Quincy Planning Board approves 1630 Hancock Street redevelopment after city secures Mechanic Street access

The Quincy Planning Board on Oct. 15 approved a Certificate of Consis­tency for the proposed redevelopment at 1620–1630 Hancock Street, contingent on 25 special and general conditions from city staff.

The board voted to approve the project after the City Solicitor, Attorney James Timmons, told members the city has executed a purchase-and-sale agreement to acquire a small parcel at 29 Mechanic Street. Timmons said the acquisition will allow the developer to access the site from Mechanic Street, eliminate a curb cut on Hancock Street and move the transformer and trash access behind the building. "I think that I've solved a major issue here," Attorney James Timmons said.

The Department of Planning and Development recommended approval under the Quincy Center Urban Revitalization District Plan and the Quincy zoning ordinance, subject to conditions that include compliance with the City of Quincy Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, evidence of public art and placemaking compliance before final occupancy, recorded easements for pedestrian and utility access, submission of stormwater permits, reconstruction of sidewalks on Hancock, Elm and Mechanic Streets, and requirements tied to an executed Land Disposition Agreement and Urban Redevelopment Covenant dated Oct. 15, 2025.

Why it matters: The city’s planned purchase of the Mechanic Street parcel was a central change that addressed board concerns about streetscape impacts, utility placement and trash handling on Hancock Street. The city’s retention of the Mechanic Street parcel with utility easements is intended to preserve future utility connections and avoid permanent vehicle access along the Hancock frontage.

Key points: The department’s list of 25 conditions covers affordable housing review (IZO application to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee), submission of a construction management plan, stormwater and sewer inspections, sidewalk and curb reconstruction to ADA standards, recording of operation and maintenance plans for stormwater at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, pre-demolition asbestos surveys and rodent-control and dust-control plans to the Health Department. The project remains subject to MEPA mitigation responsibilities because the city assumed redeveloper obligations under an earlier MEPA certificate (EEA No. 14780).

Public comment and labor request: Dan Cody, business agent for Boston Pifers Local 537 and a representative of the Quincy South Shore Building Trades Union, asked the developer and city to consider community hiring standards and offered to meet with the developer and the building trades to discuss local hiring. Attorney David Mahoney, representing the applicant, offered to speak with Mr. Cody after the hearing.

Board action and next steps: A motion to approve the certificate consistent with the department’s recommendation carried unanimously. The approval is conditioned on the items listed by staff; several items must be satisfied prior to building permits or final certificate of occupancy, and recorded easements and closing documents must be submitted to the planning director prior to final occupancy.