Wellesley Wetlands Panel Votes 2-1 to Deny 49 Walnut Street Multi-Family Project

WELLESLEY — June 18, 2026 — Wellesley Wetlands Protection Committee voted 2-1 to deny a Notice of Intent for a proposed 28-unit multi-family development at 49 Walnut Street after roughly eleven continuances spanning nearly a year. Chair Eleanor McLane and Member Doug Hersh voted to deny the application from Joe Hassell, citing persistent stormwater modeling deficiencies documented in a June 17 peer review by consultant John Chessia — including an incorrectly modeled porous pavement system and a poorly sited bioretention focal point — and an alternatives analysis for a 25-foot no-disturbance buffer waiver that McLane called "insulting" in its thinness, presenting only the proposed project and a do-nothing option. "This submittal has failed to demonstrate compliance with our regulations," McLane said in moving for denial. Member Eben Scanlon voted against, saying the outstanding issues remained answerable. Three community members gave public comment supporting the denial, including Kara Reinhart Block, a Precinct D Town Meeting member at 162 Walnut Street, who said safety issues including fire truck turnaround had never been addressed across all eleven hearings, and direct abutter Leanne Lawler of 66 River Street, who said the unit count and parking had never meaningfully changed.