ITEM FILE PHOTO
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — The Saugus Quarry could be transformed into the town’s newest commercial development with a mix of retail, office and housing.
The Board of Selectmen backed a plan on Wednesday to fill the 60-acre site at 1831 Broadway that is owned by Aggregate Industries.
Town Manager Scott Crabtree said the town is seeking a better use for the property that is mostly located in Saugus with a portion in Melrose.
The town’s goal is to attract a sustainable development that will generate cash to pay for town services, according to Crabtree.
He expressed confidence that the deal will signal the beginning of a successful partnership between Saugus and Aggregate Industries.
Aggregate has produced construction materials on the site since the 1930s. Today, it’s home to two asphalt plants, a ready mix concrete plant, quarrying and crushing activities, said Erik Muller, general manager.
For more than a decade, Aggregate has been working with the town’s Aggregate Post-Closure Committee to develop a plan to reclaim the quarry.
The project, which is anticipated to commence in August, would involve reusing 46 acres over the next 15 years. It will be completed in three phases.
The site will be filled using dredged materials, blasted rock and soil. Asphalt, brick and concrete may also be considered, said Marc Richards, vice-president of Tighe & Bond.
Materials will be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Saugus Board of Health.
Lisa Young, director of land and environment, said Aggregate will pay for a project coordinator, selected by the town, for the first year of reclamation and master plan activity. It will also provide funding for studies, including an engineering peer review and testing of materials.
A toll will be charged to Aggregate for each truck associated with the project. All of the trucks will travel on Route 60 and Route 1, and will remain covered, Young said.
In addition to a master plan, a stormwater pollution plan will be provided as part of the agreement.
Aggregate will next apply for a fill permit with the Board of Health.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.
