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ZBA denies 17‑story variance for 1290 North Shore Road after height and parking concerns
Summary
The Zoning Board denied a request to allow a 17‑story, 358‑unit tower at 1290 North Shore Road. The applicant committed to 10% affordable units, but board members and public speakers raised concerns about height (22.6 feet over district limit), traffic and whether on‑site parking (82 spaces) is sufficient for the development.
The Revere Zoning Board of Appeals voted on July 29 to deny a height and related variances for a proposed 17‑story, 358‑unit development at 1290 North Shore Road in the Wonderland Transit Overlay District.
Attorney James Cipoletta, representing North Shore Road LLC, presented the project and said the developer agreed to provide 10% of units as affordable housing (36 units at 80% AMI) and to locate residences above the third floor with ground‑level parking. “There are proposed to be a total of 358 units,” Cipoletta said, and he argued the site’s shape and proximity to the MBTA justify vertical construction. Several elected officials and residents spoke in favor of the concept and the affordable component.
Opponents and some board members focused on height and parking. Ward 1 Councilor Jim Mercurio said the proposed on‑site parking (82 spaces) raised concerns given the building’s size; resident Marjorie Ritchie said traffic on North Shore Road had been “horrific” and objected to the volume. The board noted the proposed height would be about 22.6 feet above the district’s 160‑foot maximum. On roll call the motion to grant the relief failed with three votes in favor and two opposed (Mister Lemina: yes; Mister Lopes: yes; Mister O'Brien: no; Mister Pelton: yes; Chairman Tucker: no) and the board announced the variance was denied.
