Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council committee approves dimensional waivers for 34‑lot subdivision at 326 Chicopee Street
Summary
The committee granted dimensional waivers for a proposed 34‑lot residential development at 326 Chicopee Street after hearing that the plan provides the required 88 parking spaces and follows Brownfields planning work; Fire flagged turning‑radius and access concerns to be resolved in later reviews.
The Zoning Committee voted June 24 to grant dimensional waivers and approve a special‑permit pathway for a proposed 34‑lot residential subdivision at 326 Chicopee Street.
Representatives from Jones Ferry Development (Erik Szyluk) and R Levesque Associates (Rob Levesque, Gregory Szyluk) said the plan demonstrates the required 88 parking spaces, includes garages, and would produce lower density than a by‑right apartment building. Planning staff tied the project to Willimansett Brownfields planning supported by an EPA grant and said city‑funded assessments informed the concept; staff also noted multiple further technical reviews remain (preliminary/definitive subdivision, SPRAC, Conservation/NOI if required).
Councilor Susan Goff raised concerns about closeness of lots, parking, compatibility with neighborhood and Fire Department access; the Fire report in the minutes noted the plans “do not appear to meet the requirements of 527 CMR Comprehensive Fire Safety Code Chapter 18” and requested a swept‑path analysis. Councilors McAuliffe and Shumsky expressed support, citing added housing stock and lower‑density outcome compared with an apartment complex. Motions to approve the special permit and the listed waiver requests (frontage, lot area, setbacks) were made and carried on roll call.
