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Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 RESHAPING | FROM PAGE 1 tablished a study committee to focus on the revitalization of Cliftondale Square. Revitalization is a “hot topic” During an organizational session at Wednesday’s meeting, members of the committee elected Vecchione to serve as its chair. Members elected Selectman Debra Panetta to serve as the secretary. Vecchione noted that there is “an appetite” shared by many Saugus residents for the revitalization of Cliftondale Square. He cited the recent survey results of Saugus United 2035 – the updating of the town’s Master Plan – which showed the revitalization of Cliftondale was “a hot topic” among some 700 residents who responded to a survey prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The group is the town’s consultant on the updating of its Master Plan. The Master Plan will include parts that will focus on the revitalization of Cliftondale Square (see related story). The Cliftondale Revitalization Committee plans to hold monthly meetings between now and Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Some Saugus town officials say these two vacant bank buildings and the adjacent parking spots present some possible options that could prove beneficial to the betterment of Cliftondale Square. With a change in zoning, the two buildings could be knocked down to create room for a larger building – perhaps a restaurant – or the land area they encompass could be converted into a large parking area. Nov. 1 – the target date of filing its report with the Annual Town Meeting. The next meeting is set for Monday, April 26 at 7 p.m. via Zoom teleconferencing. The panel plans “a walk-through” session at Cliftondale Square in late May. The town is awaiting the completion of a parking and egress study of Cliftondale Square, which Vecchione said he hopes will be ready for the next meeting. Committee members plan to devote one meeting to a discussion with property owners in Cliftondale who rent out space to local businesses and another session with local businesses. Vecchione and other committee members see the adoption of mixed-use zoning as a major PARKING ON BOTH SIDES: Allowing drivers to park their vehicles on both sides of Lincoln Avenue – particularly near the Saugus Post Office – has created traffic congestion and safety concerns, a constant complaint over the years. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) owners down in Cliftondale, because without having some kind of dialogue between us, I don’t see how they would want to go along with anything. I think the owners down there would be a good start to see where it could go.” While St. Margaret’s Church has been reluctant to sell or rent its parking lot in the past, the committee should look into the possibilities. She also mentioned that the committee should also check the status of the vacant Saugus Bank building and see if it’s available. Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione: “As Mrs. Riley brought up, a public-private partnership is probably the most important part. While we can do a lot as a municipality, it really rests upon the private business owner…” He said he also wants to see a zoning overlay, noting that the recommendation for rezoning to mixed-use has been a recommendation in the past reports over a period of 40 years. Under the town’s current zoning codes, a building can be renovated or rebuilt, but not expanded. “I’m hoping to come out of this with the framework for a zoning code.” Veteran Selectman Debra PaBECOMING LESS RELEVANT? The Saugus Post Office has long been a key fixture and main reason for residents traveling to Cliftondale Square. But the Post Office, churches and even the bank are not as big a draw anymore for people frequenting the Square, according to Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Christopher P. Riley. component of successful revitalization of Cliftondale. “In my opinion, mixed-use would create that 24-7 vitality that is currently missing,” he said. Vecchione also sees the active engagement of property owners crucial to any meaningful revitalization. The town also needs to work with the property owners in crafting zoning that would enable property owners more flexibility in what they can do in developing their property – like build a building large enough to house a restaurant. A variety of views Here’s what the committee members had to say: Board of Selectmen ViceChair Corinne Riley: She has been a lifelong resident of Cliftondale, living in the same Oceanview Avenue home all of her life. “What I’d like to see is open communication, especially with the netta: She has been on the Board of Selectmen for nearly a decade and has been involved with Saugus local government for more than 30 years. “I think there are some things that we can do shortterm … especially with the spring, we could have a Farmer’s Market and bring more people into the Square.” She also suggested that it would be good to have events scheduled for the Cliftondale area on Founders Day instead of having the events exclusively in the Town Center. She said she is concerned that she hasn’t seen businesses doing much to improve the appearance of their buildings. “We all agree that parking is a disaster … parking on both sides of the street.” She says it is “dangerous” trying to maneuver your car.” “We do have a few liquor licenses available and we are holdRESHAPING | SEE PAGE 21

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