City Manager Tom Ambrosino indicated that the proprietors of the former Forbes Lithograph property situated on Mill Hill are expected to submit a development proposal to the City in the coming months, potentially as soon as this summer.
A Chinese company had previously put forward an ambitious campus plan featuring high-rise buildings, a hotel, and more than 1,000 residential units across multiple phases with a single access point through the adjacent neighborhood. This proposal faced strong opposition from residents and elected officials throughout the City.
That initiative dates back several years. Since then, the ownership has remained quiet while preparing a revised proposal with more modest dimensions.
“fblikebutton_button”
According to Ambrosino, the new development could potentially proceed by right, which would eliminate the need for reviews or public hearings before moving forward.
The unit count would be substantially lower than what was originally proposed, and the density would be considerably reduced, he noted.
The district’s parking standards require two spaces per unit, however, which could present challenges for the developer to meet without a variance. Should a parking variance become necessary, this would trigger the review and hearing process.
The question of site access remains unresolved.
Ambrosino had previously emphasized the importance of exploring access options via a bridge spanning the Chelsea Creek from Revere. He had stated that he and the City would not endorse any proposal lacking this access route.
“My guess is perhaps they’ll be in front of us this summer,”
Whether this requirement still applies to the smaller project anticipated to be proposed is currently unclear.