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Economic development subcommittee backs conveyance of five tax‑title parcels to Revere Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Summary
The Revere economic development subcommittee on April 7 recommended conveying five tax‑title parcels to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable homeownership or sale proceeds for the trust; the vote was unanimous.
The Revere economic development subcommittee on April 7 voted unanimously to recommend conveyance of five tax‑title parcels to the Revere Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Planning staff said the parcels were taken by the city for nonpayment of taxes over a decade ago and may be used either for on‑site affordable homeownership production or sold with proceeds deposited in the trust.
Tom Skorowski of the planning office told the committee the parcels each carry constraints. He said one parcel on Hitchbourne Street includes a utility easement that likely renders it unbuildable; the planning office recommended that parcel be marketed for sale to neighboring property owners, while other parcels might be developed after further site work, permitting and, where applicable, Conservation Commission or Zoning Board of Appeal actions.
Councilors discussed whether to use an RFP process or auction. Committee members agreed the RFP approach can pair a prospective developer with city review so closing is contingent on demonstrated developability; several members said the process also allows the city to require affordable homeownership in any proposed development. Councilor Novosalski asked that the Hitchbourne Street parcel be designated unbuildable in the record so prospective bidders understand limits; the committee agreed to proceed with conveyance while continuing due diligence and the RFP process.
Skorowski and committee members noted that when parcels prove undevelopable the city can sell to abutters and place proceeds into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Several parcels will require variances or conservation permits to proceed; North Shore Road rear and some Glendale/Bay Road lots may need Conservation Commission orders and ZBA special permits.
On a roll call the subcommittee voted yes to convey the following parcels to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund: State Highway parcel (parcel ID 1623081), North Shore Road rear (parcel ID 131192 U1-1), Hitchbourne Street Lot 401 (parcel ID 81182713), Glendale Street lots 137, 138 and 139 (parcel IDs 111188 A1-6 and 809A), and a parcel with ID 10187C-37 (as read into the record). The favorable recommendation will go to the full council for action.
