The Melrose Messenger

Board of Appeals Continues Discussion of Proposed Summit Ave Development

This week, the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) continued their discussion of the proposed development at 34 & 55 Summit Ave in the Melrose Highlands.

Congregational Retirement Homes to Expand to Green Street Baptist Church Building

Last week, Congregational Retirement Homes purchased the Green Street Baptist Church building, which came up for sale after the congregation closed its doors last year.

Developers Preview Plans for Historic Benjamin Lynde House Site

On Monday evening, the Historical Commission heard a presentation from developers who are purchasing the historic Benjamin Lynde House on Main Street about their plans for the property.

City Council Approves Demolition Delay Ordinance

On Monday evening, the City Council approved a demolition review (“demo delay”) ordinance that will involve review by the Historical Commission any time a property owner proposes to demolish more than half of a building that was built in or before 1899.

Uncertainty in Highlands As More Development Moves Forward

In the Melrose Highlands, where much of Melrose’s upcoming development is clustered, residents are concerned about the impact of this new development on the quality of their lives.

Demolition of Caruso’s Building Begins Redevelopment of Key Main Street Location

After years of sitting shuttered and vacant, 681-697 Main Street, better known as the Caruso’s Pizza block, was razed this fall to make way for new development.

New Swains Pond Ave Sidewalks Make Area Pedestrian-Friendly

Last month, the city’s Department of Public Works used funds from a state Complete Streets grant to add sidewalks to one side of Swains Pond Avenue. The project added sidewalks to one side of a narrow stretch of roadway with several blind curves.

New Plans for Caruso’s Building Go Before Planning Board

A long-awaited plan to redevelop 681-697 Main Street, better known as the Caruso’s building, was presented to the Melrose Planning Board last Monday evening, July 28th. The plans call for a four-story mixed-use building.

Melrose Rail Corridor Development is Driven By State Housing Law

Melrose residents are likely to soon see more apartment buildings going up along Melrose’s rail corridor, after the ZBA approved one 50-unit building near the Cedar Park commuter rail station and appears likely to approve another 60-unit building near the Melrose Highlands commuter rail station.

554-556 Franklin Street Development Under Zoning Review

Plans for a new development at 554-556 Franklin Street in the Melrose Highlands went before the city's Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) last week. The developers plan to build a five-story apartment building featuring 60 units, which would be a mix of one, two, and three bedrooms, along with 45 covered parking spaces on the first floor.

Demolition Begins on West Wyoming Site

Demolition work has begun on the site of 31-39 West Wyoming Avenue, which is slated to be developed as a four-story, 27-unit residential building with commercial space on the ground floor. The project will replace a one-story commercial building that has been vacant for some time.

Construction Begins on Intersection of Lynn Fells and Melrose Street

This week, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which is responsible for maintaining the Lynn Fells Parkway, began work on a project to redesign the intersection of the Lynn Fells Parkway and Melrose Street.

City Council Looks at Road Safety Concerns on Franklin Street and Citywide

This week, the City Council heard from city officials about what the city is doing to address road safety concerns, particularly on Franklin Street. The Franklin Street corridor, from Main Street down into Stoneham, is an area of concern for many residents and has seen multiple crashes in the last few months.

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52-Unit Apartment Building To Replace Prestige Car Wash On Tremont Street

The Planning Board met to discuss the site plan for a five-story, 52-unit apartment building to be built on the site of the Prestige Car Wash on Tremont Street. The Planning Board will vote on whether to approve the plans at their next meeting on March 24th.

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Zoning Changes to Allow Accessory Dwelling Units Under Discussion By City Council and Planning Board

Last August, Governor Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act, which requires all cities and towns in Massachusetts to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in all areas that are zoned for single-family homes.

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Planning Board Presents Zoning Recodification to City Council

The City Council and Planning Board met together to discuss a proposed recodification of the city’s zoning ordinance, initiating the process through which the modified code can be adopted. The goal of this recodification is not to alter the zoning map or requirements, but instead to simplify, clarify, and modernize the zoning ordinance as a whole.

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76-Unit Development on Essex Street Under Discussion

The city’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met to consider the application for a 76-unit apartment building at 164 Essex Street. The site is currently an overflow parking lot for Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, and sits next to the commuter rail tracks and the Residence at Melrose Station.

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