[MassHistPres] Developer using 40B to advance development in LHD

[Robert Busch]

A couple of years ago in Bolton we had a 1728 house that was in real 
danger of being lost to a conventional (not 40B) development of around 
15 homes. Perhaps surprisingly the requirement for affordable housing 
actually was key to saving the house.

To meet the Town's affordable housing goals, our Planning Board required 
that the antique home either be redeveloped into two units of affordable 
housing, or that the Developer make a bylaw-mandated contribution to the 
Affordable Housing Trust. Using this requirement and the additional 
leverage of our demolition delay bylaw, the Historical Commission was 
able to work with the Developer to secure the redevelopment alternative 
such that the house was preserved and its two affordable units completed.

Happy to provide additional details.

Bob Busch

Co-Chair Bolton Historical Commission

On 1/19/2021 6:14 PM, Ward Hamilton wrote:
> In 2019, the Melrose Historical Commission led a coalition of 
> concerned residents that opposed the demolition of the oldest 
> commercial building (ca. 1875) in the downtown local historic 
> district. The Historic District Commission unanimously rejected the 
> application and all was well for the moment.
>
> Since then, the developer has filed a 40B application and has a 
> hearing before the Melrose zoning board of appeals next Wednesday 
> night, January 27th.  What can be done at this point? Anything? I'm 
> guessing that they still need to acquire permission from the ZBA for 
> certain variances, is that the only bargaining chip left?
>
> The mayor, city planner and city councilor (whose ward this is in) all 
> support the project.  So there's no support to be found there.
>
>
>
> Ward Hamilton
> Chairman
> Melrose Historical Commission
>
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