Excitement and Concern Raised During Landing Apartments Public Hearing

Residents and business owners told the planning board Tuesday night they are excited for a proposed development on the Braintree side of the Weymouth Landing but have concerns about the project.

During the public hearing, the board heard issues ranging from disagreements between the developer and current tenants on buyout offers, the potential of using local labor, parking, traffic, and building design.

But beyond concerns was an optimism that the proposed revitalization of the landing would be good for Braintree.

A $30 million mixed-use project developed by Joshua Katzen of Heller Property Management LLC, Landing Apartments would feature 172 apartments, 12,000 square feet of retail space, 237 parking spaces, and access to the East Braintree/Weymouth Landing MBTA Station according to a fact sheet from the meeting.

“We think it’s a good long-term project, we think it’s something we’ll keep for decades and full,” Katzen said.

The two-acre project would be located at 19, 19A, and 37 Commercial St.

The apartments would consist of 32 studios, 61 one-bedrooms, and 79 two-bedrooms.

198 of the parking spaces would be inside the building, 39 outside and 11 existing spaces are in Weymouth.

Despite the push to revitalize the landing, some hurdles remain. Mark Bourbeau, an attorney representing the restaurant Trio, said the developers have yet to make a fair deal to his client, telling the board that the offer would not cover up the startup costs for the establishment that opened up last fall. According to Bourbeau, Trio essentially controls the building they occupy at 19 Commercial St., possessing an eight-year lease.

According to Krazen, there are three tenants in the Landing he has yet to reach an agreement with but is working to reach a deal.

“It’s a small part, they put a substantial amount of money into it and they deserve to be compensated,” Bourbeau said after the meeting.

Kay Lorenz, who operated Craft Beer Cellar located at 28 Commercial St., said she supports the project 100 percent.

“Personally, we just bought a house 400 feet from the store. We’re interested in seeing something that can benefit the area where we live and work,” she said.

Many construction workers and representatives also spoke, urging the developer to use local labor from Braintree.

Town and board officials at the meeting gave their endorsement to the project, eager to bring development to the area.

“This is transit-oriented development, I can tell you there are a lot of young folks that would be happy to jump on the commuter rail for work. This will be an ideal time for Braintree and Weymouth to work something out,” Town Council President Thomas Bowes said.

Planning Board Chairperson Robert Harnais also complimented the project, expressing his hope that any issues with the tenants can be worked out.

The board’s review of the proposal will continue at their August 18 meeting at 9 p.m.

Photo: A rendition of the Landing Apartments from Tuesday’s meeting.