Devon at Weiss Farm Stoneham

Braintree developer John M. Corcoran & Co. broke ground on a 259-unit development in Stoneham, two years after the town lost an appeal over its right to reject projects under Massachusetts Chapter 40B affordable housing law and nearly a decade since the project was originally proposed.

The initial phase of The Devon at Weiss Farm will include 12 townhouses, a 64-unit apartment building and 5,000-square-foot clubhouse scheduled for completion in June 2025.

In March 2021, the Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee rejected Stoneham officials’ argument that the town had attained “safe harbor” status under Chapter 40B because at least 1.5 percent of its land area was occupied by projects defined as affordable.

The project at 170 Franklin St. sets aside 25 percent of units as income-restricted.

“Our great team is in place and with construction underway on this exciting project, we soon will be able to deliver much needed housing to a market in need of supply,” John Corcoran & Co. Executive Vice President Peter Mahoney said in a statement.

The Braintree developer originally filed plans for the project in 2015 with the Stoneham Board of Appeal.

Designed by Cambridge-based HDS Architecture, the complex will include such common area amenities as a pet spa, makerspace, co-working lounge, club room and rooftop lounge. Some units are equipped with private patios or balconies.