Boards Approve Another SDOD on Walden St

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

In a joint meeting, the Town Council and the Planning Board voted to grant to the owners of 15-17 Walden St. a Special Development Overlay District (SDOD) designation intended to rehab or reuse a property that no longer is serving its original use.

Unlike other SDOD properties that have been recently approved, developers have shared some idea of what the project might entail. The Planning Board will work with the owner Jack Anderson and his attorney David McCool.

“It’s obsolete from its intended use,” McCool said.

The site used to house Anderson’s business Muffintown until 1999. Then is was rented out to a cross fit gym. Several months ago Anderson proposed condominiums. Now he is waiting to go before the Planning Board with his plans.

“It’s in a residential area and we’ll develop something the neighborhood likes,” McCool said, adding with the help of the Planning Board it will determine what is in  the best interest. The building has 14,000 square feet. “We will continue to maintain, shovel, etc.”

The Planning Board previously approved an SDOD (Special Overlay Development District) for the former nursing home at 142 Pleasant St. and then the Town Council approved.

The former Gov. Winthrop Nursing Home on the corner of 142 Pleasant St. and Woodside Avenue, has been abandoned for more than 10 years and under discussion for development for at least seven years.

The purpose of the SDOD is to reuse what is already there without tearing it down, the redevelop and reuse, and enhance the value of the property. Two good examples of this type of zoning are The Arbors, which was the Winthrop Hospital and the Dalrymple School which was turned into condos.

Several people stood in favor of SDOD designation for 15-17 Walden St. included eel estate broker Jim Polino who said the building was a perfect building for condominiums.  Former town council Peter Gill said he favors the project and looks at Walden Street as a gateway. Mike LeCerto, with Swett’s liquors, also spoke in favor of the SDOD. Michelle Costello said she favors the SDOD. No one stood up too speak against project. Councilor Paul Varone, who lives on Hermon Street said fewer people oppose this designation. In the past several SDOD applications have been met with neighborhood opposition.

“I’m just trying to do the right thing,” Anderson said.