July 2021 – Mugar Update

The next ZBA hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, July 13, starting at 7:30 pm, to continue discussion of the Comprehensive Permit for Thorndike Place on the Mugar land in East Arlington

At two previous hearings in June, the Applicant presented revised plans for 12 townhouses as ownership units facing Dorothy Road and the main building to include 124 rental units for senior independent living, but no assisted living units as had been proposed in an earlier plan.

Additional information has been requested by the ZBA from the Applicant and from the Housing Authority and Fire Department to address numerous parking, public health, and safety concerns raised by this type of specialized housing. To date only limited new information is available on the ZBA Thorndike Place website or on the July 13 agenda.

Please register in advance for this Zoom meeting; you will receive a confirmation email with instructions about joining.

Please send your comments and concerns about this proposed project to the Zoning Board at zba@town.arlington.ma.us. The hearing process may be closing soon, so it is important to share your concerns with the ZBA members as they deliberate their decision and the conditions to be placed on the Comprehensive Permit for this project.

Arlington Land Trust continues to advocate for the permanent protection of the Mugar parcel as conservation land. The site is subject to regular and significant flooding, and is a critical stormwater buffer for the surrounding and downstream neighborhoods of East Arlington.