[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6561443,"mediaKeyId","3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b","parentId",3290631,"title","Planning board approves ZOM Living’s 325-unit South Shore Plaza apartments with conditions","audioSeconds",3375,"startMs",1592000,"endMs",4967000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b&start=1592&end=4967","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b/thumbnail_1592000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561443/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-board-approves-ZOM-Livings-325-unit-South-Shore-Plaza-apartments-with-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561443-862b9cdf20f42dee5c6c0f9ca48fb757/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164285&Signature=bRbpHJSQC6tcCzSPQn0nkCH6HyNKY3tCIG778oMzwc8rL3uaggsDoROm7s8iZTyzE6Lt~V9oqDdVipVrF51sHudjU3n2kx-FtJsXQNsGIN64ly~ZJZOtMG5zjo3TgFy~h~rebWUu28LdJ2mAE8i23meWbbv6bOYJ7QY59noWJPrXGJkZRXEQwCc4a2FDcZ04bJeYwGIim-tnUdpLt43AhodOF5TmApxsIfTM3ARuciW5Y9z83wZxXovRhRiyJgudnf6ZUQsNx3MfT2EWTI2aN13KZ1hwnmAOTAb2wMcGIq1yzYGp3mMf1zCXLYLAlW0W0nWyxCZANc-Aq93-HhdVcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Braintree","date","2025-05-13T01:58:00Z","article","The Braintree Planning Board voted 5-0 on May 13 to approve ZOM Living’s special-permit application to build 325 apartments at South Shore Plaza, a $140 million development the applicant says will include extensive open space, landscaping and on-site amenities.

The approval followed hours of presentation, peer review and public comment and includes more than 60 draft conditions covering construction logistics, tree protection, traffic monitoring and payments to town services. Frank Marinelli, representing ZOM Living, told the board the project would deliver “325 beautifully designed apartment homes with substantial open space” and that the development would “create over $500,000 in new net real estate tax revenue each year.”

Town staff and independent peer reviewers recommended approval with conditions, citing compliance with the multi-use planned unit development (MUPUD) concept plan the Town Council approved in November 2024. Assistant Director Connor Murphy summarized department and peer-review findings for the board, noting traffic, stormwater, sewer and public-safety mitigation measures that were negotiated since the March hearing.

Key details and conditions

- Size and layout: One four-story building with 325 one- and two-bedroom units; the applicant says the plan provides about 47% open space and 52.1% lot coverage where 70% is permitted. The applicant said there are no three-bedroom units in this project.
- Landscaping and buffers: ZOM agreed to plant arborvitae and augment screening between the residential building and the Flaherty School; the applicant filed a tree protection plan that shows removal of 303 trees and planting of 396 new trees (a net gain of 93). The applicant said it will construct a dense, 10-foot-high vegetated berm on the easterly boundary early in construction to accelerate screening growth.
- Traffic and monitoring: Peer reviewer MDM recommended a traffic monitoring and mitigation program, an expanded road safety-audit program at nearby intersections and the addition of safety cameras. ZOM agreed to audits and monitoring; the planning department included audit and monitoring requirements in the draft conditions.
- Public-safety and infrastructure mitigation: The applicant agreed to fund equipment and improvements recommended by the police and fire chiefs, including funding for a mobile command relay, EV fire-suppression blankets and license-plate-reader cameras. The draft conditions also require the applicant to contribute roughly $290,000 toward pump and grinder upgrades at the Common Street sewer pump station and to follow DPW requirements for water delivery if on-site improvements are needed.
- Affordable housing and school mitigation: Conditions reflect the town’s affordable-housing requirement and a school mitigation contribution of $204,920 that staff and the peer reviewer calculated.
- Shuttle and transit: The decision’s draft conditions require ZOM to operate a private shuttle and to perform an annual tenant survey; the shuttle may be discontinued if surveys show low ridership after an initial stabilization period.

