Zoning bylaw aims to preserve Saugus mill district

A new plan for the historic mills on Central Street in Saugus is taking shape as a public hearing is set for next week to discuss a new mixed-use zoning bylaw.The Saugus Historic Mill Working Committee will hold a public forum on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium for input from residents and public officials on a draft mixed-use overlay zoning bylaw.Town Meeting member and Affordable Housing Trust member Janet Leuci said the committee has been working for several months with the primary goal of preserving the historic Central Street mills while allowing opportunities for commercial, retail and residential uses “sensitive to the nearby Saugus River and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site.”Leuci said it?s important for the residents to attend since the bylaw is currently in draft form and is subject to change based on suggestions and comments from the public.?It?s for anyone from the public who wants to learn about it and weigh in on it and give their opinion,” she said. “The number one goal is to preserve the historic mills. If they?re demolished that part of Saugus is gone forever.”There are three mills in the area: Scott Mill, which is currently owned by 222 Central Storage, and Prankers Mills, one of which can be recognized by the brick smokestack covered with antennas. Leuci said the mills were built in the late 1800s and noted many homes in the area are also of historical significance because they housed mill workers years ago.Leuci said the idea of the mixed-use bylaw is to both preserve the mills and lay the ground for future development that could help “revitalize” the area.?Certainly there are going to be questions and revisions, but it lays the groundwork for something exciting,” said Leuci. “We?ve been truly working on it in earnest. We all put our heads together and see how we can revitalize this area of town.”Leuci said all three mill owners have been attending the meetings and noted that the mixed-use bylaw would be optional.?It really fits on top of current zoning,” she said. “If a property owner wants to maintain the existing industrial zoning because he has businesses or employees, that?s fine.Leuci said the zoning change would stretch from the Iron Works to the mills and would provide a means for developers building in the area.?It could be a cafe, some retail, housing, condos,” said Leuci. “It?s similar to Lawrence or Lowell and some of the renovations of the mills there. What we?re trying to accomplish is a historic district. It?s exciting. It?s an opportunity of a lifetime to preserve that area.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected] You Go? WHAT: Public forum on redevelopment of historic Saugus MillsWHEN: Wednesday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m.WHERE: Town Hall Auditorium