Forum to cover routes to economic success

SAUGUS – The Saugus Chamber of Commerce and the town manager’s Economic Development Committee are co-sponsoring a forum Thursday, March 26 to discuss proposed zoning changes to the Route 1/99 corridor in Saugus.The forum, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium, is intended to be an open discussion with Town Meeting members, the business community and the public on why is it so important that the Town of Saugus adopt new land use regulations for the three-mile corridor that runs from Revere/Malden/Melrose to the Lynnfield line.Terri Peznola, marketing director for the Saugus chamber, will explain why it is important for members of the chamber and the town to work closely together on this zoning. Robert Luongo, the town’s economic development coordinator, will give an overview of the proposed zoning bylaw – Business Highway Sustainable Development Zoning District – and will answer any questions concerning the specifics of the proposed by-law.In addition, representatives of two property owners will make presentations concerning potential revenue streams that could be generated from zoning changes along the corridor. The public will also hear a developer’s perspective on what attracts good development and good developers to an area.Robert Palleschi, the interim town manager who has served on the Finance Committee for 25 years and as its chairman for nine, will talk about the need to generate new revenue in order to improve the quality of life in Saugus.By having this discussion with Town Meeting members, the business community and residents, the chamber hopes that everyone in town will better understand the proposed zoning changes to this corridor and how it can be a catalyst to stimulate new development opportunities while helping to improve the quality of life in Saugus.