Select Board signals support for Wood Partners on River's Edge housing

WAYLAND -- January 23, 2017, Wayland Select Board lines up behind Wood Partners for River's Edge housing. The board reached consensus Monday to back the Atlanta-based national developer over a competing local bid from McDowell, with a formal notice of award expected next week ahead of a February 1 deadline. Members cited underground parking, a three-building layout and stronger outdoor amenities, despite Wood Partners proposing roughly $10 million more in costs and about 20 percent higher rents on the 150-to-190-unit project, which must include 25 percent affordable and 25 percent age-restricted units. The board flagged a request for more three-bedroom units and noted an additional $100,000 will be needed to pave a triangle access road. Earlier, residents pressed for action on a disputed 150 Main Street building permit; Town Counsel Amy Kressel of Anderson & Kreiger said the board lacks jurisdiction and that the 20-day appeal window has lapsed, "there's nothing more that can be done."