GA Blog: Smart Growth

6.15.11 Hamilton Looks into Smart Growth Opportunity

The Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle recently reported that Hamilton is looking into the possibilities of working with a local “smart growth” developer, Genesis Planners, Inc. The developers specialize in projects that focus on “locating development near existing town centers, facilitating walking, limiting sprawl, yet preserving open space and utilizing existing infrastructure.”

“Our research indicates that the majority of households in the U.S. are made up of one and two people,” said land developer Dan Gainsboro. After studying the work of a well known smart-growth architect, Gainsboro saw potential for his Hamilton lot and based his plans around one project in particular that consisted of 2-3 bedroom cottages.

Upcoming plans include Gainsboro and a real estate attorney to “assist” the Town with local cottage bylaws. The local planning board will be holding public meetings June 14th and 28th.

Read the entire Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle article.

6.1.11 MBTA Bus Route Coming to Danvers and Possibly to Beverly Commuter Rail Station

The Beverly Citizen recently reported that a new MBTA bus line may be coming to Danvers and possibly the Beverly Depot commuter rail station. The proposed route would focus on several stops throughout Danvers, as well as the North Shore Community College.

The MBTA had once offered a similar route, however, it was cancelled in 2002 for low ridership. State Rep. Ted Speliotis (D-Danvers) believes that the new route would be a success due to new developments and expansions at Danvers State Hospital, Conifer Hill, and the North Shore Community College.

The bus would also have stops at the Essex Agricultural and Technical School, Saint John’s Preparatory School, Essex County Corrections in Middleton, the Danvers Group Home, CAB Health Services on Middleton Road, Danvers Plaza and Beverly Hospital at Danvers.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

3.16.10 Smart Growth Development in Newbuyport/Newbury

The Daily News is reporting that after a few years of being on hold, talks are back on between the MBTA, Newburyport and Newbury for a mixed use, retail and residential development which would be known as Little River Transit Village.

The MBTA recently notified Newburyport of their intent to release 4 surplus parcels of their property around the commuter station in an effort to encourage Newburyport and Newbury to create a Chapter 40R Smart Growth Overlay District, which has growing in popularity across the state with nearly 30 cities and towns approving such plans around commuter rail facilities.

To read more about Chapter 40R Smart Growth, please click here.

Read the entire Daily News article.

12.2.09 Smart Growth Affordable Housing with Retail in Downtown Haverhill

The Eagle Tribune reported that construction has begun for redeveloping the Charles Hayes Building on Granite Street in downtown Haverhill, near the train station.  The Boston Archdiocese's nonprofit Planning Office for Urban Affairs is converting the old factory to include 57 one- and two-bedroom homes — 33 apartments that will be reserved for low- and middle-income renters, and 24 that will initially be rentals and then converted to condominiums within 5 years. 19 of the condos will be sold to middle-income buyers and 5 will be market-rate units.

This is the third major factory-to-housing conversion in downtown Haverhill; the first that will feature retail space on the ground floor. The developer's agreement with the city calls for 3 retail businesses on Granite Street, which faces the Washington Street train station and is across from the Railroad Square property, where the city is building a $10 million parking garage this summer.

The property at 14-44 Granite St. is actually two historic mill buildings — a six-story building that was constructed in 1894, and a seven-story addition built in 1911. Various manufacturers set up shop in the buildings over the years, including an electrical equipment maker, photo finisher, and millwork producer.

According to the article, Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini said the city's adoption Chapter 40R – smart growth - played a major role in the agency choosing Haverhill for the housing project.

The city used the law to create a 53-acre zone downtown where building housing is faster, easier and potentially less costly than outside the zone. Proposals in the district are no longer subject to reviews by multiple city boards and they cannot be stopped by the City Council. Under the old zoning rules, proposals to convert large factories to housing required a special permit from the council. Now, a housing proposal in the zone only needs to meet pre-approved design standards and undergo a review by the council.

The Granite Street project is the 2nd large housing development since the council approved the 40R district. The other is the $75 million, 305-unit Hamel Mills Lofts by Forest City Enterprises of Cleveland. The $39 million, 146-unit Cordovan complex on Locust Street was the 1st of the large factory-to-housing conversions.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

10.7.09 MBTA Commuter Rail Garage in Salem

The Salem News reported that a parking garage at the MBTA station near downtown Salem will soon become a reality.  The parking garage will be 6 stories and accommodate between 750-900 parking spaces.  Governor Deval Patrick announced that the garage will be built from a combination of state, federal and local funds, and is estimated to cost between $40-45 million.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll called the planned garage "phenomenal news” and described the  commuter rail parking garage as the "piece de resistance" on Bridge Street, which will also feature a redevelopment of the former jailhouse, the planned Senior Center, and the state's slated upgrades to Bridge Street, blocks from the new Essex County Courthouse complex.

As part of the MBTA's plans, the train station would include a lobby area with room for a newsstand and small coffee shop, a new train platform, improved handicapped access, and new sidewalks with better access surrounding the site.  It is estimated to be completed by 2011.

Read the entire Salem News article.

9.30.09 Haverhill Parking Garage

The Salem News has reported that with final approval of $1.7 million from the state, Haverhill plans on beginning construction on a $10 million parking garage that is expected to include at least 3 levels and between 350- 450 spaces.  Haverhill has secured about $500,000 in private financing and the federal government has committed $7.8 million for the development.

The parking garage, which is being built at 57 Granite Street, just off Railroad Square, is to be operated by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority.  According to Mayor James Fiorentini, construction is expected to begin in May or June 2010 and take about 18 months – estimated opening in late 2011.

 Read the entire Salem News article.