Image courtesy of city of Medford
Medford officials will consider whether to rezone properties at and around the MBTA’s Wellington station to comply with the MBTA Communities law encouraging multifamily development near transit.
The area around the Orange Line station in the southeastern corner of the city is the only rapid transit spot capable of yielding the potential 6,443 housing units required under the MBTA Communities law, according to a memorandum from the Office of Planning, Development and Sustainability. Medford also has Green Line stations at Ball Square on the Medford-Somerville border and Boston Avenue at Tufts University.
Medford City Councilor Zac Bears said the Wellington overlay district is likely a precursor to a larger citywide rezoning recommended under a comprehensive plan submitted in January.
“To be honest, it’s a pro forma response to a legal requirement,” Bears said. “Over the next two years, we’re going to be rezoning citywide based upon the comprehensive plan, and hoping to come back to this area and make zoning changes that reflect the dynamic changes we want to see in that neighborhood.”
Last year, eight developers submitted preliminary concepts for large-scale developments on 28 acres of air rights parcels owned by the city at Wellington station, including one by Greystar for 1,450 housing units.
The proposed Wellington Station Multifamily Overlay District encompasses the MBTA station and Station Landing properties, parcels located north of Revere Beach Parkway off Middlesex Avenue and River’s Edge Drive and a retail plaza on the Fellsway.
The zoning proposal allows construction of 5-story multifamily buildings by-right. Developments would be eligible for height bonuses allowing up to 9-story buildings as a trade-off for including such features as active ground-floor space, affordable retail space for nonprofits and small local businesses, exceeding the existing minimum affordable housing requirements, and Net Zero Emissions building standards.
The city’s Community Development Board began its review of the proposal Wednesday and will resume a discussion on Dec. 6, Director of Planning, Development and Sustainability Alicia Hunt said.
One major housing proposal is already in the works in Wellington at 99 Revere Beach Parkway, which includes an office building. The Medford City Council recently approved Criterion Development Partners’ petition to rezone the 4.5-acre parcel from industrial to multifamily.
The City Council will open a public hearing on the MBTA Communities overlay proposal Dec. 12.
