Planning Board considers building boom

Hundreds of housing units proposed for Everett

  ‘The goal is to produce a critical mass of housing supply so that we can meet the ever growing [housing] demands in our city and in the Boston area.’—Planning Director Mathew Lattanzi

  Planning Board members on Tuesday considered development proposals that could result in hundreds of new housing units being built in Everett. The proposals include:

• Tearing down an existing residential structure and detached garage at 52 School St. and building a five-story 71,035-square-foot residential building. This structure would contain 55 residential units, 31 parking spaces and accessible open space The applicant is proposing that nine of the units be designated as affordable housing.
• A proposal for the redevelopment of a 71,357-square-foot structure at 128 Spring St. and new construction of a seven-story 327,550-square-foot multiuse building. The structure would contain 230 dwelling units, 222 parking spaces and 2,500 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. The applicant is proposing that 23 of these units be deemed affordable.

  Each plan would require site plan review and approval of a zoning special permit.

  Planning & Development Director Matt Lattanzi said Everett is in the forefront of Massachusetts communities responding to what he said is a housing crisis in the state.

  “The two larger proposals are in the commercial district,” said Lattanzi. “That zone was created to encourage high-density development. The goal is to produce a critical mass of housing supply so that we can meet the ever growing [housing] demands in our city and in the Boston area.”

  Raul Duverge of RISE Construction Management said the project at 52 School St. would be a plus for Everett. “We think this project would be a positive impact to the neighborhood,” said Duverge.

  But some questioned the size of the structure. “I doubt there’s enough space for [visitors] to come and park there,” said resident Darren Costa.

  Regarding the proposed structure at 128 Spring St., developer Craig Krupitzer of Solomon Cordwell Buenz said the members of his team want to work with the city and Planning Board to make the project work. Part of that effort, he said, would be to make changes to the project plan to fit into the area. “This creates a more pedestrian scale to the project,” said Krupitzer.

  But Planning Board member Leo Pizzano said he has his doubts. “It’s a very nice-looking building as opposed to what it was,” said Pizzano.

Additional building project on tap

  A proposal is also being considered for the redevelopment of a 70,649-square-foot site located at 380 Second St. The site is currently occupied by an industrial warehouse and parking lot. The plan calls for the demolition of the existing structure and the construction of a 21-story mixed-use building.

  The building, to be called “The Sofia,” would total 675,202 gross square feet and contain 643 housing units, 539 parking spaces and 8,335 square feet of ground-floor retail space and space open to the public. The applicant is proposing 65 of these units be designated as affordable.

  Developer Scott Brown said the development team brings the experience needed for the project, adding that as many as 2,000 workers will be hired to build the structure. “For a world-class building, you need a world-class team,” he said. “We applaud the city’s efforts to improve this area. We’re making a long-term commitment to the community.”

  James Gray, senior principal at Stantec Architecture, Inc., said the building will include parking for hundreds of bicycles in addition to the proposed 539 automobile parking spots.

  He said the project will be adjacent to train tracks in the area.

  “It’s a part of the city that’s more or less industrial,” he said. “I believe you were looking for something in this part of the city that is world-class architecture.”

  But Planning Board member Leo Pizzano questioned the scale of the project. “I don’t get the sense you are building any kind of community,” he said. “It doesn’t create the kind of community we’re looking for. I just think that area is super tight.”

Future proposals

  Next month, The Davis Companies will be making an informal presentation to the Planning Board for their proposed redevelopment of the 96.5-acre site formerly owned and operated by Exxon. The purpose of their presentation will be to hear feedback from the board’s members and members of the public prior to proceeding with the formal permitting process.

  Also, Planning Board members will hear a plan that would bring the redevelopment of a 10,196-square-foot site at 16-20 Liberty St. that is currently occupied by two residential structures and a garage. This plan calls for the demolition of the existing structures and construction of a four-story residential building. The proposed structure would total 10,300 gross square feet and contain 23 housing units and 13 parking spaces. The applicant is proposing that four of these units be designated as affordable.

  The next Planning Board meeting will take place at City Hall’s Speaker George Keverian Room on Aug. 1 starting at 6 p.m.