Planning Board Approves Two Large House Reviews

The Wellesley Planning Board approved Large House Reviews on Cottage Street and Pierce Road after lengthy discussions Monday night.

The first approval came for architect Patrick Ahearn and owner Carl Bell at 39 Cottage St., and the second for Jordan Hitch at 26 Pierce Road.

"The neighbors' reaction has been very positive," said Ahearn of his project at 39 Cottage Street. The proposed design included significant structural changes to the approximately 2,880 square-foot building, including an additional 767 square feet on the first floor of the main house and 287 square feet on the second floor. Ahearn also gained approval from the Historic District Commission prior to the meeting.

The board approved the changes after compromising with Ahearn and the owners of the home on the proposed accessory garage and pool cabana. Ahearn's design of the two-floor cabana included amenities such as a basement, two-car garage, exercise room, office, sink, dishwasher, and two full bathrooms.

All five board members expressed serious concern about allowing the new cabana to contain most of the proposed features.

Board member Neal Glick especially scrutinized Ahearn's proposal, questioning the motivation for creating such a feature-packed storage space. "I am stunned," said Glick. "How can you even call this a cabana?"

Ahearn pointed to the large house review guidelines' definition of storage space, which included pool houses and garages. But the board responded by pointing out the living amenities such as the multiple full bathrooms, which would not be necessary in a space used for storage.

The board ultimately approved the project under the conditions that they lower the ceiling and remove the windows from the basement, that the cabana and garage be discreetly separate structures, and removal of all other amenities except the exercise room, office, one full bath, one half bath on the second floor.

The board also approved Hitch's proposed project at his home at 26 Pierce Road, which included extensive work on a ledge that could cause excessive noise for neighbors, on the condition that the construction comply with Wellesley town bylaws regarding noise levels after certain times of the day. Hitch said he'd gladly oblige out of respect for the Lynch residents, who live right next door. "[Mr. Lynch] works during the day, so I want to respect that," said Hitch of his neighbor to the East.

The board also met with Laura Fragasso, a Wellesley resident, who requested that the board consider Brookside Road for designation as a scenic road. Scenic roads are exempt from removal of existing structures such as trees and boulders.

Fragasso expressed her affinity for the half-mile-long, tree-lined passage, which the Wellesley Country Club plans to cut into as part of a large construction project. "I find peace there," Fragasso said. "I derive wonder from it."

The board, compelled by Fragasso's passion for the area, thanked her for bringing the matter to them. The process for designation, however, typically begins with Historic District Commission approval and a public hearing, and could not be approved solely by the board. All members expressed interest in beginning the process later this year. "I can't say I've seen this road, to my loss," said Chairman Don McCauley, "but it sounds deserving."

Wellesley's next Planning Board meeting takes place at Wellesley Town Hall on Aug. 16.