Saugus Receives $15,000 Technical Assistance Grant for Chapter 40B Training, Consultation Services
(Saugus, MA) January 15, 2019 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce that the Town of Saugus has secured a $15,000 Chapter 40B Technical Assistance Grant from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) to engage a technical consultant to assist with and advocate for the Town and its residents with the proposed Saugus Ridge affordable housing development project at 170 Broadway.
The Town of Saugus researched and applied for funding assistance through MHP’s 40B Technical Assistance Grant program when Saugus Ridge developer Toll Brothers Apartment Living submitted a Comprehensive Permit Application for the proposed four-story, 300-unit apartment complex last year. This was submitted under State Statute Chapter 40B, which enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.
Last fall the Town was awarded the grant, which provides support to Zoning Boards of Appeal in reviewing applications for Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permits. With this funding, Town Manager Crabtree and the Zoning Board of Appeals engaged and hired Professional Engineer Joe Peznola of Hancock Associates, Inc. to act as the Town’s consultant and assist with the review of the proposed Saugus Ridge development.
Peznola hosted a training session for members of the Saugus Zoning Board of Appeals and Town employees at the end of last year. Peznola provided attendees with a plethora of information, explained the entire 40B development process, discussed next steps and strict deadlines, and shared his insights on how to run a meeting with a 40B developer. Peznola has and will continue to assist the Town of Saugus and the Zoning Board of Appeals throughout the entire development period, attending meetings and providing continued consultation services.
As a Professional Engineer, Peznola has 28 years of experience in land development and 20 years of experience working with Chapter 40B developments. He has performed technical peer reviews for many communities throughout Massachusetts. Peznola’s services include technical review of engineering issues, providing assistance in interpretation of regulatory requirements, assistance in drafting conditions of approval, review of construction documents prior to Building Permit for adherence to permit conditions, and assistance in overseeing construction.
“I would like to thank the Massachusetts Housing Partnership for their technical assistance support, which has already been and will continue to be of great benefit to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Town staff. This support will allow the Zoning Board and Town employees to be prepared, knowledgeable, and to better advocate for the residents of Saugus throughout this development process,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “I would also like to thank the Zoning Board of Appeals for their assistance in securing this grant, and Mr. Peznola of Hancock Associates for providing his Chapter 40B expertise.”
Peznola has provided his in-depth knowledge of regulations and policies in numerous 40B Development projects. In addition, Peznola was a member of the Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals for 20 years, during which time he was involved in numerous Comprehensive Permit applications.
The Town and Zoning Board of Appeals have also hired legal counsel from Anderson & Kreiger, a prestigious Boston-based law firm that specializes in 40B projects.
“The goal is to provide the resources and technical assistance to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Town of Saugus, so that our Zoning Board of Appeals members can make informed and educated decisions on what’s in the best interest of the residents and the Town of Saugus when it relates to this proposed 40B project,” concluded Town Manager Crabtree.
For more information, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.
About The Town of Saugus
The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.
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