SAUGUS — Monday is the deadline for residents to offer comments and concerns about a mixed-income housing development proposed for Route 1 North near Prankers Pond.
The Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency is currently reviewing a proposal for a 300-unit rental complex, submitted by Saugus Residential, LLC.
The proposed development — which would be called Saugus Ridge — would be located on a 28-acre parcel located on Route 1 North.
Board of Selectmen chairwoman Debra Panetta said she has already submitted a list of concerns about the project, which range from the environmental impact on Prankers Pond to the impact on the town’s water and sewer infrastructure.
“One of my biggest concerns is that there is only one way in and one way out (of the site),” said Panetta. “I have safety concerns.”
The stretch of the highway where the complex would be constructed is one of the most congested areas of Route 1, she said.
The proposal includes two apartment buildings that would be connected by an amenity area of offices, a mail room, a lounge, the leasing center, and a lobby. There would also be a courtyard, and possibly a pool.
The buildings are proposed to be four stories each with three-story portions in the center. The 300 units include 100 one-bedroom units, 36 one-bedroom apartments with a den, 87 two-bedrooms, 17 two-bedrooms with a den, 31 three-bedroom units, and 29 studios.
An 18-month to two-year construction period would begin in 2019.
The state’s 40B housing program allows developers to override local zoning bylaws to increase stock of affordable housing in municipalities where less than 10 percent of the homes are affordable.
In 2016, the Massachusetts Area Planning Council held visioning sessions with the town to help develop a housing development plan. At the time, only 7 percent, or 749 units, were considered affordable.
If the town does not meet the required 10 percent, developers are allowed to override local zoning and build denser developments.
As part of the MassHousing review, an evaluation of the site, design concept, and financial feasibility of the proposal is conducted. Comments from community members are also solicited as part of the process.
Selectman Jeff Cicolini pointed out the egress Panetta referred to was a big concern several years ago when Walmart was being constructed and remains a concern today.
“It’s a big project,” said Cicolini. “It’s 300 units. It’s not small.
“People are reaching out saying ‘we have a new school being built, what will this do to the schools.'”
The comments should be submitted to either Town Manager Scott Crabtree’s office or to Town Planner Krista Leahy by Monday. The list will be compiled by an attorney and submitted to MassHousing for consideration, said Panetta.
