Plans for apartments at South Shore Plaza withdrawn

BRAINTREE − ZOM Living has withdrawn its request for a zoning change that would allow the developer to build apartments on a corner of the South Shore Plaza property.

The decision came after the 3-2 planning board vote Aug. 8 not to recommend the creation of a planned unit development zoning district for the project.

When first proposed in January, the development on a section of the mall's parking lot included two five-story buildings with a total of 495 apartments: 315 market-rate units and 180 in a building designated for tenants age 55 and older.

The plans were downsized twice, first to 400 units in two buildings and then to a single, four-story building with 290 market-rate apartments. The age 55 and older units were eliminated in the final proposal.

Jim Dunlop, managing director for ZOM Living, said the $100 million development would have increased the town's tax revenue and created more housing options. But the plans faced opposition from residents led by the North Braintree Civic Association, which labeled the proposal a "monster development."

"ZOM sought out and incorporated feedback from the community to create a vision for a world-class residential development in Braintree," Dunlop said in a statement. "ZOM heard frequently throughout this process that this location is ideal for such a development."

Proposal was part of a trend, ZOM says

During hearings on the proposal, ZOM representatives pointed out that residential developments next to shopping malls are becoming commonplace around the country. Nearby examples include Hanover Crossing, University Station in Westwood and Legacy Place in Dedham.

"ZOM is confident in the value that this project would provide to the Braintree community beyond tax revenue and is disappointed that some chose to overlook those benefits due to predispositions against multifamily development," Dunlop said.

"We remain grateful to the Braintree community, the planning board and the town council, especially those who recognized the value of this project and supported us through the process."

Residents said the multistory building would loom over the neighborhood and the adjacent Flaherty Elementary School and was incompatible with the nearby single-family homes. It would also bring increased traffic to the neighborhood.

Braintree neighbors 'ecstatic'

Kelly Moore, the president of the North Braintree Civic Association, called the decision a victory for residents.

"The residents in the neighborhood and around Braintree are ecstatic," Moore said. "I've yet to hear from one disappointed resident."

He said the problem from the beginning was the proposed development's location near a neighborhood of single-family homes. He said the plan could have worked in a different location.

"It is pretty impressive how the people turned out for this," he said, referring to residents who attended the meetings on the proposal since January. "Kudos to the people for hanging in there and being solid in their opposition."

ZOM plan called 'improper' by opponent

Moore said he and his group have been labeled anti-development, but said they are against "improper development," which is what they felt the ZOM proposal represents. He said they know their fight is not over.

He said Braintree residents don't want the kinds of development now taking place in Quincy or along Route 18 in Weymouth.

Under the town charter, the planning board makes a recommendation to the town council on zoning changes. The council makes the final decision, with a two-thirds majority required for approval.

More: Norfolk DA slams false narratives, harassment in murder trial over death of Braintree man

Melissa SantucciRozzi, the town's director of planning and community development, advised the board to recommend against the zoning change "based on the absence of a larger, more comprehensive plan for the whole South Shore Plaza property."

By withdrawing without prejudice, ZOM does not have to wait two years before resubmitting the proposal, a waiting period set by state law.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Developer withdraws plans for apartments at South Shore Plaza