SAUGUS — Over the past few months, the Zoning Board of Appeals has hosted meetings involving a new project which would consist of 40B apartments being placed at 961 Broadway, 999 Broadway, and 39R Forest Street. As the public hearing process nears a close, locals continue to state their opinions on the matter.
At the latest meeting, the Board heard from multiple parties, including LDS Consulting Group, which is in charge of the project.
The Board also heard from Attorney Dan Hill, who was hired by the Malden Anglers to assess the situation as their land could be affected by the construction of the apartments.
“I want to address three major problems that we have with this project … that relate to sort of this fungible thing going on here with the site,” Hill said.
He continued, saying he saw zoning issues at the site. He also said he and the Malden Anglers had a hydrologist looking into how the project will directly affect their pond.
“As you all know, what’s being proposed here is lot 20. … It’s 8 acres. It’s the project site, but it’s also the office building and the parking garage,” he said.
Hill noted that the developer is proposing to carve off the 40B component and have a remainder lot, which includes the office building and the parking garage.
“That’s all well and good as long as doing this doesn’t create any new zoning violations with respect to the office building,” he said. This has been a consistent discussion over multiple meetings, with a major highlight being parking.
Hill also mentioned that there needs to be at least 25% of open space, which they currently have. However, his question was: Will they still have that after the new lot line is created?
“I don’t know. None of us knows that unless the engineer does the calculation and gives it to you stamped on a plan,” he said.
The parking discussion has remained focused on whether there are enough parking spaces with regard to the zoning district and the hotel that will be sharing a parking garage with the apartments.
LDS Consulting’s attorney stood to respond, saying in relation to the environmental impact, the plans have been reviewed by both an outside group and the town. He also responded to the parking issue.
“The project complies with the Business Highway Development district. All of the underlying zoning we comply with,” he said. “Nothing is changing as it relates to the hotel. Currently, the hotel leases 125 spaces. We haven’t changed anything related to their project, their site, or their easements.”
Principal of LDS Consulting Group Lynne Sweet said they’ve been very careful looking at parking.
A Saugus resident then approached the mic, hoping the board had heard back from the fire department on whether a pump truck or a ladder truck would be reaching the property.
There was no answer to the question yet, but the consulting group has reached out to the department and is waiting for a response. LDS’s attorney emphasized that they will be meeting the requirements necessary.
Chair of the Board Thomas Traverse asked if lots A and B had been created yet.
“With regard to lot A and B, we do have a lot line plan where we petitioned the land court to deregister the land,” Sweet said. Whether or not we’re actually going to do a lot line plan or condominiumize, we don’t know. We’ve put it on paper.”
Board of Selectmen member Michael Serino approached the microphone to make a statement before the end of the meeting.
“Just a final comment. I’ve been to most of the meetings. … My position really hasn’t changed from when I got up to speak several months ago. The project is, in my opinion, way too dense for that area, and I’d like you to look at the height when you do your conditions. … Maybe lower the height of the buildings,” he said.
Town Counsel Jesse Schomer noted that if the Board feels as though they don’t have sufficient information to make a decision, they can request the applicant get an extension of time. He said it was up to the Board to decide.
The next meeting has been set for July 14.
