44 Housing Units Planned At Former Braintree Electric Plant

BRAINTREE, MA — Two development companies proposed building 44 apartment units and a public walkway along the Monatiquot River at the site of the former generating plant for the Braintree Electric Light Department.

If permits for the project are approved, Winn Development, of Boston, and Arch Communities, of Needham, would buy the property from the town for $1.5 million. The property has been vacant for two decades, and Mayor Charles Kokoros said he's excited to revitalize Allen Street, where the former plant resides.

“I am so excited that we have chosen this project that will recreate this industrial site into a beautiful and vibrant addition to the East Braintree community," Kokoros said. "This is the beginning of a new Allen Street that will be recreated and has been reimagined."

Nicole Taub, the chief of staff to Kokoros, said there were five groups that submitted proposals, and after a selection committee reviewed the proposals, the town allowed applicants to bid on the property, with the two firms earning the winning bid.

In Winn Development and Arch Communities' joint proposal, the firms said the site is "ideal for responsible development and community enhancement." It would consist of 44 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, Eleven of the units would be set aside for affordable housing for tenants who meet income requirements.

Some apartments would go in the former plant's switch house, and a new story would be added to the building for 12 two-bedroom apartments. The remaining units would go in a new building next to the existing plant. Every unit would have its own enclosed parking space, with additional parking for tenants and guest outside.

The administration building and the pipe house would be demolished, although parts of the buildings will be reused. Those buildings were deemed not suitable for housing because the administration building is in poor condition and the pipe house has too many problems with flooding.

The project also calls for a 20-foot wide boardwalk along the river with benches and lights.

Members of the ways and means committee supported the proposal. At-Large Town Councilor Charles Ryan said the proposal is great news for Braintree. District 2 Councilor Steven Sciascia also was happy to see progress made for development at the former plant.

"We've been talking about this for years," Sciascia said.

Prior to approval, the project would have to go through the permitting process in 2021 with construction estimated to be completed by late 2023.