Developer seeks zoning bylaw change for senior housing

HYM Investment Group of Boston, which has proposed building a senior living complex on 30 acres of Regis College land, has submitted a request for a proposed zoning bylaw change to be included in the warrant for Weston’s upcoming Town Meeting.

The developer is proposing a senior living complex at 300 Wellesley St., across from the Spellman Museum, that would include 24 independent-living cottages, a main building with 131 independent-living units, 40 assisted-living units and 20 memory care units for a total of 215 units with 215 parking spaces.

The parcel is located about two miles from the town center. Developing it requires approval of a zoning bylaw amendment at Town Meeting and special permit approval.

HYM has requested a zoning bylaw change to allow an assisted living center in the neighborhood by creating a Senior Living Community Overlay District.

Tom O’Brien, CEO of HYM Investments, said at a previous meeting that the goal is to receive the necessary special permit next January. If approved, construction would start in spring 2027, with completion in fall 2029.

A public hearing on the zoning change is scheduled for Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., after which the Planning Board will issue its recommendation. Should the issue advance, residents will vote at Town Meeting on May 4. Zoning changes require a two-thirds majority vote to pass at Town Meeting.

At an informational session on Feb. 11, Planning Board Chair Leslie Glynn explained the process for zoning bylaw amendments, various types of housing districts, and also addressed the importance of development agreements and special permits, which regulate project details like height, setbacks and environmental impact.

The town’s Housing Production Plan includes senior and/or retirement housing, described as senior adult or active adult residential developments, as a type of housing Weston needs to meet the needs of an aging population and could potentially be added to Weston’s affordable housing inventory.