Newton’s Land Use Committee approved minor changes to an assisted living facility’s design on Tuesday evening, maintaining compliance with the project’s existing special permit. 

“This is very much not a substantive change, very de minimis, very much in keeping with the intent and purpose of the special permit,” said committee Chair, Ward 8 Councilor-at-large David Kalis. 

Stephen Buchbinder, attorney for the Sunrise of Chestnut Hill Project, explained that the project was already granted a special use permit by the city. A special use permit allows the use of land for purposes or projects not explicitly granted by existing zoning laws.

“Following the issuance of those [special use permit] approvals, the project team has continued to advance the design toward construction,” Buchbinder said.

The project includes a five-story building with 120 beds for residents, which was originally approved on Nov. 8, 2023. The group now seeks approval for a consistency request, as they plan to make minor design changes, explained Buchbinder.

“The petitioner submitted a consistency request to the commissioner of inspectional services, which consisted of approximately 10 to 12 items as of Dec. 23 of 2025,” Buchbinder said. “Commissioner Ciccariello determined that certain proposed changes to the approved plans are minor in nature and consistent with the intent and purpose of [the special permit].” 

The changes include removing two levels of terraces and replacing them with individual resident terraces. Additionally, to keep the building’s outline the same, the group requested moving staircase locations to portions of the building with preexisting windows.

“I thought it was very attractive and I think it’s so important for people to have outdoor space, just for the clients,” said Ward 1 Councilor-at-Large Alison Leary.

The group assured the committee that the change in balcony design was not meant to diminish resident access to the outdoors, just modify it. The terrace modifications also include access doors and railings.

Neighbors to the Sunrise of Chestnut Hill Project were reportedly happy with the recent project development, explained Bridget McCafferty, the senior project architect.

“We did have a meeting with the neighbors that are directly adjacent, and they were actually happy with the move because it reduces the overall massing of the building on that side of the project,” McCafferty said.

Kalis requested that there be green spaces in the senior living facility to ensure that the residents have access to the outdoors. 

“I’ll just say that from my perspective, adding that direct access from the existing roof with the railings and the unit balconies … I think it’s an advantage,” Kalis said. 

The committee approved the changes, finding them consistent with the original intent of the Sunrise of Chestnut Hill Project’s special permit.