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Developer previews 29‑unit conversion at 18 Reed Street in Taunton pre‑review
Summary
At a Committee of the Whole pre‑review, a developer described plans to convert a contractor yard at 18 Reed St. into 29 two‑bedroom market‑rate units using the building shell and all‑electric systems. Council requested more detail on mandatory affordability components and scheduling for the formal public hearing.
John D'Souza of North County Group presented a pre‑review for Michael Lopes’ petition to redevelop 18 Reed Street into 29 two‑bedroom apartments, saying the plan will reuse the building shell, add a floor, revamp parking and remove extensive asphalt on the site.
“Basically, the site is almost either asphalt or broken asphalt or some sort of gravel,” D'Souza told the council, and outlined plans for “all new fixtures … Energy Star and compliant” appliances and an all‑electric design.
Why it matters: the pre‑review is an opportunity for councilors and neighbors to flag concerns ahead of the formal public hearing. Councilors pressed the applicant about affordability and neighborhood compatibility; the applicant described code‑required affordable components but agreed to provide documentation at the formal hearing.
Councilor Sanders asked the applicant to be prepared to explain “why it is impossible for you to make even as few as three of these units affordable,” and the presenter replied that the building code imposes an affordability percentage that will be explained at the next appearance.
Procedural next steps: the applicant said he has a scheduling conflict in mid‑October and will submit a letter to the city clerk seeking a date in early November; the council and clerk staff agreed to coordinate and told the applicant to file the required letter to reschedule the public hearing.
The pre‑review concluded with no formal vote; the matter will return to the council for the advertised public hearing where abutters and other residents may submit comments and the council will take any action required by the zoning and permitting process.
