Developers of a proposed 150-unit affordable housing complex – a source of controversy since it was announced 14 months ago – agreed to extend a deadline that would have closed additional public comment on the issue.

Waltham-based developer Dakota Partners initially unveiled plans for a 174-unit affordable housing complex at the intersection of Red Brook Road and Cranberry Highway in June 2017. Since then, Selectmen, Onset Fire District officials, residents and others decried the move, saying the increased population would tax the town’s schools, police, sewer capacity and water infrastructure.

Members of the Onset Board of Water Commissioners threatened legal action and Selectmen formally called on the developers to restart application process in November 2017. Selectmen accused them of failing to notify the board of major changes to the project, which is required by state law. Ultimately, the project is still moving through the application process.

Dubbed Woodland Cove, the development will include apartments that are designated as affordable. Rents for those apartments must not exceed state guidelines based upon a renter's income. Under Chapter 40B, zoning regulations are curtailed for developers in towns where less than 10 percent of homes or apartments are considered affordable. In Wareham, 7.7 percent of residences are deemed affordable. If the project were built it would increase the amount of affordable housing in town by 2 percentage points, just shy of the 10 percent threshold.

Because Woodland Cove is proposed under 40B, officials had little recourse to deny it a permit. However, the board is allowed to impose some conditions on the developer and have worked to do so over the past few months during a series of public hearings.

On Wednesday, board members and the developer agreed to extend an Aug. 27 deadline. On that day, the public hearing for the project was scheduled to end. The board still has 45 days after the hearing closes to debate the project before taking a vote. With the public hearing closed, comments from other town boards and residents, would not be allowed.

Selectman Alan Slavin, speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, said that would be unacceptable in light of new plans being submitted the previous day.

“We got the paperwork on this yesterday,” said Slavin. “No one on any board has had a chance to read it or respond back. At this point, I request a delay.”

Paul Haverty, a consultant hired by Zoning Board of Appeals to navigate the complex application process, agreed.

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable with the board closing this hearing,” said Haverty.

Before the discussion, board members and developers heard from sewer department and Onset Water Department officials. Water Pollution Control Facility Director Guy Campinha and Onset Board of Water Commissioners Chair Ben Hughes said infrastructure at both facilities had capacity to handle the project.

Board members also learned that recommended changes to landscaping, parking and recreational facilities would all be followed.

Due to the changes, Attorney Peter Freeman, representing Dakota Partners, pushed board members to close the hearing on Wednesday. He noted the developer hoped to take advantage of tax credits for affordable housing before deadlines to do so passed.

“We’re hoping, in fact, everything has been submitted and that the hearing could be closed tonight,” said Freeman.

Instead, board members continued the hearing to review additional comments following the submittal of the new plans.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet again to discuss the plans on Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Service Center, located at 48 Marion Road. The hearing was extended to Sept. 19.