Broadway BJ’s store, apartment complex approved in Revere

REVERE – A BJ’s Wholesale Club “big box” store and a 281 apartment complex have the green light for construction at Ward Street and Broadway.City Council President John Powers and Councilor at Large George Colella opposed the apartment project and agreed with School Superintendent Paul Dakin, who said new residences could overburden local public schools.But their nine colleagues and Mayor Thomas Ambrosino support it with Ambrosino countering Dakin’s contention that “large-scale housing developments bring complications to the schools.””Academic literature suggests apartments plopped down in established neighborhoods generate school children,” the mayor said, noting that the proposed apartments would be in a corner of the city dominated by businesses and separated from residential neighborhoods.The 125,000 square foot store would be surrounded by a 531-space parking lot and the apartment complex would include 487 spaces. The apartment building will have 23 one-bedroom apartments and 258 two-bedrooms.The attorney representing Rumney Marshview LLC, the project developer, made it clear the city cannot have BJ’s and the tax revenue and jobs that come with the store without the apartment buildings.”BJ’s landowner’s contract is such that the project is put forward as a package,” James Cipoletta said.Councilor at Large Robert Haas criticized what he called the developer’s “take it or leave it” attitude, but said the city needs the tax revenue generated by the project and noted he proposed bringing a Staples store to Revere as mayor, even though it hurt his family’s Broadway greeting card business.Councilor at Large Anthony Zambuto said he weighed Dakin’s and “a lot of friends” objections to the project against potential revenue and decided “this project is good for the city.”But Powers said traffic generated by the development will add to a congestion “nightmare” on Broadway near Squire Road.”It’s like throwing gas on a fire.”The developer has promised traffic signal improvements to ease congestion.