[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6085086,"mediaKeyId","2904854-a5fef376283dbb0b8b7b32bf554c9bde","parentId",2904854,"title","Planning Board continues Simon Property Group item for 250 Granite Street to May 13","audioSeconds",48,"startMs",1200000,"endMs",1248000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904854-a5fef376283dbb0b8b7b32bf554c9bde&start=1200&end=1248","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904854-a5fef376283dbb0b8b7b32bf554c9bde/thumbnail_1200000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6085086/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-continues-Simon-Property-Group-item-for-250-Granite-Street-to-May-13","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085086-5904adbd9ebf7bb1edd29365d48fa91e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=SciYNe1YjHgYj2OK7Am2eqrpS7PZ6p5TuQXK9PrMsGTMdl772kpJ-ti45K4EE~5ntifzw~bRDtN0pNLXgETgtvSSNQYJ-NDNxVRdO2vckSsZnLLHfBgsWlqR-oGG8EcQlWwZB8QKkd5m1BR~-25jRtrLYYwD2qaSIXucH5agakN7YTDbhLlFcun9gbCJPMybgStvmZOWZH94aCuNTG~-g5aY1OPyqvrplV9UgAY1vJyLay9VINzpI3dW50IvkIjJth~ZNBxvc96zyEI2gEhCUscvUvYovcIek2zHu0xodvaiRdHZRGkqhCCyJn1tYeEAkyBPtR3OtKGdXDk7PX-8Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Braintree, MA","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","The Braintree Planning Board continued the public‑hearing item for 250 Granite Street to the board’s May 13, 2025 agenda after the applicant requested more time to complete outstanding peer review work.

At 7:15 p.m. the board announced it had received a request to continue the hearing for the special permit associated with Planning Board file 02/2002; a motion to continue was made by Member McCamey, seconded by Member Connolly, and the board voted “aye” to place the item on the May 13 agenda. The chair noted the continuance was requested because peer review remains outstanding and directed interested parties to the May 13 meeting for further testimony or action.

The continuance was taken during the scheduled public‑hearing portion of the April 8 meeting; no substantive testimony was taken before the motion to continue. The planning department noted the applicant had filed the formal request to continue and that the item would not be called until the May 13 public‑hearing time on that agenda.

Votes at a glance: Motion to continue the public hearing on 250 Granite Street (Planning Board file 02/2002) to May 13, 2025 — Mover: Member McCamey; Second: Member Connolly; Outcome: continued (voice vote).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Braintree Planning Board Meeting 4/8/25 ","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Board granted a continuance for the special permit/public hearing on 250 Granite Street at the request of the applicant; the item was rescheduled to May 13, 2025.","taxTitle","Town of Braintree , Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",57175,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6085091,"Planning Board approves 55+ Hawthorne Preserve at Hawthorne Road and Elm Street with conditions and affordable‑housing requirement",680,2398000,3078000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904854-a5fef376283dbb0b8b7b32bf554c9bde&start=2398&end=3078","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904854-a5fef376283dbb0b8b7b32bf554c9bde/thumbnail_2398000.jpg","/articles/6085091/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-approves-55-Hawthorne-Preserve-at-Hawthorne-Road-and-Elm-Street-with-conditions-and-affordablehousing-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085091-6085867e0e4f2d2434e7b4ee24c1a30c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=Wfh~iO2FkozD1VSEXBvfd-KUlj-N1PceS9e5ywp52xxyfHNq09N6~-O3xfPp64vEHpbEusCj~4xrI1XOZFOv49n21E1ruPLsWS-tBtV-a0YZ6ygMqLXpycM5wM2VyAoHIEgI5~6wVlkKr-7dPsCPwfM4IYTNzyw3kcpEjJ0C1QidMQ6LBxUJEeiOVpsSwn9XhopL~v6hJyY6rmrhBr6z8efNVZ1jUtCsIbSiG6U1VtDkAa1GHDIJuKNRHymvrCseBZ27uAs9eXyk-u8mJsdATXU9fBzynTfCfw2fwvZ1JXC5J2QUJAyZImXCN7n8qi1UYfmK~s50n~Cls95qkxKC1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Braintree Planning Board approved site plan review and a special permit for a 55‑and‑older condominium development (Hawthorne Preserve) at 7 Hawthorne Road and 338 Elm Street on April 8, 2025, imposing conditions that include additional soil testing, tree mitigation requirements, traffic restrictions and confirmation of fire apparatus circulation prior to construction.

