Developer outlines 30‑unit proposal for 750 Broad Street; neighbors raise traffic and utility concerns

Developer Joe Grama presented plans for a proposed redevelopment at 750 Broad Street in Jackson Square on Thursday night, saying the project would replace the former Hunts Building with a primarily studio apartment building totaling about 30 units and ground‑floor space intended for a quick‑serve food tenant.

"We've owned this property for almost 20 years now," Grama said, describing the half‑acre site and the project's design intent. He said the new building would include two separate vehicle entryways and underground parking and that the fourth floor is set back to comply with local zoning and avoid a canyon effect on Broad Street.

The presentation drew questions from several neighbors. Mary Ann Lyon, who said she lives at 16 Cottage Street across from the site, told the meeting she is "just concerned about the overflow with traffic" and that guests parking from nearby events already block driveways on Cottage Street. Grama responded that many units will have tandem parking to accommodate guests and that the developer will not permit large parties inside the building.

Longtime Jackson Square business owner Anastacio Saiedaris raised concerns about property lines and utility pipes that he said run through the buildings. Grama said an engineer has completed site work, that the developer will meet individually with impacted neighbors to discuss construction easements and drainage, and that DigSafe and utility companies would be involved if work affects existing service.

On timing, Grama said demolition could begin as early as June with building construction starting later in the year, but he added the schedule could slip: "it's a range of June to December to start," he said. When asked about unit mix, Grama said the building will be "mostly studios" with a small number of two‑bedroom units; he estimated the two‑bedroom count at roughly 2–4 units and described the remainder as studio‑sized units.

Zoning and review steps were described by Bob Louango, the town's director of planning. Louango told the meeting the developer will file an application with the Zoning Board of Appeals (the team discussed targeting a March hearing) and that the project qualifies under the MBTA Communities Act zoning for denser development near commuter rail. He said the town's health, building, fire and police departments and planning engineering staff will review traffic counts, stormwater and other technical elements before the public hearing.

Asked by TJ Lacy, the mayor's chief of staff, what special permits would be requested, Grama said the main request relates to a height restriction that triggers a local requirement for 10% of units to be affordable. Louango and Grama said that would translate to three affordable units, to be offered through a monitored lottery to households at or below 80% of the Boston metropolitan area median income.

Grama addressed anticipated building systems and neighborhood impacts, saying HVAC equipment installed on a prior project averaged about "a maximum of about 35 decibels," and that the team plans to screen and baffle equipment to reduce noise. He also said curb‑cut and exact site‑plan details were available but not brought to the presentation and that those plans will be reviewed formally by DPW and the fire department during the application process.

Mayor Mike Malice closed by thanking attendees and saying the town will follow up with additional meetings and public notices ahead of the zoning hearing. Grama said he would make plans and utility drawings available to neighbors and encouraged anyone with concerns to contact him directly.