Planning Board Recommends 72 Mount Auburn Project
Watertown's Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend the Zoning Board of Appeals approve an eight-unit redevelopment at 72 Mount Auburn Street.
Planning Board · Meeting of February 11, 2026
Watertown's Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend the Zoning Board of Appeals approve an eight-unit redevelopment at 72 Mount Auburn Street. Project architect Benny Bear and attorney Terry Morris, representing owner Peter Lee, presented revised plans using Nichiha fiber-cement panels and copper trim. Board member Jason said he didn't "think it's deferential and neighborly to put such a massive white rectangle," while member Abigail questioned whether the white panel was truly matte after finding a "high gloss" spec sheet online.
A planning staff member confirmed the Affordable Housing Trust voted in December to accept a payment in lieu of an on-site unit worth "slightly over $350,000." The board also continued a 108 California Street ADU hearing to March 11. The Historic District Commission has not yet reviewed the project's contemporary materials and retains final say over them.
In the full story:
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of February 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.
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