The motion to approve the application was made by Member Connolly, seconded by Member Kane, and carried on a voice vote with the five voting members present saying “aye.” Assistant Director Murphy and the board read draft findings and conditions into the record; the board specified that the applicant must satisfy peer‑review comments and provide additional test pits in lower site locations before substantial site work begins.

Applicant representatives led by attorney Mike Modestino and developer George Clements described the project as an over‑55 residential community the town needs. Eric Diaz, the town’s peer‑review engineer from Strunk Point Engineering, recommended the board accept the applicant’s submitted “plan B” for stormwater infiltration but advised that additional test pits be performed once equipment is mobilized so that the design can be confirmed up front. Diaz said the plan B would allow the project to function while avoiding disturbance of sensitive wetland areas until necessary test pits are completed.

Assistant Director Murphy reviewed the draft decision’s findings under the site plan review criteria and listed operational conditions: a construction phasing plan, truck‑route restrictions (from the Braintree Split, down Washington to Church, left onto Elm and access via Old Elm Street), monthly pest reports, dust control with multiple water trucks during dry months, stamped circulation and grading plans for fire apparatus review, and tree protection and mitigation under the town’s tree ordinance. The decision requires the applicant to provide snow‑storage plans, record proposed homeowner association governance and incorporate an operations and maintenance plan for stormwater systems into the master deed.

Staff and peer reviewers quantified tree removals: GreenTech reported removal of 297 trees in total, including 238 trees outside the wetlands and 59 trees within the wetland boundary; some were described as dead or compromised. The planning department required the applicant to work with the tree committee to establish replacement or fee‑in‑lieu arrangements and encouraged additional on‑site screening to reduce off‑site mitigation fees.

Traffic review concluded the development generates relatively low new trip rates (traffic memo cited roughly 18 new morning peak trips and 22 new evening peak trips) and does not exceed Article 14 thresholds; nevertheless staff added low‑impact mitigation including a no‑left‑turn sign at the Old Elm approach during peak hours and a no‑u‑turn sign at the Hawthorne approach, along with other monitoring. Parking was set at 118 spaces for 51 units (two spaces per unit plus guest parking). The board and staff emphasized construction measures to limit neighborhood disruption, and staff proposed a truck route to avoid cut‑throughs.

On affordable‑housing mitigation, developer George Clements told the board he agreed with the mayor’s office to provide two off‑site affordable housing units prior to issuance of the last certificate of occupancy; staff asked that condition be added to the decision specifying two two‑bedroom units restricted at 80% of area median income (AMI) and a requirement to show proof to the planning department. Councilor Joe Reynolds spoke in support, noting the project’s extensive engagement with neighbors and the town.

Concerns discussed on the record included fire apparatus circulation along the proposed internal drive, grading and retaining wall heights, and stormwater infiltration uncertainties. The board required submission of stamped and signed circulation proofs for the largest fire apparatus and reserved the right to require plan revisions if professional review found them necessary. The decision also conditions that if revised grading requires professional review, the applicant must deposit funds for that review.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve site plan review and special permit for Hawthorne Preserve (7 Hawthorne Road / 338 Elm Street) — Mover: Member Connolly; Second: Member Kane; Outcome: approved (voice vote; five voting members present all in favor).","The Planning Board approved a 51‑unit 55+ condominium development on Hawthorne Road and Elm Street, subject to peer‑reviewed stormwater testing, tree mitigation, traffic controls and a condition requiring two off‑site affordable units at 80% AMI prior to final occupancy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6085099,"Planning Board OKs Modified Plan for 125 Union Street; Shake Shack among prospective tenants",1075,1270000,2345000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904854-a5fef376283dbb0b8b7b32bf554c9bde&start=1270&end=2345","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904854-a5fef376283dbb0b8b7b32bf554c9bde/thumbnail_1270000.jpg","/articles/6085099/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-OKs-Modified-Plan-for-125-Union-Street-Shake-Shack-among-prospective-tenants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085099-2753a21129db6fab0abf49b525a79445/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440264&Signature=Ngrf9g1ZeiAXIE30F1TX2wM0Ny~cWXSfxOyK1ibT6L-GYHqGxFXAVZfz-0haFvDoaEdVhlVdkYQB0vdx3J5hbUuDZpjIqai2~vMBaPVfL97IpQCvJn~EmA6yfGmFjy6b9wrA7fylw1CMv4gL0tVyze7QUFbyX3nD2B8UPoISG91U5o4GZjLfXpPBBtYIZd7tkWyhMorUddrENiscNS-LS96Xfhry0CFr1CApSSK63a5nh0rWbwtuVkYJ7qCzN0jl80zwo7CZRAbS68MOiPqJdjxwHWOUdTOWKOI6JxmUEPXrpj5u18xcyLb5JBxcnjqf0n6Ldk5Wjwe2VA8SSd2-Rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Braintree Planning Board voted to approve a major modification to the special permit and site plan review for 125 Union Street on April 8, 2025, allowing Torrington Properties to build a revised retail center that replaces a previously proposed Chick-fil-A with other tenants including Shake Shack and Brookline Bank.

