Wareham ZBA approves 150-unit-apartment Woodland Cove complex in Wareham

Wareham ZBA approves 150-unit-apartment Woodland Cove complex in Wareham

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved unanimously on Wednesday night Waltham-based Dakota Partners’ plans for a 150-unit apartment complex on Cranberry Highway at Redbrook Road, following more than a year of discussions and many testy public hearings.

“Well, that was easy,” joked ZBA member James Eacobacci. “Seems like we just got started yesterday.”

The complex, dubbed “Woodland Cove,” falls under the state 40B code and will offer “affordable housing” or rental prices that are affordable for those making about 60 percent of the average median income. The 150-unit complex marks a significant reduction from the 174 units planned originally for the 8.5-acre property. The company agreed to reduce the size of the project in June.

As that section of Cranberry Highway is slated for reconstruction, many in the community were concerned that traffic in and out of that site would be even more complicated and likely to result in traffic accidents with the highway under construction, a subject that came up regularly at meetings.

A proposal for a temporary road, connecting the development to Redbrook Road suggested by town engineer Charlie Rowley for access for residents while road improvements are not available, was accepted by Dakota Partners.

Board concerns about landscaping and adequate parking, town concerns for those with disabilities, as well as two possible spots for school bus stops, ground level lighting, dumpsters for each apartment building, grinder pumps for sewage for the complex and many other concerns were addressed in previous meetings. Dakota Partners came to an agreement with the ZBA and town engineer Rowley on those matters, as well.

By Mary McKenzie / mmckenzie@wickedlocal.com
Wicked Local Wareham
October 24, 2018
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