Developers, residents spar as Planning Board hears 325‑unit South Shore Plaza apartment plan; hearing continued to April 8

ZOM Living presented site‑plan details and technical studies for the “Residences at South Shore,” a proposed 325‑unit, 4‑story apartment building on approximately 7 acres at 250 Granite Street, during the March 11 meeting of the Braintree Planning Board. The developer and its consultants emphasized compliance with the new mixed‑use planned unit development (MUPUD) zoning and said the project would include about 10 percent affordable units, extensive landscaping and interior parking. Opponents and several councilors and neighbors urged more buffering, monitoring of traffic and review of sewer and stormwater impacts. The board continued the public hearing to April 8.

The developer’s attorney, Frank Marinelli, told the board the project is a “use by right” under section 6.17 of the Braintree zoning ordinance and described a single, wrapped 4‑story building with 475 interior parking spaces, about 47.9 percent open space (where 30 percent is required) and a berm and tree buffer at the easterly edge. Jeffrey Dirk of VAI, the project transportation engineer, said about 65 percent of new trips would route to I‑93 via Granite Street and that the project is expected to generate roughly 100 peak‑hour vehicle trips. Dirk said signal retiming will be implemented at two occupancy touch points (60 percent and 80 percent occupied) and that the developer will provide a transportation demand management incentive (one month of a transit pass) for new tenants to encourage bus use to Quincy Center.

Town staff and independent peer reviewers are reviewing stormwater, sewer and traffic. Eric Dias of Strongpoint Engineering, the town’s stormwater peer reviewer, said his preliminary review found the engineering conservative and manageable but requested groundwater analyses for some infiltration systems that may sit within four feet of adjusted groundwater levels. Staff said formal peer‑review reports on water/sewer, stormwater and traffic were expected before the April 8 meeting. The developer committed to coordinate with town departments and peer reviewers.

A series of residents raised concerns about traffic at 5 Corners and other intersections, the capacity of downstream sewer infrastructure and potential basement backups in heavy storms, and the architectural scale facing the lakeside neighborhood. Councilor Julia Flaherty asked that the board require monitoring and mitigation at 60/80 percent occupancy rather than rely only on forecasts, and suggested the developer consider a private commuter shuttle to the T station to reduce car trips. Multiple neighbors asked that the proposed 12‑foot berm and green‑giant arborvitae planting be installed at construction start so buffering is effective from day one.

Assistant Director Connor Murphy said the applicant’s submission invokes regulations at sections 6.17 and related site‑plan standards, and that staff had recommended stronger planting near the Flaherty School. Murphy confirmed the town had engaged traffic, stormwater and wastewater peer reviewers and anticipated receiving their final reports in time for the April 8 continuation. Several members of the board asked the applicant to provide draft conditions in advance of the next meeting so the board and public could review specific mitigation and monitoring language.

The public hearing remains open. The board voted to continue the hearing to April 8, 2025; the motion to continue was made and seconded and carried with an affirmative voice vote.

Why it matters: The project would add hundreds of housing units, new tax revenue and private infrastructure improvements adjacent to South Shore Plaza but will also materially change traffic patterns and add wastewater and stormwater demands in a low‑lying area. The March 11 hearing focused on technical review and neighborhood mitigation rather than final approvals; peer reviews and proposed conditions due before April 8 will shape whether the board approves the site plan.

What’s next: The Planning Board will reconvene the public hearing on April 8, with peer‑review findings expected on stormwater, wastewater and traffic and with draft conditions proposed by staff and the applicant.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are identified in Planning Board records and the meeting transcript.