The Everett Redevelopment Authority (ERA) recently edged closer to the dramatic revitalization of Everett Square. The ERA announced that Chestnut Equity, Di Girolamo Companies, and Legacy Building and Development Corp. will advance to the final round of the redevelopment of the Square.
The redevelopment includes 36 Norwood St., a 1-acre municipally-owned parcel in the heart of downtown and is the first step in realizing the Everett Square Urban Renewal Plan (URP). Earlier this year, the URP was passed by the Everett City Council and the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Mayor DeMaria said, “I commend the members of Everett Redevelopment Authority for their efforts to move our city forward and their thoroughness in reviewing these outstanding proposals. This is a game changer for Everett Square.”
On July 1, 2019, the City of Everett’s Planning and Community Development Department, on behalf of the ERA, released a Request for Interest (RFI) to solicit interest for the redevelopment of the 100-space municipal parking lot located at 36 Norwood St. with the potential for an additional acre of privately owned land. Five proposals were received in response to this RFI.
The developers who submitted proposals were: Chestnut Equity, Di Girolamo Companies, Equity Residential, Legacy Building and Development Corp, and Sacro Development.
On November 7, after interviewing all five development teams, the ERA voted to advance three proposals to the final selection round. These teams selected are invited to submit a more detailed proposal, due in spring of 2020. From there, the ERA will recommend a proposal to the City.
Proposals were advanced on criteria that were in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan. The criteria includes: affordable housing, community and open space, mixed-use high density development (ground floor commercial, retail, restaurants, etc.), fostering a vibrant streetscape, adequately addressing public parking needs, proven track record of exceptional development projects, and effort to retain or partner with existing businesses.
Everett Redevelopment Authority Chairman David Ragucci said, “I applaud the mayor’s vision in addressing the redevelopment of Everett Square, with affordable housing, community space, and retail. This will be the catalyzed for future development for our downtown.”
On November 12, the Everett City Council was provided an update on the URP and 36 Norwood St Redevelopment. The Council voted to refer the matter to a sub-committee, which will convene on December 2 at 6 p.m.
The City of Everett does reserve the right to not select a final developer at this time if there is not a proposal that adequately meets the selection criteria.
City of Everett
Office of the Mayor
Carlo DeMaria, Jr.
484 Broadway
EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS 02149 PHONE 617-394-2270 Fax 617-381-1150