Public comment and board questions

The public hearing drew dozens of speakers. Some neighbors raised concerns about traffic, construction fencing and potential impacts on Flaherty Elementary School and the dam/Old Quincy Reservoir. Jennifer Wadlins and Liz Page, speaking for nearby residents, requested a larger vegetated buffer, stricter controls on access between the development and Lakeside Drive, additional construction-phase rodent controls and clarification of rooftop uses. Justine Huang and other neighbors said they were worried about safety and circulation near the school pickup area.

Other residents and business groups urged approval, citing the town’s fiscal needs and the potential to revitalize the plaza. Logan Brown, a Braintree resident, said the town must grow its tax base to maintain services; others noted the project’s projected net tax revenue and upfront permit fees.

Board action

After closing public comment, the board voted to approve the project and the draft conditions. The motion for a positive endorsement of Planning Board File 25-02 was made by Member McCamey, seconded by Member Connolly and passed 5-0.

Related Simon Property request

Earlier in the meeting the board approved a related minor modification requested by Simon Property Group (Planning Board File 803) to remove 7 acres from the South Shore Plaza parcel, with the vote conditioned on execution and board review of an easement agreement addressing shared access, landscaping maintenance and coordination on post-construction traffic monitoring and mitigation. Tim Fox of Simon told the board an easement agreement was being negotiated and that Simon is willing to cooperate on reasonable mitigation such as lighting, walkway improvements and traffic-calming as needed. The motion to approve the minor modification, subject to the easement agreement and consistency with the ZOM decision, was moved by Member Kent, seconded by Member Mikami and approved by voice vote.

What happens next

The project will enter the construction-permitting phase after the final decision is filed and required agreements are recorded. Conditions include a pre-construction coordination meeting with town departments and detailed construction management measures; the planning staff also recommended a community meeting once the construction logistics plan is finalized so neighbors can review timing, fencing and circulation plans.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke at the May 13 meeting and are listed in the article’s speaker section. The planning board’s written decision will list the final conditions and any required recorded easements.

Ending note

Board members and town staff said they would monitor compliance with the decision’s conditions throughout construction and after occupancy to ensure mitigation measures—traffic audits, landscaping, and public-safety equipment—are implemented as agreed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Braintree Planning Board Meeting 5/13/25 LIVE @ 7pm","oneSentenceSummary","The Braintree Planning Board voted 5-0 on May 13 to approve ZOM Living’s special-permit application to build 325 apartments at South Shore Plaza, a $140 million development the applicant says will include extensive open space, landscaping and on-site amenities.","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},6561429,"Planning board recommends council adopt updated floodplain protections to match FEMA/DCR maps",221,11454000,11675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b&start=11454&end=11675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b/thumbnail_11454000.jpg","/articles/6561429/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-board-recommends-council-adopt-updated-floodplain-protections-to-match-FEMADCR-maps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561429-46d7ec9bfb8c4d68ea527ae5e73c16c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164285&Signature=YP--emT-iSf0i3gG5gMVnp9rYmZQ2dsZHT6oQ9XAA4x5gIPTErAyU36hd6Hf-dD7Nj-dXkJ7rsPGthW8F8UzSKDd6-BhdWwkuNF-4kAnanDyA6SRKxqaGIE0-9bIczzNWJJSfki36bect80ZdJ0uHzIeE~eF24VdJlFlIv13GbAYwd3XkKTWVG2ROvWwFjCJ9NfOaQLLj8jLMD1~0xl3U5cDGZBTdQ6cS5GWY0~diW5S9FoxCWob7-O1LuJd04ayzEMeJC8DZ5QFEKWqdPZrY9pHJi7hvGLZY4iFO~aJkdc8b32persEZHG64IarJOsVb5h2eumYtOlY-Ec7cu4WMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Board voted 5-0 on May 13 to give a favorable recommendation to a proposed zoning-text amendment that updates the Braintree Floodplain Protection District to align with current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapping and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) guidance.

