Broad Street Development Returns to Planning Board
Churchill James presents plans for 77 residential units and commercial space; Planning Board also reviews Central Square project
BRIDGEWATER - May 21 - A new mixed-use development featuring 77 residential units and 6,400 square feet of commercial space is being proposed for 70-86 Broad Street in Bridgewater. The project, presented by Churchill James Development at a recent Planning Board meeting, aims to conform with the town's form-based code for the Central Business District.
The development includes three buildings with primarily one-bedroom apartments and ground-floor commercial space designed to attract quality tenants to the downtown area.
"The project is entirely parked on site, has a dedicated fitness area, lounge, co-working spaces, premium landscape hardscape, and premium lighting package," said Bob Cormier, representing Churchill James Development during his presentation.
This isn't the first iteration of the project. Since the initial submission, developers have decreased the number of bedrooms by about 16 percent, increased the commercial space by 10 percent, and completely redesigned the exterior of the buildings.
"We took public comment into account. We re-examined the design standards particularly in the frontage buildings in the form-based code and were very intentional in making these changes," Cormier explained.
The updated design incorporates mansard roof lines and significant brick accents on the facades that tie into existing buildings around Broad Street and the town common. The landscape design includes brick inlays in the sidewalk and over 800 linear feet of landscape stone wall on the north side of the property.
Todd McDonald of Crocker Design Group presented the civil engineering aspects of the project, noting that the site would include 129 parking spaces – 31 in a garage and 72 outside – meeting requirements for both commercial and residential units. Additionally, 11 spaces along Broad Street would add parking value to the area.
The development would improve stormwater management on the site, which currently has no treatment systems in place.
"Based on the elevations of the site, we did have one catch basin that we weren't able to connect to the system. But what it is is a water quality unit which reduces the TSS (Total Suspended Solids) and basically treats it," McDonald said. "All the pavement and roof areas are being treated through the infiltration and detention systems."
Jeff Carrol from JTA, the architecture team, explained that the parking garage is an open-air podium structure at grade level, eliminating ventilation concerns while providing ADA-compliant spaces and proper emergency access.
Planning Board members raised several questions about the project, including snow removal plans, traffic management, and commercial deliveries. The board decided to continue the discussion to a special meeting on May 28 to finalize their recommendations. The project was also reviewed by the Conservation Commission on May 22.
The Planning Board also continued review of a proposed redevelopment at 43 Central Square, where an existing manufacturing building would be converted into a mixed-use building with six units. This project has been under review since November and faces complications regarding right-of-way access.
The main concern involves clarifying legal rights to a 20-foot right-of-way that provides access to the property. Board Chair Patrick Driscoll expressed frustration that the correct deed information had not been provided despite multiple requests.
"I just want to make sure that when we do something, we're not setting the town up for a lawsuit. We're not creating an environment that's hostile between the abutters with lawsuits that we get sucked into," Driscoll said. "I just want to make sure that we have the correct information to vote on."
The applicant, Jim Balsamo, maintained that his deed clearly establishes his right to unobstructed access.
"My deed clearly states that I have a 20-foot access. Clear as it couldn't be more clear," Balsamo said.
However, abutter Donna Jewell claimed that Massachusetts law allows for gating the right-of-way as long as access is provided through a key or passcode.
"I did not say we're going to do that, but it is an option and it is one we are definitely considering because of the safety aspect," Jewell said.
The board continued the Central Square hearing to June 4, requesting that the applicant provide a legal opinion addressing the right-of-way concerns.
In other business, the board received a preliminary presentation for a 40-unit senior housing village development on Pleasant Street. The project, presented by Larry Silva of Silva Engineering Associates, would be the first under the town's new Senior Housing Village ordinance.
The board expressed support for the concept and will continue review at their June 4 meeting after gathering feedback from other town departments.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater.
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