Planning board approves certificate of consistency for 1620–1630 Hancock; city to acquire Mechanic Street parcel to remove Hancock curb cut

The Quincy Planning Board on Oct. 15 approved a certificate of consistency for a redevelopment project at 1620 and 1630 Hancock Street (planning board case 2025COCO1), with the approval tied to a list of special and general conditions the planning department read into the record.

The board’s action follows a presentation from the applicant’s attorney and an outline from City Solicitor James Timmons of a city agreement to acquire a small lot on Mechanic Street so the project can relocate a trash/delivery area and a transformer pad off Hancock Street and eliminate a curb cut there.

Timmons told the board the city negotiated to buy “the property tucked right in here” behind the proposed project and that the acquisition will allow the city to grant easements. “By acquiring the lot behind the project… the transformer pad is gonna be moved behind the building and then in addition, there’s a drive aisle that’s 14 feet wide…