ZOM Living, the developer behind the proposed residential development at South Shore Plaza in Braintree, has revised their plans once again in response to strong opposition from the community. The new plans, which will be presented to the planning board, include a reduction in the number of units from 495 to 290.
Originally, the development called for two five-story buildings with a total of 495 apartments, including 180 units designated for tenants over the age of 55. The first revision reduced the number of apartments to 400. However, due to the significant opposition from the community, ZOM Living has decided to further reduce the number of units to address the concerns raised.
The revised plans now consist of one four-story building with a total of 290 apartments. This reduction in height has helped to spread out the building and create more green space on the property. The developers also plan to increase landscaping efforts, especially along the area where the shopping mall property borders Flaherty Elementary School. To separate the building from the school, a berm reaching as high as 13 feet and topped with evergreen trees will be built.
In addition to adjusting the number of units, ZOM Living has made changes to the parking situation. The new plans include 442 parking spaces within the building to accommodate residents and their vehicles.
Jim Dunlop, managing director for ZOM Living, stated that these changes have been made in response to the feedback and comments received from the planning board. The apartments in the development will range from studios to two-bedroom units with dens, with rental prices reaching up to $3,000 a month.
Despite these revisions, the proposed development continues to face opposition from various community members, with lawn signs against the project appearing in nearby neighborhoods. North Braintree Civic Association President Kelly Moore stated that he could only support a development that conforms to the town’s current zoning, which would allow for 72 apartments.
ZOM Living is seeking the creation of a new planned unit development district, called the Residences on Granite, for the project. This zoning change requires the approval of a two-thirds majority of the town council, following a recommendation from the planning board.
The planning board is set to meet to discuss the revised plans on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and a public hearing on the matter will also be held. The developers hope that these revisions will address some of the community’s concerns and pave the way for future development at South Shore Plaza.
Overall, the revisions to the residential development plans at South Shore Plaza aim to strike a balance between meeting the housing demands of the area and addressing the concerns raised by the community. With the reduction in units and increased green space, ZOM Living hopes to find common ground with the community and move forward with their proposed project.
