Former gas station goes self-storage with City Council approval

By Barbara Taormina

REVERE – The City Council held a public hearing this week on a request for a special permit from a Scottsdale, Ariz., based company, 1784 Holdings, to redevelop 195 American Legion Highway into a sleek, modern looking five-story self-storage facility. The site is the longtime home to a gas station and repair shop owned by the Conti family.

Atty. Larry Beals, who represented 1784 Holdings at the meeting, said his client has a reputation for building high-quality facilities intended to look like office buildings. “We believe this will be a substantial improvement,” Beals told the council. The five-story building will have a buffered green space and a decorative fence.

Beals explained that it will be a drive-through building that will allow people to load and unload belongings. “Compared to today’s use, there will be less traffic,” said Beals, adding that in addition to being quiet, the facility won’t demand much water or sewer service.

“We think this is a positive thing for a city that’s changing,” said Vin Conti. “We have all these apartments and condos. People need a place to put things away.”

Councillors, with the exception of Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino, reacted favorably to the proposal, noting that it isn’t a plan for residential housing.

“This has been a well-regarded gas station and repair shop for a long time, and they’ve done a great job attracting this developer,” said Councillor-at-Large Dan Rizzo. “I have no problem with this. We’re getting away from apartment buildings. Every time something goes down an apartment building goes up. This will be a nice addition and it will be on the commercial tax roll.”

Serino acknowledged the facility would be an improvement but still expressed some doubts. “I’m concerned all we seem to get is apartment buildings and storage facilities. I feel like we could attract more,” said Serino, who also said he feels the building would be too large.

But other councillors praised the building design, and Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro was particularly pleased that 1784 had agreed to clean up the entire area. Cogliandro also complimented the developer for their communication and openness.

“When I imagine what could go there, how many apartments, this looks more favorable every day. It’s everything positive that we want. We want commercial businesses. This is a good thing and it looks very nice,” said Ward 5 Councillor John Powers.

Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti asked about the relationship between the Contis and 1784. Beals again said the developer, who has built storage facilities across the country, was attracted to Revere because of the demographics, or the number of apartment dwellers.

“The Conti family has run a great business for many years. It’s a nice gas station and repair shop,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto. “The contrast is a winner. They will clean up an area that it’s time to clean up. It’s a perfect fit.”

The request for a special permit was referred to the City Council’s Zoning Subcommittee for review.