ZBA denies variances for 17-story mixed-use project on Northshore Road

By Barbara Taormina

The Revere Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on a request for variances that would allow 1290 Northshore Road LLC to build a 17-story mixed-used building with 358 residential units on Northshore Road. Attorney James Cipoletta explained the project to the board. According to Cipoletta, the request for a height variance is due to the underground garage and a planned ballroom with higher than usual ceilings. The height restriction is 160 feet or 16 stories.
Cipoletta said the project was also seeking variances for parking. There will be 82 on site parking spots, but Cipoletta stressed the development was adjacent to the MBTA station with parking and a parking garage nearby. Another variance was also requested for floor space. Cipoletta said the project is a difficult build because of the lot and space limitations.
Cipoletta also highlighted the fact that the developer was committing 10 percent of the units, or 36 apartments, as affordable housing. He said the plan calls for 103 two-bedroom units, 195 one bedrooms and 60 studio apartments.
Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky, councillor for the ward where the building would be built, said most of the concerns from residents were about the height. Novoselsky, who supports the project, said, “One additional story won’t make much difference. We can live with 17 stories.”
Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri, who also supports the project, focused on the affordable housing promise. “Affordable housing is much needed in the city,” he said.
“It will be 10 percent affordable, which we desperately need in this city,” said a Walnut Ave. resident who spoke in favor of the proposed development. “The site is just being used as a parking lot,” she added.
Another resident, Travis Alpert, reminded the board that Revere is behind on affordable housing units. Alpert said he was glad to hear that the affordable units would be dispersed throughout the building, rather than relegated to one corner. Alpert also said the city needs a function hall.
Ward 1 Councillor James Mercurio praised the building’s aesthetic appeal but said there was not enough parking. “They don’t have ample parking for this size building,” said Mercurio.
The developers planned to use the Wonderland Transit Overlay Development District, which is close to public transportation, to mitigate parking requirements. There would be no resident parking spaces for the building.
Resident Marjorie Richie was also concerned about parking. “I’m opposed to the volume of the building and the traffic it will cause,” she said.
The board voted to deny the requested variances.