Assistant Director Connor Murphy explained the amendment updates FEMA map references and makes small changes to building-permit language in the zoning bylaw so the local floodplain provisions comply with current state and federal standards. Murphy told the board this is the third correction in a multi-step process and that staff had incorporated DCR edits provided by email on April 17.

Board action

After a brief staff presentation and no public objection, Member Kent moved the board recommend the Town Council adopt the proposed text as modified per the DCR email; Member Conley seconded and the board voted 5-0.

Next steps

The planning board’s favorable recommendation will be transmitted to the Town Council, which must take final action to amend the zoning bylaw. Staff noted the amendments are time-sensitive to keep the town’s floodplain regulations consistent with new regional mapping documents and DCR requirements.","The board voted to recommend the Town Council approve zoning text amendments to the Floodplain Protection District so local bylaws match recent DCR/FEMA mapping and state building-code language; staff recommended minor edits requested by DCR.",{"_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},6561434,"Planning board approves Pearl Plaza modification to replace Burger King with Chipotle; parking easement granted",1003,10425000,11428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b&start=10425&end=11428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b/thumbnail_10425000.jpg","/articles/6561434/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-board-approves-Pearl-Plaza-modification-to-replace-Burger-King-with-Chipotle-parking-easement-granted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561434-6e4b79f8f40f87b9743baba04c3832b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164285&Signature=oS2tx2TdrWpmCPf0fCtFpuMrZtFJ1jt9WS8GO3hejA9xODqi0ZTRfqB1B1Pv51nLbo-BcPZJo7q4Dch4Of9-iwH-6N3AzpzF~wl~bXmFLqiqVY6darw0zOCEJS2Brg9bGvkghUNePSn1ckCS1d8ptynZ2qlpCwtvB-rMcygBuvZKu6Q-VqXoRF2ScuEqvkV574i~QwOuTtu90lV0SMPgS1T-8rFFnZHj2G7VqFZREXBvYn1i6W9lOOvHAalPmlC4VGQuPw6ZiQssw3M4Z44PzbxurJX2fkL4LJIFg108jvlLSOucmfVWgXXXWvE~jhx3FXlSmrJIB4oAlhL9Ap~lTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Board voted 5-0 on May 13 to approve a major modification (Planning Board File 9323) for Pearl Plaza Realty Trust to replace an existing Burger King building with a new, smaller Chipotle pad and to recharacterize an adjacent retail building to reflect fast-food tenants. The board also granted a minor modification to use eight parking spaces from an adjacent Pearl Plaza parcel to meet the site’s parking requirement.

Attorney Frank Marinelli presented the proposal on behalf of Pearl Plaza Realty Trust and said the new Chipotle pad will be approximately 2,400 square feet (smaller than the previous 3,082-square-foot Burger King). Marinelli told the board the proposal will remove a vacant building, replace it with an occupied pad and is supported by the owner and operator.

Parking and process

Staff explained the retail building’s change in use increased the parking demand; the applicant proposed to serve the requirement by granting an easement to reassign eight spaces from the adjacent parcel. Planning staff recommended approval of both the major modification (site-plan review because the building is being replaced) and the minor modification for shared parking easement; the board approved both motions.

Public comments and design

Resident Susan Schallman urged attention to building materials and design so new construction fits the character of the plaza and nearby square. No procedural objections were raised by abutters at the hearing.

Board action

Member Kane moved to approve the major modification (Planning Board File 93-23); Member Connolly seconded and the motion passed 5-0. The subsequent minor modification motion (to allow the parking easement/change) was moved by Member Connolly, seconded by Member Kent and also passed 5-0.

