MELROSE, MA — Officials appear welcoming of a massive redevelopment proposal near Oak Grove, but as one of the last few major development spaces around, some want it on the city's terms.
Many residents and officials are skeptical of how much the proposed project at 99 Washington St. — better known as the Marty's Furniture building — would benefit the existing community. The Oak Grove Mill would bring 141 residential units and the tax revenue that comes with whoever fills those. It would also add more cars and an increased burden on the sewage infrastructure — a particularly touchy subject for those within flushing distance of Brazil Street.
The project also doesn't appear to be expecting retail space, though a study for retail demand is underway, a representative of the developer said.
It's what Ward 5 City Councilor Shawn MacMaster said would be a "lovely place to call home" — for those who live there. For the rest of the Lower Washington Street area, he struggles to find what they're getting out of it.
"My job is to advocate for the best interests of the neighborhood," MacMaster told Patch. "The proposal put forth by the developers offers no tangible benefits to residents living in the immediate area or to those who travel to and from Oak Grove Station every day. "
MacMaster said he isn't necessarily opposed to the project — in fact, he looks forward to working with the developer "to come up with something better for Melrose."
An attorney for the developer echoed MacMaster's hope for collaboration, saying he appreciated the feedback at a lengthy public hearing Monday night.
"We took detailed notes and endeavor to address their concerns, and we are confident neighborhood input will result in an improved project," David Lucas said, though he didn't specify what those improvements might be.
Lucas said an in-house analysis shows "no negative impacts on the City's sewer system." A DPW report is expected soon.
The area's main sewer line was installed in 1905. An idea to install a "slip line" was met with skepticism from MacMaster, who said the city should demand a new main.
"The estimated daily discharge of over 15,000 gallons of additional raw sewage is a clear and present danger to a neighborhood that has already experienced a sewer disaster," he said Monday.
Members of the Melrose Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and Melrose Energy Commission made suggestions to the Planning Board that would help the project "become the crown jewel" of an area that has seen its share of multi-story residentials in the past several years.
"This project represents one of the last opportunities for Melrose to implement the true vision of the Smart Growth District," the letter read.
Among the suggestions were less parking spaces and more bike storage. Current plans call for 172 off-street parking spots, which some see as excessive considering the proximity to Oak Grove.
Lucas said a traffic study revealed the impact would be a 1-2 percent increase along the Washington Street corridor.
While MacMaster and others consider the city in a position to dictate terms, one area it appears to lack leverage in is affordable housing.
Several officials who responded to Patch, including the mayor, acknowledged imperfections but noted the importance of the proposed 19 affordable units in supporting the project.
"I am pleased the project is largely consistent with our master plan in that it is walking distance from Oak Grove and helps us meet our affordable housing objectives," Mayor Paul Broduer said, while adding he hopes the Planning Board and developer take the neighborhood concerns into account. "I hope we as a city do not miss this opportunity to move forward to make progress on these important goals."
At-large Councilors Chris Cinella, Leila Migliorelli and Jack Eccles were in the same boat.
"I think this development presents an opportunity to help alleviate the lack of affordable housing in Melrose," Migliorelli told Patch. "As we move through the public process, I'm hoping the developer will remain open to feedback on ways to make this a more sustainable and accessible development, encourage the use of public transportation and address impacts on the surrounding neighborhood."
At-large Councilor and State Rep. candidate Kate Lipper-Garabedian was more pointed in her response.
"I've long said that Melrose must maximize our small business potential," she said. "Like my colleagues, I am concerned that the proposal on Lower Washington does nothing to diversify our municipal revenue sources and misses an opportunity to take advantage of our Smart Growth zoning approach and the benefits that come with it."
Shawn MacMaster's 99 Washington Street Remarks:
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Washington St. Development Must Bring More To Melrose: Officials - Melrose, MA Patch
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