The board’s decision follows staff and peer-review reports showing the revised plan reduces projected traffic compared with the prior approval. The vote to approve the modification was made by Member Kent, seconded by Member Connolly, and carried on a voice vote with the five voting members present all saying “aye.”

Torrington’s attorney, Frank Marinelli, told the board the developer has invested roughly $9,800,000 in acquisition and site work and presented a two‑building layout with a smaller 4,251‑square‑foot building at the east end and a larger approximately 10,180‑square‑foot building at the other end. Marinelli said letters of intent have been submitted for the larger building’s end pads, including one from Shake Shack and another use‑by‑right tenant for the western end, Brookline Bank; materials identify a second letter of intent as “CABA.”

Assistant Director Murphy summarized staff’s recommended draft decision and conditions, saying many changes reflect the new development program and lowered traffic. Murphy read condition 45(b), which requires the applicant to coordinate with the Braintree Police Department and town staff 90 days before any request for temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy to develop a grand‑opening traffic and parking management plan. The condition allows the police department to require police details and, if traffic from authorized activity creates a public nuisance, to require measures such as reduced hours or limited drive‑through offerings. Staff recommended removing prior language that referred to closure, while preserving other mitigation developed for the earlier Chick‑fil‑A approval.

Board members and the applicant discussed traffic, access and pedestrian improvements. Jeff Dirk, the applicant’s traffic engineer, and project manager Sean Donahue answered technical questions about trip counts and turning radii. Staff and the applicant said peer reviews of traffic and civil engineering had returned favorable results. Member McCamey and others said they appreciated retaining robust mitigation despite an estimated 44% reduction in vehicle trips compared with the prior plan. The applicant also agreed to install sidewalks along Ivory Street to improve pedestrian access from the MBTA stop.

The public hearing on the modification drew no public commenters in the chamber. The board entered correspondence into the record and closed the hearing before voting to approve the draft decision and conditions as discussed on the record.

Members asked and received construction scheduling and phasing information from the applicant; Sean Donahue estimated site development and building core-and-shell work could be completed by mid‑November with tenants fitting out afterward. The applicant said construction would be coordinated to avoid on‑road stacking of construction vehicles.

The approved decision retains extensive traffic mitigation originally drafted for the Chick‑fil‑A proposal but substitutes language focused on drive‑through limits and management rather than closure. The decision and conditions will be incorporated into the record; the applicant must satisfy remaining peer‑review comments and coordinate final plans with staff before construction permits are issued.

Planning action on a separate nearby application (a Simon Property Group item at 250 Granite Street) was continued to May 13, 2025.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve major modification and site plan review for 125 Union Street — Mover: Member Kent; Second: Member Connolly; Outcome: approved (voice vote; five voting members present all in favor).","The Braintree Planning Board approved a major modification to the special permit for 125 Union Street, a redeveloped retail center by Torrington Properties, after staff and peer reviews found traffic and engineering conditions acceptable.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Board continues Simon Property Group item for 250 Granite Street to May 13

Planning Board approves 55+ Hawthorne Preserve at Hawthorne Road and Elm Street with conditions and affordable‑housing requirement

Planning Board OKs Modified Plan for 125 Union Street; Shake Shack among prospective tenants