Revere City Council Roundup

Advocate Staff Report

At their meeting this week, the City Council held four public hearings for special permits for proposed development projects.

Mario Zepaj is requesting a special permit to construct two townhouse dwellings at 661 Washington Avenue. Townhouses may be allowed in the RB District by special permit.

Andrea Garcia is requesting a special permit to modify an existing non-conforming structure and use from a tow company to a restaurant at 855 Broadway.

Flor Gomez is requesting a special permit to modify a nonconforming structure by converting a retail flower shop into a restaurant at 619 Broadway.

H&J Realty, LLC is requesting a special permit to reconstruct, alter, and extend a preexisting non-conforming residential structure into a four-story residential apartment structure consisting of nine units at 95 Stanton Avenue.

Councillors had concerns about small lot sizes and density. All four requests were referred to the council’s zoning subcommittee for further review.

Council approves bond authorizations

The council approved two bond authorizations this week. The first was for $1,250,000 for Mass DEP CWSRF Planning Project #19200. The second was for a bond authorization in the amount of $500,000 for Mass DEP CWSRF Planning Project #19201. Both projects will keep Revere in compliance with the consent decree.

Council rejects required notices on Community Meetings

Councillor-At-Large Michelle Kelley returned to her proposal to require councillors to inform one another when community meetings are scheduled. When Kelley first presented her motion several weeks ago, councillors were critical. They suggested this motion was a way to watch ward councillors and they added there was no way to enforce the motion. But Kelley stressed that the motion was meant to ensure transparency among councillors, promote equal access to information for both Ward and At-Large Councillors and keep the council fully informed. Councillors unanimously voted against the motion.

Congratulations to all

The council approved the appointments of Lily Martinez to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Matthew Wolfer to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, Anthony Parziale to the Conservation Commission and the reappointment of Laila Pietri to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board.

Free Parking for Seniors

Ward 5 Councillor Guarino-Sawaya presented a motion that the Parking Department and Traffic Commission conduct a feasibility study on offering free 2-hour parking at metered spots for Revere residents 65 years of age or older, who have a valid driver’s license, and vehicle registered in their name.

Guarino-Sawaya said the city could offer free parking during the monthly party at the senior center. Councillors supported the idea and it was referred to the council’s Ways and Means subcommittee.

“This would be a great thing for seniors,” said Ward 1 Councillor James Mercurio. “I hope we can push this through.”