Mayor Kokoros Touts New Development In 2023 State Of Braintree Address

BRAINTREE, MA — It could be a big year for Braintree, with a number of big projects and proposals in the works already.

On Wednesday, Mayor Charles Kokoros made his annual State of the Town address. Video of that event is now live on YouTube, courtesy of BCAM TV.

Kokoros began the event by addressing ex-military and military families, touting a tax exemption rolled out in 2022 for Gold Star families.

The meeting was hosted at 400 Wood Rd., a new life sciences building that will welcome its first new tenant in Integra.

He also stated that Braintree received the first payment of $1 million from a new electronic billboard on Wood Road, and will continue to collect revenue totaling $2.5 million over the next 20 years.

Redevelopment of Braintree was a major topic of discussion in the early parts of Kokoros address, with the initial stages of redevelopment at 60 Columbian St. also touted.

Kokoros said the first steps were taken in 2022. The lot is now permitted for "flexible research and lab space" along with other uses.

The redevelopment will include areas of open space, recreation and publicly accessible trails, as well as Braintree's first dog park.

Kokoros also spoke on the groundbreaking of the new Tri-Town Water Treatment plant, but didn't address a recent work stoppage at the site, which was prompted by the discovery of Native American artifacts.

Patch has reached out for comment from Braintree officials, but has yet to receive an update.

The project at Allen Street was also addressed, with Kokoros touting the funding received from Braintree and the future of additional housing.

Additionally, the area will feature a new beautification element.

"The public will also have the ability to enjoy the waterfront site from a new public riverwalk available to all, and accessible to everyone," Kokoros said.

Watch the full address below: