Big changes planned for Redstone Shopping Center
Published on March 2nd, 2005
STONEHAM, MA - The source of much scrutiny over the past few fiscal years, the vacant shops and storefronts dotted throughout the Redstone Shopping Plaza might find new inhabitants, if a proposed overhaul of the commercial property receives state and town approvals.
Scheduled to appear before the town’s Conservation Commission on March 15 for the relocation of three stream culverts on the Main Street commercial center, representatives for the plaza’s Boston-based proprietors, S. R. Weiner & Associates, Inc., reportedly filed plans in Town Hall early this week proposing the demolition of four buildings.
"They’ve been talking about doing this for a couple of years now. I haven’t seen the plans, but I heard about it this morning. It’s going to be a complete reconstruction," said Board of Selectmen Chairman Cosmo Ciccarello.
Represented locally by Main Street’s law firm Cicatelli and Cicatelli, calls to S.R. Weiner & Associates Inc. were not returned for comment as of press time. And although an attorney with Cicatelli and Cicatelli confirmed that demolition plans had been submitted to Town Hall earlier this week, Steve Cicatelli, the project’s primary legal representative, was vacationing and also couldn’t be reached for comment.
However, according to documents provided by the Planning Board, which will discuss the project at its next meeting, the proposed overhaul will redevelop nearly 312,000 square feet of retail space by demolishing the site’s vacant Ground Round, Ames, and Eastern Bank buildings.
Although not officially confirmed by the document — as it only discusses redeveloping the building — the fourth building slated for destruction would purportedly be the existing Shaw’s Supermarket, according to several town officials familiar with the project.
"The proponent proposes to demolish approximately 114,650 square feet of retail/restaurant space, including the existing Ames Department Store, and re-construct the retail shopping center to include a 72,000 square foot supermarket, 10,880 square foot pharmacy with a drive through, and 33,885 square feet of retail space," the Planning Board documents read.
"The resulting shopping center will include about 311,450 square feet, approximately 1000 square feet smaller than the existing center. The existing supermarket will be converted to retail area once the newly constructed store is opened," the project summary continues.
While plans revealing the exact orientation of the buildings under the proposal weren’t available for public review at the Building Department, Planning Board member Kevin Dolan recalls that the renovations will result in the existing Shaw’s supermarket moving into the Ames Building and the site’s CVS Pharmacy shifting over to the Ground Round.
In addition, the Shaw’s supermarket building will be developed into new retail space while Eastern Bank will relocate down Main Street to the old Zuke’s Restaurant building.
Before any construction commences at the project, a laundry list of federal, state, and local approvals must first be obtained, including:
Local
*A Planning Board special permit
*Selectman site plan approval
*Conservation Commission order of conditions
State
*Executive Office of Environmental Affairs MEPA certificate
*Massachusetts DEP water quality certificate
*Mass Highway access approval
Federal
*Environmental Protection Agency pollution discharge system permit
*US Army Corps of Engineers approval
According to Stoneham’s Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sharon Iovanni, the renovations, if approved, would be a great financial boon for the community.
"I would say my feeling is any changes that create new opportunities for small businesses to flourish are good changes. I think people are eager to see something happen down there and we’re all anxious to see more vitality in that section of town," said Iovanni.
"With what’s down there, a lot of buildings have been vacant for a long time. I know there have been plans in place for a while, and I’m glad their ready to move forward," the Stoneham resident added.
Agreeing with Iovanni, Selectman Tony Kennedy, who has long followed the status of the shopping center, welcomes the financial incentives a well-designed project would bring to Stoneham.
However, concerned about the long-term benefits of the project, the Selectman also hopes that the construction overhaul will bring in retail businesses interested in leasing the storefronts for the long haul.
"There’s been so many different versions [for renovations down there] that I’ve heard about. So I’d really have to see them first before commenting specifically on the proposal," Kennedy said in a separate interview.
"But I’d say it’s about time. I’d like to think that the moves they make this time are more permanent, because Redstone has a reputation of moving in businesses for a little while that then move out. So hopefully it’s not this trans-am sort of business," the Selectman added.
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