brad Downey interim planning director in unanimous vote. The board voted 5-0 on Jan. 12 to promote Downey retroactive to Jan. 2, after Chair Marc Charney cited the previous director's departure and a second staff vacancy. Member Jim Roberti praised Downey's familiarity with active projects; Secretary Patty Mallett credited him with "streamlining ZBA cases." The board also continued a special permit hearing for a 19-unit, 38-space project at 592 Washington Street to Jan. 26 after neighbors objected to the loss of two mature beech trees and a driveway design Sally Howlett said creates a pedestrian "blind spot." The Design Review Board had earlier endorsed the design 4-0, and the application offers four affordable units and 14,703 square feet of open space.