Neighbors, council express traffic, scale and parking concerns at 529 Broadway mixed‑use proposal

The Revere City Council opened a public hearing on an application by 529 Broadway LLC seeking a special permit to raise a nonconforming structure and build a five‑story mixed‑use building at 529 Broadway. The applicant’s team described a 4‑story residential block above podium retail with 61 parking spaces and rooftop gardens; residents and several councilors said the project is oversized for the lot and would worsen traffic, parking and neighborhood character.

Attorney Larry Simeone presented the applicant and described the property as a nonconforming site in the General Business (RB) district. Architect David Barsi said the plan proposes roughly 116 residential units above ground‑floor retail and about 61 parking spaces “mostly directed towards servicing the retail as opposed to the tenants.” Barsi said the design uses interior light wells and rooftop landscaping to bring light into deep units and that a shadow study shows limited shadow impacts except when the sun is low in December.

Several neighbors opposed the project at the hearing. Marie Shand, who said she has lived in Revere more than 80 years, called the proposal a “giant monster” and said it would block her view and reduce sunshine at her custom‑built home. She questioned market demand and said she feared the building could later be used for subsidized housing if units do not rent. Another resident, identifying an address on Beach Street, said the parcel is too small for the proposed density, that it would require variances, and argued the city should instead focus dense development in areas already designated for heavier growth such as Shirley Avenue.

Councilors raised neighborhood and infrastructure concerns. Councilor McKenna said the applicant previously agreed to tiering to reduce the building’s massing; she said she did not see that in the presentation and asked the developer to work further with residents. Councilor Kelly said she accepts redevelopment of nonconforming structures but not an enlargement that removes setbacks and places units “on the sidewalks, no setbacks.” She also raised capacity concerns for wastewater under the 2010 consent decree and asked whether the sewer system can absorb the added demand.

Architect Barsi said the project’s parking strategy reflects local one‑vehicle ownership patterns for small units and that the podium would reserve parking largely for retail. He said design revisions have been considered after neighborhood meetings and that the applicant has been working to improve the streetscape along Broadway.

Action: The council opened and closed the public hearing and referred the special‑permit application to the zoning committee for further review and site plan review. The zoning committee will review project specifics, potential design modifications and any related variances or waivers.

Why it matters: The proposal would materially change the Broadway corridor at a site long occupied by automotive and retail uses and raises questions about scale, infrastructure capacity, parking and neighborhood character. Councilors and residents requested further design work, clearer parking and wastewater capacity analysis, and additional engagement before any council vote on a special permit.

What’s next: The item was referred to the zoning committee for detailed consideration, community engagement and any required zoning or site‑plan conditions.