ZBA continues 59 East Militia Heights 40B hearing after applicant updates stormwater, trees and drone visuals

The Needham Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to close public comment and continue the 40B housing application for 59 East Militia Heights to a Feb. 19 session after hearing a detailed update from the applicant team (Charles River Center and project consultants).

What the applicant presented: Phil Kreen (project manager) and the project team said they submitted an updated operating budget, a revised existing conditions survey, updated civil/stormwater plans and drone photos that compare the current site at 35 feet (zoning height) to proposed building heights at 42 feet. The team said they added subsurface chambers and increased detention capacity so modeled 100‑year storm runoff meets existing conditions and reduces direct runoff to downhill properties.

Board concerns and clarifications: Board members pressed on tree removal, grading and which trees would remain; the applicant described retaining walls to limit clearing and a replacement/planting plan. The team also corrected a previously listed waiver: the proposed building is actually about 83 feet from the rear property line (not 11 feet), so that particular rear‑setback waiver is not needed.

Neighbor engagement: The applicant reported a neighbor meeting with three attendees where stormwater design, system sizing, and visual impacts were discussed. Ann Marie Bourgeois, president of the Charles River Center, thanked the board and said the team has been organized and that the neighbor meeting went well.

Outcome: The board closed public comment for this phase and continued the hearing to Feb. 19 for deliberation and a vote; the board asked that a draft decision be posted prior to that date for review.