A 40B proposal to build a senior living building at 40-42 Endicott St. was unanimously passed during last Monday’s Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
Board members praised the developers, The Residences at Endicott LLC, for their revised proposal. Representing the developers at the meeting was attorney John Smolak, who presented a downscaled plan compared to the one first put in front of the ZBA over two years ago.
This original proposal was met with severe backlash and an appeal from residents for its large size that would overburden the neighborhood even further than it already was.
Now, with changes including lowering the number of rooms from 68, two to three bedroom units to 42 one bedroom units and an access location on Berry Street instead of Endicott Street, the applicants have already seen a significantly more positive reception.
At the meeting, Attorney Smolak requested for the ZBA to “determine that these changes are ‘insubstantial changes’ for the meaning of the Chapter 40B regulations”, an ask that went through with ease.
Chief of Community Development Curt Bellavance gave the board his perspective on the revisions.
“The owners of the project came to us several months ago talking about changing the project. We liked what we heard,” said Bellavance. “They’re reducing the units, it’s going to be senior housing, they’re coming in from the rear of the property, they’re adding more landscaping… all around we’re very happy with this.”
Bellavance also added that while all financing will be done through the state as this is a 40B project, the Community Development Office has earmarked $400,00 over two years to be used for building of the Endicott Street housing through its HOME program.
ZBA member Chris Gilbert praised that all 42 units will now go into the Subsidized Housing Inventory compared to the previous number of 17 units.
“That’s a big one,” Gilbert said. “Great presentation. Great project. I grew up in this neighborhood. I know for 55, 58 years, that building’s been disgusting. I can’t wait for this project to break ground.”
Councillor-at-large Anne Manning-Martin expressed her satisfaction with the revised plan, highlighting how these changes are “an all around win for the city and this neighborhood.”
“This agreement has drastically reduced water consumption, traffic, wear and tear on our roads and infrastructure,” said Manning-Martin. “All while providing needed affordable housing for seniors.”
