SAUGUS — Chair Anthony Cogliano said the Board of Selectmen’s site visit at Kowloon Restaurant this past Saturday went well.
The site visit comes at a time when the board is considering a special-permit request from the owners of Kowloon, the Wong family, who are seeking to build two six-story apartment buildings on the property. A special permit is required in this location for any building above four stories.
“The developers and the Wongs have answered all of the neighborhood’s concerns,” said Cogliano. “The neighbors are in agreement with their plan and I hope it moves forward.”
If the selectmen approve the project, the Wong family would be cleared to construct a 90-unit apartment building with a restaurant on the first floor, and another structure with 40 apartments on the Route 1 site, according to the family’s attorney, Richard Magnan.
At last weekend’s site visit, the board requested more information from the engineer on the project, said Cogliano; he is hopeful that this information will be presented during the Board of Selectmen meeting on Feb. 15.
“As I understand it, this project will continue the Wongs’ legacy in operating the Kowloon Restaurant,” said Selectman Jeff Cicolini.
Cicolini said Bobby and Stanley Wong attended the neighborhood meeting and said that they are invested in the proposed project.
In response to a question from Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta, the developers said they are planning for a majority of one-bedroom apartments in the two buildings.
Cogliano said Kowloon — which was established by the Wong family in 1950 — has been a great neighbor to the town. He anticipates that the proposed development on the site will offer a glimpse into the future appearance of Route 1.
“They have certainly been one of our biggest assets to the town,” said Cogliano. “Not only the business, but the quality of the people that own the Kowloon — the entire Wong family — they have been phenomenal. They are always here for people in Saugus.”
Cogliano said the Wong family is looking to downsize their restaurant business because their children want to take their careers in a different direction. He expressed support for the project, describing the proposed development as “first class,” and praised the family for their efforts to engage the neighborhood before seeking approval from the board.
He said that this project is representative of other housing developments that are taking place on the North Shore, citing similar projects that have been occurring in Lynn, Peabody, Revere, and Danvers.
“It’s just a change,” said Cogliano. “Route 1 is going to look different. I would imagine the mall is going to be gone sooner rather than later and that property is going to look a lot different too. We’ve got to get ready for the future.”
