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Wellesley is committed to advancing affordable housing and is an active partner working with the Commonwealth to increase and diversify housing:

Wellesley exceeds the State’s 40B affordable housing requirement, far surpassing many communities. It is compliant under the new MBTA Communities Act, rezoning to allow 1600 housing units within half a mile of public transit. Wellesley has adopted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), 20 percent inclusionary (affordable) zoning, and created a Strategic Housing Plan. Notably, Wellesley has added approximately 550 multi-family units in recent years including: The Nines, Fieldstone, The Albion, Terrazza, The BelClare, The Bristol, Highland Park, Cedar Place, and currently under construction, The Bellwether. Wellesley is also in the process of permitting a new senior living facility at 888 Worcester Street (200 units), and approved 500 more rental units at The Nines. 

The State insists on building 180 units on the parcel. Even if the entire project is confined to the five acre parking lot - which is far from certain - that level of development is pernicious and will overpower one of Wellesley's most important natural assets. MBTA services are over a mile away, making it car dependent for transit and essential services; there will be increased vs. lessened congestion; shared parking with college students; and no assurance of affordable housing. There is also no guarantee the college will get the full amount of funds needed to support its students other than the sale of the 40 Oakland Street parcel which falls short by a lot.

Read more here: 

"Let's not accept a check-the-box narrative for MassBay property," Letter to the Editor,  The Swellesley Report 

Wellesley Conservation Land Trust clarifies Boston Globe article

Wellesley Select Board asks State 37 questions.