THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021 Page 9 Planning Board gives final approval for Urban Renewal amendment By Christopher Roberson he Planning Board, during its August 2 meeting, voted unanimously to approve the second amendment to the Lower Broadway District Urban Renewal Plan (URP). The amendment initially consisted of defining four parcels that could be taken by eminent domain and redeveloped. They included 39 Rover St., 23 Mystic St., 36 Mystic St. and 39-43 Mystic St. However, Matthew Lattanzi, acting director of Planning & Development, said there was considerable opposition from the property owners, which prompted the City Council to take action to protect three of the parcels from eminent domain. Planning Board Member T Leo Pizzano said he has never been a proponent of taking someone’s property. “Eminent domain is not a good thing, I really don’t like it,” he said. Therefore, the 40-acre parcel at 39 Rover St. is now the only property in the URP that can be taken by eminent domain. The land is the current site of the Mystic Generating Station, which is slated to be decommissioned in June 2024. Pending approval from the state, the amendment would remain in effect until the URP expires in 2035. The URP was originally approved in September 2015 by the state Department of Housing and Community Development. The first amendment, made in January 2019, was fairly modest, as it only called for the construction of a public parking lot. However, the Everett Redevelopment Authority recently identified the need for a “major change.” During a prior interview, Lattanzi said the second amendment would transform Lower Broadway into a “Destination District” and ensure that all future development is in full compliance with the current zoning regulations. He said that in addition to bolstering the city’s tax revenue, the Rover Street property would provide further access to the city’s waterfront. “When crossing the bridge from Boston into Mayor promotes transportation initiatives at Ward 6 meeting By Christopher Roberson W hile speaking to residents of Ward 6, Mayor Carlo DeMaria drove home the importance of having a sufficient transportation network in Everett. “We’re the only inner core community that’s not connected by rail access,” he said during the August 4 meeting at The Meadows park. “That’s what is holding us back.” DeMaria said a Commuter Rail station and Silver Line bus service would make the city much more attractive to companies in the fields of biotechnology, life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing. “No one is a small, little sleepy town anymore,” he said. Transportation Planner Jay Monty said the Silver Line, which currently ends in Chelsea, would travel north on Second Street and into Everett Square. “We’re probably three to four years out,” he said, adding that the proposed extension is in the feasibility stage. DeMaria also said Everett was the first city in the state to create a bus lane. As bus lanes were adopted by other communities, he said, they were all shaded with Everett’s signature colEverett, this site is one of the first things that comes into view,” said Lattanzi. “No longer does Everett wish to welcome visitors and residents alike with a blighted power plant; rather, the city wishes to boast a Destination District that we can take pride in.” Looking back, Lattanzi said the opening of Encore Boston Harbor continues to be the leading accomplishment since the URP took effect six years ago. “The 2015 URP vastly improved Lower Broadway, transforming it from a blighted streetscape to a much more vibrant, walkable streetscape,” said Lattanzi, adding that $68 million was invested to decontaminate the former Staging Yard parcel where Encore is now located. He said the URP also called for converting the former GE site into what is now Rivergreen Park. Other improvements have included the construction of a canoe/kayak launch on the Malden River and the Mystic Riverwalk. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net or of crimson red. DeMaria said other transportation projects include the $25 million Mystic River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge as well as the completion of the Northern Strand Community Trail. “Nobody wants to live in Billerica to go to work in Boston; they want to live here,” he said. DeMaria also addressed the debate surrounding the possible relocation of Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium. “It was built in a neighborhood where there’s no parking,” he said, adding that two years ago, 80 cars were towed from the stadium. Should the stadium be relocated, DeMaria said, the land could be repurposed for affordable housing. Resident Samantha Lambert said parking has become an even greater challenge with the ongoing road construction. “Parking is already tight; oftentimes I find myself parked two blocks from home,” she said. Lambert also said construction vehicles are being left overnight on Woodville Street. However, DeMaria said no equipment larger than four wheels can be parked overnight. “We’ll address that,” he said.
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