P.B. does not recommend apartment building permit
Published in the August 15, 2018 edition
By JILLIAN STRING
LYNNFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing concerning the Bali Hai property at 160 Moulton Drive was postponed at the August 7 meeting until the next meeting on September 11.
Ted Regnante, the attorney representing developers Mathew and David Palumbo, requested a continuance from the ZBA, citing time constraints as a major factor.
“The reason for the request is that you have a pretty lengthy hearing this evening for Boston Clear Water, which according to counsel could take a couple of hours, and the Bali Hai hearing will take, at a minimum, two to three hours,” Regnante said. “There will be a lot of people who want to speak in opposition as well as people who want to speak in favor of, and for the sake of continuity, we’d like to have that take place during one evening if possible.”
Regnante’s request came one day after Planning Board members voted 3-2 in favor of a motion recommending the ZBA not grant a special permit pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Lynnfield Zoning Bylaws to allow a change in use from the current nonconforming use (restaurant) to another nonconforming use (apartment building) at 160 Moulton Drive.
The Palumbo brothers propose to convert the Bali Hai restaurant into a 14,000 sq. ft., 32-unit luxury apartment complex consisting of 24 two-bedroom units and 8 one-bedroom units.
Because the property lies within a Residence A District for single-family housing, the ZBA must grant a special permit for any structure other than a single-family dwelling.
Concerns have been raised by neighbors regarding potential increases in traffic and crime, as well as the impact on the school system.
The requested continuance will extend the ZBA hearing date to September 11, and extend the ZBA decision date to November 30.
