THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 9 KOWLOON | FROM PAGE 8 “If it’s going to make her more comfortable with the project, that’s good,” she said. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said he understands why there is some apprehension on how to proceed with S-2 permit hearing. “I think part of the concerns and challenges – Saugus is very unique where the height variance is before the Board of Selectmen,” Crabtree said. “Originally, it was before the Board of Appeals … now you’re being asked to vote on the height variance,” he said. Eventually, the project’s plans would go before the Planning Board, which would consider setting conditions for the project and determining what the best plan is for the town. Cicolini stressed that even if selectmen approve the height variance, “it does not give them the right to build 220 units.” At that point, Cogliano chimed in: “If we deny the variance, they can go to the Planning Board and build twoand three-bedroom units… Whether we vote for it or not, they’re going to build it.” Precinct 4 Town Meeting Member William Leuci said he opposes granting the height variance to the developer. “I don’t want to see Saugus become a city,” Leuci said. “I don’t want to see Revere and Chelsea brought to Saugus. We have a great town,” he said. Cogliano asked Leuci to put himself in the shoes of the residents, who wholeheartedly support the variance. “If you were an abutter to this project, would you want it 85 feet back or 50 feet back?” Cogliano asked. Under plans to build two six-story buildings, the projMULLING IT OVER: The Board of Selectmen considered their options at Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s hearing. A majority of the members support the height variance. But one member opposes it, and another member is still seeking information to help her make a decision. ect would set back 85 feet from the abutting neighborhood. But by going with three four-story buildings, the project would come within 50 feet of the neighborhood, according to the developer. “Myself, I’d say keep two buildings,” Leuci said. Cogliano said it is clear that a height variance would be the best overall approach of the project. “I think it’s our job to do what’s best for the neighborhood. In this case, we’re doing what the neighbors want,” he said. But Leuci responded, asking selectmen to “keep our town a town.” Cicolini repeatedly pointed out the advantages of two six-story buildings: 220 one-bedroom apartments instead of two- and three-bedroom apartments, a less dense project that would have a greater setback from the neighbor, fewer cars, no children; therefore, less of an impact on the town’s education system and resources. “This decision, to me, is as easy as it gets,” Cicolini said. Bobby Wong, one of the owners of the Kowloon Restaurant, made an appeal for support from selectmen. “We’re only asking for 12 feet,” Wong said. “I know there are going to be changes on Route 1. We can’t hold it back. My family has been here 72 years. Our reputation has always been to do the right thing for the community,” he said. “We love Saugus. … We’re staying. We will continue giving back to Saugus. We’re going to be selling shares to my employees.” Cogliano told Wong that “you went out of your way to get the neighbors on board. You went above and beyond.” The first floor of both buildings would include commercial tenant space. Floors 2 through 6 would have one-bedroom luxury apartments, according to Michael McKeown, architect of the Manchester, N.H. firm, Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects. In addition, 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. The new restaurant would have 320 seats, and the project also includes 15,000 square feet of retail space. There are 352 parking spaces, according to a certified plot plan provided by the developer. “WE LOVE SAUGUS”: Kowloon Restaurant owner Bobby Wong appealed to the Board of Selectmen for support at Tuesday night’s meeting. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657
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