Proposed 5-story residential development on Shirley Ave. sent to zoning

Advocate Staff Report

The Revere City Council held a brief public hearing on Revere-based Trichilo Development’s request for a special permit to raze the existing nonconforming structure at 114 Shirley Ave. to construct a five-story building with 48 residential units and two commercial units on the ground floor. The applicant submitted a revised building plan that incorporated all recommendations from the Site Plan Review Committee and other departments.

Brian Harkins, who serves on the city’s Public Art Commission, spoke in favor of the developer and the plan. Harkins said the community met with Trichilo Development and all were convinced the company wants to build something that would be integrated into the neighborhood rather than a building that simply generates rent. Harkins also said the project would help the Shirley Ave. neighborhood become recognized as an arts district and would help Revere with an arts and cultural designation.

Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky said the project was in character and similar to other developments taking place on Shirley Ave. Novoselsky said there was a community meeting about the project and there was no significant opposition, only the concern of one neighbor who felt the light to his home would be blocked by the new building.

“Let’s see what happens at the Zoning Subcommittee Meeting when we open this up a little more,” said Novoselsky.

Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas said his only concern is that there are no affordable units or units reserved for seniors as part of the plan. “I would love to see something affordable – just a couple of units,” said Haas.

The project was referred to the City Council’s Zoning Subcommittee for additional review.