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Politics & Government

Cedar Park Condos at 185 Essex St. Close to Approval

Planning Board asks developers to address a few cosmetic issues and provide updated landscaping plan

Discussions are moving forward on a proposed 16-unit condominium development at 185 Essex St. near the stop.

Developers met with the Melrose Planning Board on Monday night to review their site plan to demolish the current building and build a four-story complex in its place.

"The building [now] is currently the eyesore of the neighborhood," said local realtor Kimberley Kaufman. 

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The proposed 16-unit condominium would have feature 14 two-bedroom units and two one-bedroom units on-site.  Two units will be offered as affordable housing.

There will be 26 parking spots in total for the development, which was a concern of one resident attending Monday night's meeting. However, several Planning Board members said that the development's close proximity to public transporation should address any parking concerns.

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"There's a market for people who are looking to right size," said , who is the attorney representing the developers, McGrath Enterprises. Bell said that residents who have more than one car will likely look for other housing options.

Most of the changes to the project will address cosmetic issues. Several Planning Board members asked to see updated landscape plans, lighting projections for the parking lot, and more detail about building signage and the front facade of the development at the next Planning Board meeting.

The project has been granted a continuance until the next Planning Board meeting on Aug. 22, where the board members will likely vote on the project if cosmetic issues are fully addressed by the developers.

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