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Developers seek special permit to replace Foster Street lumberyard with 85‑unit apartments
Summary
Eastern Equity Partners requested a special permit to convert the lumberyard at 2935 and 43 Foster Street into an 85‑unit residential complex, arguing the project would reduce truck traffic and support nearby businesses; councilors raised questions about parking (42 spaces proposed) and infrastructure upgrades before referring the application to the zoning subcommittee.
Attorney Brian McGrail, representing Eastern Equity Partners, presented the council with an application seeking a special permit to allow residential apartment use at 2935 and 43 Foster Street, combining parcels shown on assessor map 21 (Block 57, Parcels 567 and 8). McGrail told the council the project would replace a lumberyard with a modern residential community intended to reduce daily truck traffic and backing forklifts on Foster Street, and to support the city’s planning goals by expanding housing supply near transit and businesses.
Jamie Russo, manager of Eastern Equity Partners, answered council questions on notice to abutters and parking. Russo said abutters were contacted and that the site plan proposes 42 parking spaces for 85 units. He added that required upgrades to water or sewer mains would be handled through civil engineers and the site‑plan review process: “Once we do our hydrant test for sprinkler system … if they say we need to upgrade what’s on the street, then we upgrade what’s on the street,” Russo said. Councilor Kelly pressed for any infrastructure analysis; Russo described the review as preliminary and said DPW and community development would direct required work.
Several councilors voiced support based on the site’s central‑business location and potential to bring foot traffic to Broadway businesses. Councilor Argencio said Foster Street is “not an old established neighborhood” and called the site appropriate for new housing; Councilor Silvestri and others echoed that the lumberyard no longer fit the area. The council president said the application will be referred to the zoning subcommittee for further review at the August 10 meeting.
The presentation and council discussion focused on unit mix, parking and the mechanics of any required utility upgrades. The applicant said unit mix will include studios and one‑ and two‑bedrooms and that studios in their developments typically start at about $1,500; Russo said “our 1‑bedroom is around $1,800.” The council did not take a vote on the permit tonight and instead directed the item to zoning for technical review and public subcommittee hearings.
