Adopted in 1969, Chapter 40B, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Permit Law, allows local Zoning Boards of Appeal or a State Appeals Committee to approve residential developments, whether or not they comply with local zoning, if at least 20 to 25% of their units have long-term affordability restrictions.  In November 2010 Massachusetts voters will vote to either repeal (yes vote) or retain (no vote) that law.

U-CHAN (Uniting Citizens for Housing Affordability in Newton) is holding an educational forum on the law at the New Art Center, 61 Washington Park in Newtonville, on May 6th from 7 to 9 pm.  It will address the following, through presentations and Q&A:

At 7:30 p.m. tonight (12/3), BH Normandy will be presenting proposals to neighbors for a mixed-use development of at least 600,000 square feet. Please come tonight if you can. The hearing will be held at the old Emerson School, 545 Grove Street, Newton.

Details from an earlier news story: ”The real estate group BH Normandy proposed a development that would include 420,000 square feet of office space, 60,000 square feet of retail space and 190 residential units (which, at a size of 750 square feet apiece, would add another 140,000 square feet to the site). The plan also does not include space for parking garages.”

Source:  Newton TAB

Plans dated 12/10/09:  Option A, Option B.