Development News for Westwood, Massachusetts

Planning Board Continues Review of Parking and Traffic Study Guidelines

The Planning Board discussed proposed amendments to its rules, regulations, standards, guidelines, and meeting procedures, specifically focusing on automobile parking design standards and traffic study guidelines. As these documents were continued from a previous meeting and a key staff member (Maren) was unavailable to provide input, the board voted to continue the discussion to their June 23rd meeting to allow for further review and input.

11 Perry Drive Planting Deadline Extended, Species Substitution Approved

The Planning Board granted an extension for planting requirements associated with a previously approved scenic road application for 11 Perry Drive. The original approval required specific plantings (five maple trees, five eastern red cedar trees, nine ink berry bushes) by June 15th. The applicant, citing medical concerns affecting her ability to water the plants sufficiently over the summer, requested an extension to the fall planting season (September 15th to November 15th, 2026). Additionally, the applicant requested permission to replace the five eastern red cedar trees with red spruce trees due to allergy concerns and potential invasive nature, though the board members noted cedars are native and hardy. After discussion, the board approved the extension for planting and permitted the substitution of red spruce for eastern red cedar.

Pedestrian and Bike Committee Advocates for Town-Wide 25 MPH Speed Limit

Board member Mike Darion provided an update from the Pedestrian and Bike Committee meeting, where the town-wide 25 mph speed limit on non-posted roads was discussed. The committee plans to send a letter to the select board urging them to address this issue. Board members recalled a similar discussion previously and considered revisiting the topic to potentially send a supportive letter.

Foresight Child Care Facility Hearing Continued Amidst Safety and Parking Concerns

The Planning Board continued a public hearing for a Limited Environmental Impact and Design Review (LEID) approval for a proposed change of use and waiver of on-site parking at the Foresight Child Care facility at 260 Washington Street. The applicant presented updated plans, including a reduction in classrooms to three, six on-site parking spaces (one handicapped accessible), and a lease for additional off-site parking at St. Dennis Church for staff. Staff noted that despite reduced enrollment and classrooms, the parking demand (13 spaces) still exceeds on-site availability, requiring a waiver for off-site parking. Significant discussion ensued regarding traffic circulation, safety during drop-off and pick-up, the driveway's width and capacity, snow removal plans, and the number of requested waivers. Board members expressed concerns about safety, traffic flow, and the site's suitability for the proposed volume of students given the single-lane ingress/egress. The applicant requested a continuance to further revise plans, specifically to explore material reductions in student volume and to develop more detailed traffic flow management strategies. The board voted to continue the hearing to July 14, 2026.