Saugus re-imagines Route 1

SAUGUS – Route 1 South may soon have a Market Street feel to it – just like Lynnfield.If a proposal by the Saugus Planning Board passes at Town Meeting in May, there will be proposed zoning changes to the Route 1 South/Route 99 corridor, which stretches from the former Hilltop Steakhouse to Golf Country. It will then be sent to the Attorney General?s office for final review before it can be approved.The Saugus Chamber of Commerce met Thursday with the town manager?s economic development committee and Town Meeting members in an open discussion to adopt new land use regulations for this three-mile coordinator, which runs from Revere and Malden to the Melrose/Lynnfield line.According to Robert Luongo, economic development coordinator, the purpose is to allow for market driven growth in places that are most conducive to accommodate additional activity and to promote a walkable environment with pedestrian-oriented developments that connect to other buildings within the development.?We intend to promote development that accommodates the automobile but also allows for developments to be accessible by public transportation, biking and walking, where feasible and practical,” Luongo said. “We plan to promote development that accommodates the automobile but also allows for developments to be accessible by public transportation, biking and walking, where feasible and practical.”He noted the plan will encourage the development and redevelopment of underutilized or obsolete property that allows for mixed uses, including the creation of new housing opportunities.That also means shared parking requirements, meaning the lot could be used to house cars during the day for an office park but to house cars for a restaurant and bar at night.Peter Manoogian, member of the economic development council and Town Meeting member, Precinct 10, said Hilltop could become the site of businesses with condominiums or apartments.?They?ll keep that land, but use it in a different way than what it?s used for now,” Manoogian said. “They?d tear down the building and do things to the lot that they can?t do under the current zoning requirements.”Manoogian compared it to buying new clothes and either putting them in the closet or choosing to wear the items of clothing.?Hilltop was one of the highest grossing restaurants as a western style steakhouse in the country at one time,” Luongo said. “They had a tremendous following close to two years ago, and they had a developer who fell through. So, the owners want to develop it themselves.”Dennis January, of the Hilltop property, called this opportunity once in a lifetime.?It?d be a great opportunity for the town to generate revenue,” January said. “Although the other developers fell through, we?re happy with the timeframe. I encourage other properties on Route 1 to participate.”January urged Town Meeting members and town officials present to think about how a certain decision in May can change the future.Acting Town Manager Robert Palleschi said the forecasted plan sparks his interest.?That sounds like a good place to live,” Palleschi said. “Maybe I?ll move there. That?s what I thought of as I sat through the meeting.”