T
he Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) continued its discussion on a proposal to redevelop the Boardwalk Real Estate property off Main Street into a mixed-use project with 15 apartments. At their recent meeting, CPDC members received a letter from attorney Brian McGrail, representing Boardwalk's principal Jim Jolly, requesting a continuance of the public hearing. McGrail stated that his client was still addressing comments made during the initial public hearing and needed more time to formulate a response.

    The CPDC voted unanimously to continue the proceedings until February 10. Before the vote, member John Arena expressed some questions about the project after watching a video of the initial public hearing, but Chair John Weston suggested it would be inappropriate to discuss concerns with the petitioner absent. The applicant's need for a special permit is also in question due to Town Meeting's approval of a zoning bylaw allowing multi-family housing complexes in downtown areas.

    The redevelopment plan involves demolishing the existing office building and replacing it with a new four-story structure, featuring 717 square feet of commercial space on the ground level and 15 apartments above. The project would provide 20 on-site parking spaces, including nine under the residential units and 11 along the rear property line. Access to the building would be via Park Avenue.

    The proposed mixed-use development includes nine one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom apartments, each with exterior balcony and roof deck features. The applicant's goal is to continue operating Boardwalk Real Estate at the location for generations to come.