32 units proposed on Millis two-acre site

MILLIS - MassHousing has issued a Project Eligibility (or “site approval”) determination for the proposed “Bridge Street Terrace” development at 34 Bridge Street under Chapter 40B. The project proposes 32 rental housing units on a 2.1-acre site, with at least eight units restricted as affordable in accordance with program requirements. 

The letter is dated Jan. 20 and is available at www.millisma.gov. 

The lot is located mid-way between Main Street/Route 109 and Dover Road, and currently includes a house, outbuildings, a large yard holding construction and landscape materials, and spans the distance between 20 Bridge and 34 Bridge Street. 

This state’s determination allows the applicant – listed on the letter as “Bridge Street Terrace, LLC…Attention: Michael Lenahan” in Needham - to proceed with applying for a Comprehensive Permit from the Millis Zoning Board of Appeals, but does not constitute final design approval or a financing commitment.

During its review, MassHousing conducted a site visit and considered input from municipal officials and community members. 

Municipal concerns included emergency access and fire protection, traffic and pedestrian safety, stormwater management, water and sewer capacity, drinking water quality, open space availability, and landscaping and environmental protection. There has been some work done on the site and “the Municipality demands that no other land altering action take place on Site without approvals from local boards and commissions,” according to the determination. 

Community concerns were similar and included the scale of the project in a neighborhood of mostly single-family homes, increased traffic, pedestrian safety, and possible impact on private wells. 

MassHousing found the project “generally eligible” under the requirements of the program. It would be subject to final approval and continued compliance with state and federal regulations. The applicant will be expected to address identified concerns through the ZBA public hearing process, engage in good-faith coordination with local boards and departments, and provide detailed studies and mitigation where appropriate. Final approval from MassHousing will be required prior to construction or issuance of a building permit.

According to the town website, if residents have questions or comments, they should contact Robert Weiss, Economic Development & Planning Director at [email protected].