Planning staff signs Overlook Ridge subdivision plan; MassDOT to fund signalized access

The Revere Planning Board recorded that city planning staff signed an approval-not-required subdivision plan for Overlook Ridge, with a MassDOT-funded traffic signal and new driveway planned to replace an existing access behind the fire station.

Megan, a city staff member, signed the plan on the board’s behalf, and board members were told that MassDOT will pay for the signalized connection to Salem Street once the cities of Revere and Malden accept ownership of the right-of-way. Under the agreement staff described, the Overlook Ridge developers will be responsible for maintenance of lighting, landscaping and plowing on the new thoroughfare.

Details discussed at the meeting said the existing driveway behind the fire station will be eliminated and the new main access drive will be in front of the fire station. The plan also includes two means of access to the site — onto Salem Street and northbound onto Route 1 — so drivers heading north will not need to return to Salem Street to exit the site.

Why it matters: MassDOT’s funding of the signal and the developer maintenance commitments affect local traffic patterns and municipal maintenance responsibilities. Planning staff said the arrangement avoids dividing winter maintenance between Revere and Malden.

Next steps: MassDOT will not construct the signalized access until Revere and Malden take ownership of the right of way. The planning board’s record of the signed plan was entered at the meeting; no additional board vote was reported for this item.