THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 7 SELECTMEN | FROM PAGE 1 desirable and safer than having three four-story buildings built on the same property. But Selectman Michael Serino and the board’s Vice-Chair, Debra Panetta, said they have some concerns about granting a variance that would allow the proposed buildings to exceed the four stories and 55 feet in height that town zoning currently allows within the Route One Business Highway Sustainable Development Zoning District (BHSD). It requires a four-fifths vote for the board to issue an S-2 permit. “I’m worried about the precedent that is going to be set up and down Route 1,” Serino told his colleagues at Tuesday night’s meeting. “When we’re talking about this height variance, it should be a last resort and not a first option,” he said. But Cicolini didn’t agree with Serino’s position. To support his case, he read a letter from Saugus Fire Chief Michael Newbury, who said that the two taller buildings – made of steel and concrete – are a better and safer option than the shorter four-story buildings made VICTORY | FROM PAGE 6 lot today to vote,” Rossetti said. “These are people who look like they’re tradespeople, people who would be big supporters of the school.” The new school will feature 21st-century learning environments, improved Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations, state-ofthe-art shop and technical lab space, expanded program offerings, a new primary access roadway from Farm Street to reduce traffic congestion, a full-size gym, a 750-seat auditorium, outdoor learning space and a new cafeteria. School officials say the current enrollment of 1,280 students will increase by approximately 320 students versus the current enrollment. This is a major benefit of the project, as the District currently rejects more freshman applicaof wood. “I’m less concerned about setting a precedent and more concerned about public safety,” Cicolini said. Cogliano – who, along with Cicolini, had attended a recent informational meeting held by the developer at Kowloon Restaurant to get feedback from neighbors who live near the project – said he thinks the three-building option “would encroach the neighborhood more than the two buildings.” “My honest impression – it’s less of an impact on the neighborhood than the three buildings,” Cogliano said. Vice-Chair Panetta said she felt uncomfortable reviewing the S-2 Permit request without having the same information as Cogliano and Cicolini. “This is a super important vote for this board, and I want to make sure I have all of the information to make the right decision,” Panetta said, suggesting that a site visit to the property might be helpful. Other board members agreed and voted to continue the hearing to 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5 for a site visit to the Kowloon property. Neighbors are welcome to attend the site visit in which the project’s develtions than they accept due to space limitations. The construction of a new Northeast Metro Tech would allow for additional programs for Marketing, Medical Assisting and Biotechnology, school officials say. Northeast Metro Tech was built 53 years ago in 1968, and the facility has outlived its intended lifespan. Classrooms and shops are overcrowded, infrastructure systems are outdated and the building does not comply with existing Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, according to school officials. Northeast Metro Tech has not had any significant renovations, additions or improvements since then. Students are facing several issues that are reducing the quality of the educational experience the school is able to provide. The school is at capacity and more than 300 students are waitlisted every year. Special Election Results Community ............... Yes .............. No ...............Percent for Chelsea ............................109 ................. 174 ................. 39% Malden ............................666 ................. 151 ................. 82% Melrose ............................979 ................. 132 ................. 88% North Reading ..............836 ................. 51 .................... 94% Reading ...........................663 ................. 83 .................... 89% Revere ..............................354 ................. 63 .................... 85% Saugus ......................921 ............. 547 .............63% Stoneham .......................334 ................. 34 .................... 91% Wakefield ........................919 ................. 150 ................. 86% Winchester .....................679 ................. 60 .................... 92% Winthrop .........................267 ................. 43 .................... 86% Woburn ...........................759 ................. 80 .................... 91% Total .......................... 7,486.......... 1,568 ..........83% oper will meet with selectmen to answer questions about the project. Cogliano and Cicolini both said they were impressed with what they observed when the Kowloon family and its project representatives held a meeting which allowed neighbors to share their concerns. Attorney Richard M. Magnan said a number of changes have been made on the project based on the feedback from the neighbors. Several of the neighbors have written emails supporting the project. “We’re really trying to be respectful of the neighborhood,” said Michael McKeown, architect of the Manchester, N.H., firm, Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects. “The Wong family along with their partners are envisioning an elegant, desirable destination for Saugus that will stand the test of time in its design, aesthetic and construction, paying homage and respect to the history of this site,” McKeown said. The first floor of both buildings would include commercial tenant space. Floors one through six would have one-bedroom luxury apartments, according to the architect. The proposed project includes 220 apartment units in the two buildings, he said, noting that one building would have 130 units and the smaller building would have 90 units.
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