MAPC says Norwell properties are ‘ripe’ for development

Dec. 19--Representatives from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council are working with town officials to better utilize Norwell's commercial properties and to help reduce the tax burden for homeowners.

MAPC representative Josh Eichen recommends Norwell "implement a 43D designation" in the case of some of the town's Accord Park Drive properties to "streamline permitting and increase priority for MassWorks and brownfield grants."

In Norwell's Economic Growth Plan, three Accord Park Drive properties were being considered by the MAPC, 98, 101 and 68 Accord Park Drive.

98 Accord Park Drive is a former Nissan Dealership, 101 Accord Park Drive is a vacant office space and 61 Accord Park Drive is a fully leased industrial building.

All three of these properties, according to MAPC, are "ripe for investment and redevelopment."

During a meeting in July with Norwell selectmen, MAPC also suggested Assinippi Park as a potential space for growth, however now it seems that with a lack of properties for sale in this area and the current vacancy rates not in line with regional trends, MAPC recommends not pursuing redevelopment here.

Queen Anne's Plaza is believed to hold potential with a mix of residential and commercial properties, according to MAPC.

From MAPC's research, the Queen Anne's site is "low rise commercial development, with a total of roughly 150,000 sq. ft. of commercial space", with 17 acres and 691 parking spaces with commercial business currently on site.

"The recommendations are for the town to look at engaging a 43D growth district for Accord Park as well as looking at reforming the existing zoning in the industrial park as a means of upfitting Class B, Class C office spaces that are under performing in the area," Eichen said.

He went on to say that MAPC recommends looking at Queen Anne's Plaza as a strategic growth site to accommodate housing for future workers in the area.

MAPC recommends the town update its zoning laws to create an "incentive for redevelopment of under performing office properties."

They propose a reduction in parking and/or open space requirements in town as well as adding an additional height density to make these spaces more attractive for commercial properties.

MAPC is suggesting that Norwell put the Accord Park Drive properties toward strictly commercial use while Queen Anne's Plaza be geared more toward a mix of residential and commercial.

According to Eichen, "Bringing new development to Queen Anne's Plaza would provide much needed housing diversity to Norwell and provide additional tax revenue for the town."

The goal would be to generate 20 percent tax revenue out of Norwell's existing commercial properties so as to eventually be able to lower the residential tax rates for Norwell property owners at a later date.

Town officials have been working with MAPC on this project since the first quarter of this year.

Follow Kate Walsh on Twitter at @MarinerKate.

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