The Saugus Economic Development Committee held a public meeting at Fox Hill Yacht Club Aug. 19 to hear resident input on the future of the town’s waterfront area.
The brainstorming meeting was the first phase of the planning process for the redevelopment of the waterfront area, which includes Ballard Street from Eastern Avenue to Route 107 and Route 107 from the Belden Bly Bridge to the Revere line.
Economic Development Coordinator Bob Luongo described the area, which is bordered by both Lynn and Revere, as a “gateway” into Saugus. He emphasized the importance of public participation in the planning process for the area, which he described as “not very large but important.”
“The hard part is getting a plan in place that everyone can agree on,” Luongo said.
The room was filled with well over 100 town officials, representatives from different organizations, business owners, and residents.
“I’m overwhelmed by the turnout,” Luongo said. “It shows that the residents of Saugus are concerned about what happens with the community. I’ve been doing this for a long time and this is one of the best turnouts I’ve ever seen.”
Those in attendance gathered into brainstorming groups by table, with one person at each table chosen as the presenter.
Each group discussed the strengths of the area and the opportunities for development, as well as the weaknesses of the area and any threats that could affect development.
Some of the strengths that most parties agreed on included the strong public interest and community support for the area, Vitale Park, the connection upriver with the Iron Works, access to the Saugus River from the ocean, access to the MBTA and access to Boston.
Speakers mentioned improving views of the Saugus River and historic value of the river as strengths of the area, as well as the natural state of the area and Wheelabrator’s wildlife sanctuary as positives.
As the representative of her table Selectman Debra Panetta pointed to the improved infrastructure of the area including the recently paved Route 107 and the opportunities for recreation such as boating and kayaking as positives.
Among the opportunities for the waterfront discussed were the possibility of rehabilitating distressed properties, improving the appearance and landscaping of the area and improving infrastructure down Route 107 to spur development.
Many saw the potential to encourage small retail shops and a small fish market as ideas to explore. Others suggested building hotels and setting up restaurants in the area.
Some thought that connecting the town’s rail trail to the waterfront area could prove valuable.
State Rep. Donald Wong, R-Saugus, spoke about the potential to set up fishing and lobster businesses along the waterfront.
“We used to be the lobster capital of the East Coast… what happened?” Wong said.
Another suggestion was a casino on Route 107, which was met with a largely negative response from the crowd.
Some viewed the economic opportunity for increased property values and tax revenue for the town as a positive, while others saw increased taxes for residents as a negative.
Weaknesses of the area the groups touched on included the river’s need for dredging, distressed properties, illegal dumping and litter, flood-related issues, pollution from and the physical appearance of Wheelabrator, the cost to taxpayers, lack of parking for commuters and visitors, the current lack of restaurants and retail shops on the waterfront with the exception of a tackle shop and the lack of regional and community cooperation between Saugus and Lynn.
Another concern raised was the lack of fuel docks and other facilities to support recreational boating.
Saugus River Watershed Council Executive Director Joan LeBlanc brought up the disturbance of the natural flow of the river and elevated water temperatures from industries along the waterfront as weaknesses.
Other threats to the area brought up included flooding, traffic, the loss of wildlife, the search for funding for the project, the possibility of adversely affecting property values and the possibility of eminent domain takings.
One of the most agreed upon threats was the mosquito problem. Several groups brought up concerns about mosquitoes in the area, particularly at night.
Speaking for his group Selectman Stephen Horlick said West Nile Virus is “one of the biggest problems” in the area.
Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian agreed, saying it was important to tackle the mosquito problem so families feel comfortable coming out of their homes at night.
Some speakers expressed concern that unfavorable businesses might come in if the town established mixed-use zoning on the waterfront.
Luongo said the ideas from the brainstorming session would form the foundation for the planning process. He added that the meeting was the first step in the process of establishing goals for the waterfront area, devising a concrete plan and implementing the vision.
Town Meeting Member Jean Bartolo said the area is “long overdue” for revitalization.
“I personally would really like to see condos just like in Pickering Wharf,” Bartolo said. “Throw in studios for young artists and restaurants… the possibilities are endless.”
Horlick said he was impressed with the turnout and the fact so many residents shared their thoughts on improving the waterfront.
“I want to thank everybody that came out today,” Horlick said. “When the community gets together like this it shows they care about this area.”
Panetta also pointed to community support and involvement as one of the greatest strengths of the town.
“I was really excited when I walked in and saw the number of people here interested in the betterment of the area,” Panetta said. “People were engaged tonight.”
Other officials in attendance were Board of Selectmen Chairman Michael Serino, Selectman Julie Mitchell and representatives from the offices of state Sen. Thomas McGee, D-Lynn, and state Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein, D-Revere.
The redevelopment of the waterfront area is one of the first major projects the Economic Development Committee, which was formed in May under the direction of Town Manager Scott Crabtree, has decided to pursue, according to Luongo.
Luongo said the cost of the project depends on the plan for the area and any issues that arise as the plan moves forward.
Once a plan is developed and all the issues are hashed out there will be an opportunity to look into different sources of state and federal funds, according to Luongo.
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