Winchester Planning Board Denies Parking Waiver, Reopens Special Permit for Main Street Project

WINCHESTER — May 12, 2026 — Winchester Planning Board denies parking waiver for 910 Main Street, reopens a separate Main Street special permit over design concerns. The board unanimously selected Wendy Frontiero as design peer reviewer for the proposed 14-unit mixed-use development at 910 Main Street, choosing her historic preservation background over Michael Wang, who authored the town's Main Street Mixed Use District Design Guidelines. The board voted 4-1 to deny a waiver request from applicant Marino, who sought relief from the 16-space parking requirement after proposing only 14 spaces — and board members noted that even those spaces may not meet the 9-foot minimum width standard. In a separate matter, the board voted 4-0 to reopen a special permit for another Main Street mixed-use project approved October 21, 2025, after Building Commissioner Tom Kennedy told the board he could not issue a permit for plans that remained out of compliance on rear setback and driveway width, and after members said revised exterior plans — dropping cantilevered balconies and contemporary windows for a more traditional look — represented a significant change. The board voted unanimously to recommend favorable action on a new two-family home proposed at 540-542 Washington Street.