Special Permit and Site Plan Review for Mixed-Use
Listen to this articleReading, MA — Park Realty Trust, owner of 346-348 Main Street, presented a proposal to demolish the current three-story office building on the site and replace it with a four-story mixed-use development, with commercial space on the first floor and fifteen residential units on the upper three floors.
Speaking for the proponent, Attorney Brian McGrail shared that the current building is the home of Boardwalk Real Estate, which has been in business in Reading for over 40 years and would continue to occupy the new commercial space once completed. James Joly, owner of Boardwalk Realty, explained that the real estate business model has changed over the past years, with more employees working remotely, negating the need for the amount of space available in the current building.
McGrail continued, sharing that nine of the residential apartments will have one bedroom, with six having two bedrooms. McGrail said, “[This development] will provide much-needed housing and an appropriate commercial space for Boardwalk Realty.” He also noted that the proposed building is located in the Business A district, designed to comply with proposed zoning changes in the area, and has “great connectivity to downtown Reading.”
Engineer Chris York reported that most of the current site is paved with a building that has a 1,234-square-foot footprint. The proposed five-sided building will meet all zoning setback requirements, remove access to the site from Main Street, and relocate access to Park Street, a private way. Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) member John Arena expressed concern over the fact that vehicle access will be from a private way as well as expressing concern over trash removal and other issues. CPDC chair John Weston added that documentation regarding the provisions of use on the private way will need to be included in the application.
Project architect Steve DiFuria presented specific building plans that show 771 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and 1,393 square feet of commercial office or storage space in the basement of the building. According to the presented plans, each residential floor will have three one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. All units will be rental units.
There are 22 total parking spaces planned for the site, nine in a garage, eleven in the open, and two on Park Street. Weston shared concerns regarding space for turning movements, lack of specificity on the placement of mechanicals, access to the dumpsters, and possible rooftop activation. Arena also added concern over snow removal on Park Street.
Resident Tony D’Arezzo pointed out that only two parking spaces have been provided for commercial use, using the 771 square feet for parking compliance and the additional 1,393 square feet of basement space for commercial space compliance.
CPDC continued the hearing to November 4 at 7:00 pm.
MBTA Communities Act
CPDC also finalized the over 60 pages of proposed bylaw amendments to be submitted to Town Meeting to bring the town into compliance with the MBTA Communities law. CPDC intends to present two proposals from which Town Meeting can choose. Development Director Andrew MacNichol noted that both plans are representative of “minimum compliance” with the law.
Discussion proceeded on several of the proposed zoning bylaw amendments in the document. It was also suggested that a summary sheet of the bylaw amendments be included with the document provided to Town Meeting members.
After continued discussion, CPDC voted 4-0 to formally close the public hearing on the MBTA Communities bylaw amendments.
CPDC adjourned at 9:42 pm.