FORMER UNIVERSAL STEEL SITE
This site, currently a city-owned parking lot, sits directly behind some of the most historic houses in the city. In response to the city’s Request for Proposals (RFP) neighboring FW Webb submitted a proposal for a new warehouse and showroom on the site.
HSI has several concerns.
The first is that the size of the building is too big and will overwhelm the adjacent neighborhood and that the site plan puts heavy trucks next to residential properties. Both conditions will negatively impact property values; a preservation concern, because property value influences the care that homeowners give their historic buildings.
HSI is also concerned because the design does not contribute to the entrance of the city nor to the pedestrian comfort of this main road.
Finally, the needed changes to the zoning, in order for this project to be legal, continue an alarming trend in the city of zoning by developer, rather than following a long term vision determined by the community for overall benefit.
For more details on our concerns read, HSI letter to City Council and Planning Board – Jan 2016 (download pdf)
For two opinions on the desirability of the proposed project read, Globe North article, February 19, 2016 (which includes an opinion poll if you are so inclined).
Salem News has extensive coverage of this issue. (Search “Webb Bridge” at salemnews.com.)
HSI has several concerns.
The first is that the size of the building is too big and will overwhelm the adjacent neighborhood and that the site plan puts heavy trucks next to residential properties. Both conditions will negatively impact property values; a preservation concern, because property value influences the care that homeowners give their historic buildings.
HSI is also concerned because the design does not contribute to the entrance of the city nor to the pedestrian comfort of this main road.
Finally, the needed changes to the zoning, in order for this project to be legal, continue an alarming trend in the city of zoning by developer, rather than following a long term vision determined by the community for overall benefit.
For more details on our concerns read, HSI letter to City Council and Planning Board – Jan 2016 (download pdf)
For two opinions on the desirability of the proposed project read, Globe North article, February 19, 2016 (which includes an opinion poll if you are so inclined).
Salem News has extensive coverage of this issue. (Search “Webb Bridge” at salemnews.com.)