Neighbors Oppose Over-55 Condos In Braintree

BRAINTREE, MA — Neighbors objected to a proposal to build 48 condominiums for people over 55 at Liberty and Grove streets at a community meeting Tuesday.Developer George Clements, who owns the property, wants to build a four-story building for the units with the first floor to be used for parking. The two-acre property is the site of the former Sunoco gas station.

Around 70 to 8o residents came out to the meeting, including several neighbors, who said they were worried the condominium complex would add too much traffic to what is already one of Braintree's busiest intersections. They also objected, arguing the building had too many units and wouldn't fit the already existing neighborhood.

District 6 Councilman Timothy Carey told Patch about ten residents have contacted him regarding the proposal, and only a few have said they are in favor of building a 55 and older complex at this location.

"I share in the concerns about traffic and the scale and would like to work with the developer to discuss the need for mitigation if we can make it a win for the residents," Carey said.

Clement told residents the plans for the property are subject to change and he's willing to work with the community, but ruled out building single-family homes, or leaving the property as is, the Patriot Ledger reported. He said he's given the town several options for the property, including building a Cumberland Farms last year, but every proposal has been met with a no. Clement went on to argue there is a need for this type of housing for older residents who want to downsize, as there's currently no 55 and older housing in Braintree.