Malden board approves variances for proposed seven‑story Salem Street development with off‑site parking condition

The Malden Board of Appeal voted Wednesday to grant multiple variances sought by Alpha Business Center LLC for a proposed seven‑story mixed‑use development at One Salem Street and 15 Ferry Street, but conditioned final approvals on the developer securing off‑site parking leases and committing to transit and bike‑sharing incentives.

Attorney Roberto Demarco, who represents Alpha Business Center and said he is a Malden resident, told the board the project responds to a long‑running, difficult site and that the applicant proposes 73 total units — one ground‑floor commercial unit and 72 residential units intended for ownership rather than rental. "15 Ferry will be removed. It will be remembered," Demarco said, adding the team would include commemorative design elements drawn from the historic building they propose to demolish.

The project's architect, Will of KDI Architects, described a roughly 52,000‑square‑foot building with about 2,500 square feet of ground‑floor commercial space, residential…