Needham Conservation Commission Continues Chabad Center Hearing Amid Stormwater and Abutter Concerns

NEEDHAM -- April 23, 2026, Needham Conservation Commission continues Chabad Center hearing over stormwater concerns and impending bylaw deadline. The commission voted unanimously at its April 23 meeting to continue the first hearing on a Notice of Intent for a proposed new Chabad Jewish Center at 1195 Central Avenue, a project that would demolish an approximately 1908 residential structure and construct an approximately 19,000-square-foot community facility and 7,500-square-foot rabbi's residence on a one-acre site abutting wetlands. Chair Dave Herr flagged a new Needham stormwater bylaw taking effect May 1 that raises the required detention volume from one inch to one and a half inches of runoff, saying he and the town engineer believe the project is subject to the new standard. Brian Nelson of Metro West Engineering, retained by northerly abutters the Bradleys, identified setback deficiencies at both proposed infiltration ponds, elevation discrepancies in test-pit logs, and a near-boundary pipe discharging as a point source rather than sheet flow. Applicants' revised plans are due April 30 for the May 7 hearing. The commission also continued the Forbes Pond milfoil hearing to May 7, issued a certificate of compliance for 88 Robinwood Avenue, and closed and issued an order of conditions for 27 Perry Drive.