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Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 THE SQUARE | FROM PAGE 1 holders are committed. “There are challenges in perhaps every category there is, from parking, to dimensional restrictions, to absentee ownership, to restrictive zoning, to lack of vision at a municipal level,” the report acknowledges. “To continue the ‘do nothing’ approach would be a disservice to the citizens, the business community, and the Town of Saugus at-large.” There are close to two dozen short-term and long-term recommendations in the heart of the report, including a proposal to create a zoning overlay district “that allows highest and best use” implementing smart growth principles.” “Cliftondale’s zoning is antiquated and as a result, the district has become stagnant, and the current business mix and lack of 24/7 vitality is contributing to its deterioration,” the report said. “A zoning overlay would lay the appropriate framework and be the first step towards revitalization. Section 1.6 includes a comprehensive list of zoning guidelines and an action plan. This process can certainly be completed within the next few years, if not sooner.” The 467-page report and the 11-member town committee which is crafting it are the products of a unanimous Special Town Meeting vote in February. Town Meeting members 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 created the study committee to focus on revitalization of Cliftondale. The group’s responsibility was to investigate potential opportunities, synthesize previous studies, investigate zoning strategies and provide recommendations and initiatives for future Town Meeting consideration. The committee has until Jan. 12 to make any changes in the document that was drafted and released this week by Committee Chair Joe Vecchione, who authored the Town Meeting article earlier this year. The committee will vote at its Jan. 17 meeting on whether to adopt the final report, which will be presented to the next Special Town Meeting or Annual Town Meeting, whichever occurs first. The report’s conclusion stresses that “This committee was formed to contest the notion that nothing can be done by breaking out each issue present in Cliftondale and elaborating on why the issues is present then begin to construct a vision for the area through a thorough zoning guideline and implementable action plan along with recommendations for short term and long-term projects and initiatives.” “This committee believes we accomplished that in this report, and while much of this will fall beyond the scope of this committee, we hope that this report in conjunction with the data and analysis collected over the past 39 years will yield the physical and meaningful results that the town has long been striving for,” the report continued. “However, in order to achieve true and sustainable revitalization in Cliftondale, commitment, continuity, trust, and patience needs to be acquired both in the public and private sectors.” In concluding its work with a presentation to Town Meeting members, the committee also recommends that Town Administration, Town Meeting, and other relevant bodies endorse the initiatives that may be brought forth for consideration from this report. The report recommends: • Reforming the merchants’ association or establishing a “Friends of Cliftondale” committee • Developing a Parking Management Plan • Creating a Signage Plan • Bringing back “Appreciation Day” • Relocating the Farmer’s Market back into Cliftondale • Getting Cliftondale Online. It’s important to develop an online presence so people know what services or products are sold, what their hours of operation are, how to get in contact, and potentially even provide e-commerce. • Branding Cliftondale Square as its own “place” • Developing a Façade / Storefront Improvement Program that would provide financial assistance to property owners or tenants seeking to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades. The program seeks to increase accessibility into storefronts and improve the physical appearance of independent businesses. THE SQUARE | SEE PAGE 21 Planning Director offers recommendations on how to revitalize Cliftondale Square By Mark E. Vogler S augus Director of Planning and Economic Development Christopher Reilly says the town needs to do a better job in promoting We’ll be closed for the holidays December 24-25th. Wishing you happy holidays and thank you for being both customers and friends. As always, access our ATMs and your Online & Mobile Banking anytime. Enroll at www.EverettBank.com Cliftondale Square. “Cliftondale has not been adequately defined in order to brand and market a distinct area,” Reilly wrote in his recommendations to the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee. Reilly submitted recommendations in late September, at the request of the committee. His list of comments were incorporated in a draft copy of the “Final Report of the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee,” which was issued this week. Reilly’s recommendations for revitalizing Cliftondale also included the following: –There are a number of small public and private parcels in Cliftondale that could accommodate accessible public parking. Until some adequate long-term parking capacity is achieved, I recommend approaching private property owners about lot split opportunities and investigating improvements on public land to incrementally increase existing supply. –Discussion with the 419 BROADWAY. EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 Member FDIC | Member DIF Health Director has placed the installation of full grease COMMITTEE SOUGHT HIS OPINION: Members of the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee asked Christopher Reilly, the town’s Director of Planning and Economic Development, for his views on how to make “The Square” more economically viable. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) trap systems as required for restaurants at about $10,000. The Town should develop an informational permitting guidance template and consider tax increment financing (TIF) for such desirable uses so they can be appropriately marketed and recruiting. –The Town is investing grant money in Cliftondale, such as the Microenterprise Program. The Town has found PLANNING | SEE PAGE 21

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