Next steps

The applicant will record any required easements and submit final site plans and building-permit applications to the town. Planning staff will ensure parking easements and recorded documents are filed before lot conveyance or occupancy.","The board approved a major modification to permit a new 2,400-square-foot Chipotle pad at Pearl Plaza (replacing a Burger King) and granted a related minor modification to reassign eight parking spaces from an adjacent parcel for zoning compliance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561439,"Planning board approves second-floor restaurant and commercial uses at 884 Washington Street",986,5364000,6350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b&start=5364&end=6350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290631-edabf1c4554a4e9c83d1fe0f227a377b/thumbnail_5364000.jpg","/articles/6561439/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-board-approves-second-floor-restaurant-and-commercial-uses-at-884-Washington-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561439-5d6787b3afbc75f2d5f5514206851c91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164285&Signature=llfMrEZL2LgHAleN9PrOxml3XZc-MILh8BpEl~p-0EhxWjpkH0W~l~cXjqClureIDHBOk5jE1j8UxCNkxyX46vKOPQACUk2B55skYKwgFDp1Oj86hZNuaNolMAspXPF4AxaWBhr8KqtRarT714CH1PuNPX24NL7ybXwVbBHnVmpNDuZjUcX5xdjZPqFvJJXCwdni0TkcTsrNA2i1IrA6ZdTiGJb0c7~YNndsr-nQkhLBwvTyKQm6bdJmv1KoNJspkYW~ed1fw4fyC8Tr1TOt3RZwBcfXkSgB9UN4xDus8n8Yz3HDeGx1TlRmvrJjnNk~RTZU-7BZJXmdj-lvnRziRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Braintree Planning Board voted 5-0 on May 13 to approve a special-permit and site-plan application for 884 Washington Street that will add a 5,875-square-foot second-story addition and a 550-square-foot covered deck for restaurant, retail and commercial recreation uses.

Attorney Derek Small and architect Eric Luciano presented the project, describing a design that places primary building entries on the parking-lot side and activates the Washington Street frontage with windows and an upstairs restaurant. Civil engineer Jim Burke said the plan upgrades utilities, adds landscaping and replaces an aging parking surface, and he said new stormwater recharge features will reduce runoff compared with the current condition.

Why the board acted

Assistant Director Connor Murphy noted staff had reviewed the submission and prepared draft findings and conditions. The project required two special permits — one for development within the Village Overlay District and a second for a commercial-recreation tenant (the Pilates studio proposed for the second-floor rear) — and site-plan review. The zoning board of appeals previously granted relief for a parking deficiency; staff said parking and signage arrangements were negotiated with nearby property owners for off-hour overflow.

Neighbors and design comments

Resident Susan Schallman, speaking from the public, told the board she liked the design but urged integration with the character of South Braintree Square and suggested materials that better reference the square’s existing buildings. A resident also raised a licensing question about alcohol and proximity to a house of worship; staff noted an existing license history for the site and said any liquor-license transfer or new application will follow the Board of License Commissioners’ process.

Board action and conditions

Member Kent moved to accept the application; Member Connolly seconded and the motion passed 5-0. Conditions include site-plan details for landscaping, lighting, stormwater, a condition requiring coordination with DPW for utility work, and a requirement that the applicant finalize wayfinding and signage plans showing pedestrian routes and pickup-window circulation.

Additional context

The applicant said the restaurant operator is pursuing tenants with regional-market experience and that the second floor will host a restaurant fronting Washington Street; the owner said the developer expects roughly 30–45 indoor seats depending on final tenant layout and that on-site parking (27 spaces serving the proposed Chipotle-style model) plus negotiated off-site spaces will meet demand.

Next steps

The planning board’s approval clears the way for building permits; staff will monitor construction logistics and require final sign and wayfinding plans prior to issuing a building permit.","The board granted site-plan review and required special permits for a second-floor restaurant, retail and a commercial-recreation tenant (Pilates) at 884 Washington Street in South Braintree Square; the zoning board previously granted parking relief.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning board approves ZOM Living’s 325-unit South Shore Plaza apartments with conditions

Planning board recommends council adopt updated floodplain protections to match FEMA/DCR maps

Planning board approves Pearl Plaza modification to replace Burger King with Chipotle; parking easement granted

Planning board approves second-floor restaurant and commercial uses at 884 Washington Street