'Town Character' To Be Topic Of Design Guidelines Hearing

From the Town of Wellesley:

The town is working with Gambles Associates to assist the design review board, along with the general public, in developing updated comprehensive design guidelines that would apply to all projects, aside from one/two-family homes. It is anticipated that these guidelines would guide development in a way that respects existing village and architectural character, while also identifying preferred and encouraged design decisions with respect to buildings and sites.

Public input is important as we work to define the community’s vision for building quality, massing, height and character, as well as open space and the interface with the public realm and the public is invited to attend the design review board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall to share your thoughts on the future vision!

The Town of Wellesley has made a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the “character” of Wellesley. In 1976, the town adopted a design review section in the zoning bylaw and established a design review board to review sign permit applications. Since that time, the review process has been expanded to also require review of applications for site plan review, exterior commercial façade changes, antennas, and large house review projects, to name a few. The design review board evaluates projects based on the design guidelines handbook (last updated in 1989) and sections of the zoning bylaw pertaining to design criteria.

For more information, please visit our website or contact Town Planner Jeanette Rebecchi at jrebecchi@wellesleyma.gov.

Image Credit: Dan Libon/Patch