The Zoning Board of Appeals is reviewing a revised affordable housing development proposed for the corner of Broadway and Clinton Street, which now includes fewer units—all at affordable rates.
The ZBA narrowly rejected a 42-unit mixed residential project at 1001 Broadway (the Midas site) late last year. That original proposal had included nine market-rate units and enhanced access to the Mill Creek waterfront, with the board’s decision focused on creating more homeownership opportunities in Chelsea.
Following the controversial denial, the Suffolk County Land Court remanded the case back to the ZBA with a revised plan in hand.
At Monday’s meeting, the ZBA considered the new version of the development, a collaboration between the Traggorth Companies and The Neighborhood Developers (TND). According to Dave Traggorth of the Traggorth Companies, the revisions were designed to respond to the board’s and neighbors’ concerns. “Our goals have not changed,” said Traggorth. “It is to create affordable homes for Chelsea residents and to
provide public access to Mill Creek.”
Key changes to the $15 million project include reducing the unit count from 42 to 38, converting all units to affordable housing, and removing the fifth story that had been planned on the Broadway side. The ground-floor commercial space from the original proposal has been eliminated as well.
“We have reviewed the plans based on the ZBA
recommendations, and the commercial space will now be a community room,” Traggorth said.
Special permits are needed for the project due to lot coverage slightly exceeding city limits and parking that falls short of requirements. The development will provide 42 parking spaces against a city requirement of 52.
Thirty-one of those spaces will be open to the public for Mill Creek access between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Additionally, Traggorth noted the developers will contribute $15,000 toward intersection improvements nearby.
TND Project Manager Steve Laferriere stated that the reduced unit count and removal of commercial space will result in less parking and traffic impact compared to the initial proposal.
District 3 City Councillor Joe Perlatonda, whose district includes the project site, remains opposed, pointing to recent development activity that threatens to worsen parking and traffic conditions. He characterized the existing parking and traffic situation around Broadway and Clinton Street as already problematic for residents and warned that the Traggorth/TND project would exacerbate these issues. Perlatonda suggested the city explore alternative uses for the property, including a new public library near Mill Creek.
During the public hearing, however, most speakers voiced support for the creation of much-needed affordable housing in Chelsea and commended TND’s track record in developing safe, modern affordable units. A recent affordable housing lottery attracted over 3,000 applicants for 34 units, with more than 1,200 applications from Chelsea residents.
“There is a clear need for affordable
housing as rents continue to go up in the Chelsea area,” said resident Sandy Maynard.
City Manager Tom Ambrosino reiterated his backing for the TND/Traggorth partnership. “The number one complaint I receive as City
Manager from residents is the lack of affordable housing,” said Ambrosino.
While acknowledging traffic and parking concerns, Ambrosino argued that project impacts must be balanced against benefits, and that the affordable housing benefits at Broadway and Clinton favor moving forward.
State law prevents developers from restricting affordable units to Chelsea residents only, though the developers indicated they would maximize the number of units available to Chelsea residents where possible.
The Planning Board will consider the project at its March 26 meeting, followed by a return to the ZBA on April 9 for a possible vote, according to ZBA Chair Janice Tatarka.