THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021 Page 3 Planning Board hears proposals for projects on Second and Ferry Streets By Christopher Roberson T he Planning Board, during its August 23 meeting, reviewed the Site Plans for the proposed developments at 523-531 Second St. and 108 Ferry St. The Second Street development calls for the demolition of the existing commercial building and the construction of a four-story residential building consisting of nine condominiums. The development would also have 14 parking spaces and 1,868 square feet of green space. However, Planning Board Member Leo Pizzano was not impressed with the intended use of Hardie board. He said buildings with Hardie board are not nearly as aesthetically appealing as those with brick facades. “I think these are the cheapest looking buildings God ever created,” he said. “We’re going to be looking at these buildings for an awful long time.” Pizzano said the proposed development on Second Street is no exception. He said that based on the Site Plan, the majority of the building would be constructed using Hardie board. “The city doesn’t need that building,” he said. “It’s a terrible looking building.” Pizzano also said his colleagues should not be satisfied with Site Plans that only meet the city’s minimum requirement of 20 percent brick. In response, Attorney Anthony Rossi, representing property owner T&J Realty Trust, said the building would be relatively small as it only includes nine units. He also defended the use of Hardie board, saying it is popular in surrounding communities. “This is what they build in Cambridge,” said Rossi. However, Pizzano maintained that brick buildings continue to be prevalent in other cities, such as Malden and Melrose. After a brief discussion with his client, Rossi said the Site Plan would be revised to inLIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA Attorney Paul Delory speaks about the proposed development at 108 Ferry St. during the August 23 Planning Board meeting. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson) clude additional brick. The proposal at 108 Ferry St. would also be a redevelopment project. It involves demolishing the existing building and constricting a four-story, mixed-use building. The building would offer 16 residential units and would include three affordable units. The Ferry Street Grille would also be rebuilt and located on the ground floor. In addition, Attorney Paul Delory, counsel for property owner and applicant Albert Aversa, said the development would have 38 parking spaces. “This is an unusual thing that you don’t see these days,” he said. He also said the building would be 35 percent brick and would be 49 feet tall. However, High Street resident Ingrid O’Connor raised concerns, saying parking is already tight on her street. “You should be there at 3 o’clock in the afternoon,” she said. O’Connor said that although the building would have 38 parking spaces, parking on High Street would only get progressively worse. “It’s going to be very detrimental,” she said. “There’s always going to be people who want to park on that street.” The board will revisit both matters during its next meeting on September 14. Special Permit for 319 Broadway In other news, the board approved an Inclusionary Zoning Special Permit for the project at 319 Broadway. Under the Special Permit, the 20-unit residential building will now include three affordable units. The project’s Site Plan was approved by the board on April 26 and the three variance requests were approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals on August 16.
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