Former St. Pats Rectory site plan approved
Published on March 8th, 2006
STONEHAM, MA - With several hurdles already cleared in the zoning process, it won't be long now before a 14 unit condominium developments sits on the former site of the St. Patricks rectory at 10 Pomeworth Street.
The multi-level condo sites will have both underground parking and above-ground onsite parking with 34 total spaces - including the 14 spaces designated under the condo units.
After gaining approval from the Planning Board when the developer reduced the plan from 16 units to 14 units, Developer Thomas J. Macone of BRAMAC Development went before the Board of Selectmen for a site plan review and gained the seal of approval from the Selectmen as well.
"The purpose [of us being here] is for site plan review relating to a property at 10 Pomeworth Street. We're requesting a Special permit for a multi-family development on the former church site, and we received unanimous approval by the Planning Board for a 14 unit development," said Wakefield Attorney Brian McGrail, who was representing Macone in the proceedings. "Part of the planning board process resulted in the reduction to 14 units on the site because of density concerns. It's a testament to my client that he met with neighbors and abutters about their particular issues concerning drainage and other areas before this site plan even went forward.
"I'm proud to say there was a large number of abutters and local residents that sent letters of recommendation and petitions in to the Planning Board in support of this project," added McGrail. "That's proof of the care my client took in developing this plan, and it's really a rarity for a residential development in this day and age."
The overwhelming majority of residents at the public hearing spoke overwhelmingly in favor of the development, with many of the abutters referring to the sterling reputation of Macone and the perfect empty-nester landing pad that the development could evolve into.
"There was some discussion of other developments, but we have a lot of control over it...it's a good development for the area, it's a good development for Stoneham and I urge approval for this," said Stoneham resident and project abutter Stuart Young.
Stoneham resident Marcia Wengen requested that two or three affordable housing units be a requirement for the new development on Pomeworth Street, and "was told that the project was too small to require affordable housing units.
"You would be helping the town meet its mark with the 10 percent affordable housing requirement," said Wengen. "Consideration and discussion of affordable units would be appreciated."
The affordable housing component was discussed between Macone and the Planning Board, but the small nature of the project precluded and finance feasibility couched extended discussion concerning affordable units.
It's not under the purview of the board," said McGrail. "He [Macone] has provided affordable housing in the past, but with this project they wanted to build a development to help the town. We lost two units in the site plan process and it wouldn't be as cost effective to also provide affordable housing."
"The site is a great opportunity for senior citizens that want to stay in Stoneham and live close to the downtown area," added McGrail. "The 34 spaces exceeds the number required by Stoneham's bylaw (30 spaces) in order to create extra spaces for visitors and family. This is one of the first projects he's done in Stoneham in quite a while, and he takes a lot of pride in putting together a project in the town he's been living in for quite some time."
Selectman Tony Kennedy removed himself from the Macone development discussions pertaining to the real estate development in Stoneham, citing his employment as a real estate agent and a ruling by the Ethics Commission that, at the time-being, Kennedy shouldn't sit in on potential real estate developments.
Town Counsel Bill Solomon expected the law to change and Kennedy to again be able to sit in on residential site plans in the near future.
"It's a very archaic section of the law, financial interest of public official but are responsible for the financial interest of any business where the Selectmen is an employee," said Solomon. "The Ethics Commission is reviewing that, but based on his conversations with the Ethics Commission he's making a very wise choice."
The Selectmen approved the project and gave Macone two years to complete the project, provided he agreed to any and all recommendations by the town's department heads.
Among the recommendations by town departments included: additional drainage info, replace granite curbing, replace sidewalks, police detail, fencing around site during demo, sufficient lighting for parking lot, entrance, exit, permanent dumpster enclosure, sprinkler building, master and lock box, handicapped parking, and maintenance of the landscaping.
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