SAUGUS — Saugus’ newly-formed Cliftondale Revitalization Committee may seek to change local zoning laws to allow mixed-use development in Cliftondale Square.
Town Meeting Member and committee chair Joe Vecchione said Saugus, whose current zoning codes allow buildings to be renovated or rebuilt, but not expanded, should look into adopting a zoning overlay to allow for mixed-use developments in the square — something he and other committee members say will be a crucial aspect of the square’s revitalization by providing incentive for businesses to invest in the area.
“If you read through the studies and recommendations (for the square) over the span of 40 years, a zoning overlay is in every single one,” he said, later adding: “In my opinion, mixed-use would create that 24-7 vitality that’s currently missing.”
The nine-person committee, which aims to restore the once-thriving business district that spans Lincoln Avenue, Essex Street, and Jackson Street to its former glory, was formed by Vecchione earlier this year after his article proposing it received unanimous support during February’s special Town Meeting.
Efforts to revitalize Cliftondale are nothing new. Since the 1980s, local officials have made a number of moves to entice businesses back to the square, which suffered yet another blow in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
In August, the Cliftondale branch of Webster First Federal Credit Union shuttered its doors, followed quickly by the North Shore Bank’s Cliftondale branch in September. Several local businesses, including the popular Tumble Inn Diner, One Stop Market, and a hair salon, have also recently closed, leaving vacant buildings in their wake.
While short-term rentals now fill a few of those spaces, Vecchione said in February that there’s still considerable work to be done.
“It’s hard for people to want to invest in the square with such limited options,” he said at the time.
Both Vecchione and Selectwoman Debra Panetta, who was voted the committee’s secretary Wednesday, said that in the meantime, small projects can help foster short-term revitalization, with Panetta recommending the town host community events and activities in the square, including a farmers market during warmer weather.
“We need to do something to show the businesses that we care,” Panetta said, although she and fellow selectwoman Corinne Riley added that businesses owners will also need to meet the town halfway when it comes to making the area a more appealing spot for commercial expansion.
“I don’t see businesses doing a whole heck of a lot to their buildings,” Panetta said.
The committee, which plans to hold monthly meetings until Nov. 1, will report to the next annual Town Meeting. A final report with recommendations will be issued on or before the date of that meeting.
“We have the potential to do a lot of things, it’s just about getting the necessary framework in place to do it,” Vecchione said.
