Braintree Planning Board To Host South Shore Plaza Apartments Hearing

BRAINTREE, MA — There are four public hearings scheduled for Wednesday's Braintree Planning Board meeting, but one is certain to get more attention than the rest.

According to the board's agenda, a public hearing is scheduled for the Residences on Granite development, which would see a 495-unit apartment complex built in a lot near South Shore Plaza.

The measure has been the subject of much controversy, with both local politicians and residents speaking in opposition to the idea, which is being pitched by Florida developer Zom Living.

At the Town Council's Feb. 7 meeting, one council member voted not to refer the matter to committee even, though they were overruled by the remainder of the board.

Mayor Charles Kokoros told The Patriot Ledger that the amount of density the development would bring to the area is "extreme" and that he and other members of his office "do not see this as favorable to the town."

Yet, the matter will be discussed during a public hearing on Wednesday.

According to the agenda, the discussion will include a proposed zoning map and zoning ordinance amendment, which would allow for the creation of a planned unit development (PUD) district.

According to the town's zoning ordinances, a PUD district provides "a greater degree of flexibility for the development of large tracts of land which provide residential, commercial, and business activities on the same parcel of land in a planned, controlled environment."

Effectively, the district makes way for mixed-use zoning, and whatever processes need to happen alongside whatever use that particular development would need to operate.

Street layouts will also be presented for Bonnieview Road, Silver Road and portions of Lakeshore Drive, which could give residents a picture of what the development in the area could mean for the flow of traffic and redevelopment of the proposed area.

Though plans are still being rolled out and presented, there are some details reporting has brought to light about the project.

Banker & Tradesmen reports that the apartment complex, called The Residences on Granite, would include 180 senior living apartments. Parking would be on the lower levels of the two five-story apartment buildings, according to the report.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that the developer has reached an agreement to purchase the lot for the buildings from Simon Property Group for $20 million.

Boston.com reports that if the development clears both Town Council and the Planning Board, the company plans to break ground sometime in 2024 with a completion date slated for 2026. The development would feature two buildings, both five stories, and both for residential use.

One would be an over-55 community with 180 units, the other would include 315 units, Boston.com reports.

On Wednesday, Planning Board members will begin discussing what could be the most crucial part of this project, as the new zoning permit is a clear hurdle that needs to be cleared for the development.