ICYMI: Dexter Road Proposal: Melrose Planning Board Rejects 13-Home Development

Editor's note: This story was originally written earlier this week. In case you missed it, the story is below.

MELROSE, MA—After a 16-month process, the Melrose Planning Board has rejected a proposal to build 13 single-family homes adjacent to Dexter Road.

Patch confirmed with Melrose Assistant Planning Director Erin Zwirko Monday that the Melrose Planning Board voted against granting both the original subdivision plan as well as the slope protection permit to developer Angus Bruce during a recent planning board meeting Monday.

Zwirko told Patch that Bruce was also unwilling to compromise on a smaller project in the same area.The Melrose Free Press also reported that Mayor Rob Dolan wrote a letter to the board opposing the plan.

“Is there a risk involved on my part? Of course there is. But we can’t be bullied as a community,” Dolan told the Free Press. “We also are very educated as to what our risks are in terms of 40B, and our answer is that in no way can the infrastructure in that area fit what he wants to do. We are protected under the law.”

Bruce also argued that he could build a 165-unit affordable housing complex under Massachusetts Chapter 40B laws, in the event of his proposal being rejected. However, Zwirko said that a Chapter 40B project is currently not on the table.