Planning Board approves 35‑unit affordable homeownership project at 245 Bryant Street

The Malden Planning Board voted June 25 to grant a special permit allowing Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC) to build a three‑story, 35‑unit inclusionary homeownership development at 245 Bryant Street, the former Agudas Hakim Israel congregation site.

The project, presented by ACDC real‑estate director Mugia Ndemir, proposes 35 affordable homeownership units (one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units, primarily two‑bedrooms), 36 on‑site parking spaces, indoor bike storage and new publicly accessible landscaping at the Bryant/Bridal/Grape Street corner. ACDC said it owns the site and will apply for funding only after obtaining the special permit and historic‑commission approvals. "We are happy to present today on our project at 245 Bryant Street," Ndemir said at the hearing.

Why it matters: the proposal uses Malden's inclusionary zoning rules and the Commonwealth Builder (MassHousing) homeownership program to produce 35 affordable ownership units with a strong city resident preference. That funding program sets an affordability term the developers and city described as effectively capped at 15 years under current state program rules — a point that prompted thorough questions from board members and neighbors at the hearing.

Design, preservation and public‑realm commitments ACDC's design team, led by Janice Mamayak of ICON Architecture, said the new building reflects massing and masonry cues from the existing temple facade and incorporates a front plaza with interpretive signage coordinated with the Malden Historical Commission. Mamayak said: "We use the articulation with the brick ... Bryant Street stands as a really proud, kind of civic facade with a central entrance." The applicant told the board it will archive appropriate artifacts from the existing congregation and continue monthly coordination with the Historical Commission on materials and final facade details.

Historic‑commission and demolition delay status The project was reviewed…