LYNN – Ward 2 City Councilor Obed A. Matul said Thursday he will vote against a proposed six-unit multifamily housing development on Western Avenue after hearing concerns from attendees at a neighborhood meeting.
The meeting, held at Grace United Methodist Church, focused on a proposal to redevelop the business-zoned parcel at 30-32B Western Ave., formerly occupied by the Proodian & Sons rug cleaning and weaving business. The property was recently purchased by Singh Realty Group, LLC.
Thursday’s meeting came after the City Council voted June 23 to continue a public hearing on the proposal until its next meeting. Attorney AJ Capano of Capano & McGloin LLP, who represents Singh Realty Group, requested the continuance after the developer failed to post the correct hearing date on a public notice at the property.
Matul voted in favor of the continuance, a decision that frustrated some Ward 2 residents.
Throughout Thursday’s meeting, residents raised concerns about traffic along Western Avenue, parking for future residents, pedestrian safety, construction impacts, and whether the proposed building would fit the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
Resident Anne Bowen said she researched both the proposal and Singh Realty Group and found what she described as several concerns.
“One being that this same developer has two other very profitable projects, which is fine in the city, but I think the city can push back on this particular lot, which is a problematic area,” Bowen said.
Several residents who live on Manning Road and nearby side streets echoed Bowen’s concerns, saying they already experience delays turning onto Western Avenue, whether traveling toward Boston or Salem.
Bowen also said the proposal would move the building more than three feet closer to the street, reducing sidewalk space and creating what she believes could present additional safety concerns for pedestrians.
Resident Travis Alpert said approving the project at the Aug. 4 City Council meeting despite Matul’s opposition would be like opening “Pandora’s Box.”
He said his concerns centered on the project’s effect on the neighborhood and his belief that the building’s design does not fit the surrounding area.
“It doesn’t mean that because it’s in a gateway that you can throw something up that you think looks polished and not representative to the rest of the neighborhood,” Alpert said. “That’s a priority preference that I think is out of order… and having these micro units is not going to be conducive to people that are going to build roots and stay in the neighborhood.”
Bowen agreed, saying she does not believe the proposed building is compatible with nearby properties.
“This sucker goes straight up and down, three floors. One right after another. Some people might consider it a nice design. I don’t consider it at all in keeping with the neighborhood,” she said.
Bowen also said the former Proodian & Sons business fit the character of the neighborhood and did not create traffic problems or lead to parked cars spilling onto nearby streets such as Manning Road.
She further argued that because the proposed units are not designated as affordable housing and would need to sell for at least $600,000 each to cover construction costs, the project would not address what she believes Lynn needs most.
Residents also asked where construction vehicles would be staged if the project is approved Aug. 4. No answer was provided during the meeting, and neither Matul nor other city officials said whether construction vehicles would remain on Western Avenue or use Manning Road.
Resident Eileen Scalise said she did not expect Matul to change his position.
“We didn’t think we’d turn him around, but this is quite a crowd,” Scalise said. “He seemed to think this was the only thing that was going to work before. That was the impression we got, but I’m glad he listened to us.”
Matul said hearing from those in attendance influenced his decision.
“In the meeting today, there was not one person who supported this project, and we had 60 people,” Matul said. “So, I’m doing the right thing by representing the people.”
