SALEM — On Thursday, state environmental authorities will host two virtual public hearings for a planned development of an apartment building at 75 North St., in an effort to gather information to be used in their decision on whether to grant the project a Waterways License.
The project consists of a four-story, 60-unit apartment building between 75 North St., 2 Commercial St., 3 South Mason St., as well as adjacent portions of North Street and Commercial Street rights-of-way.
In addition to the residential building, the proposal by 75 North Street LLC includes plans for ground-level parking, improved waterfront access, a public walkway, new public open space, and utilities within tideland areas of the North River. Ten percent of the units will be priced at 60% of the area median income.
Currently, the 75 North St. property is occupied as office space by architecture firm R. Rumpf & Associates, Inc, while 2 Commercial St. is occupied by a shop for Bill’s Towing Company.
In November 2023, the project received zoning variances from the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals. The site is in the North River Canal Corridor Neighborhood mixed-use district and the applicant received permission for only 742 square feet for parking where 3,500 square feet would typically be required based on the number of units; one parking space per unit rather than the required 1.5 spaces per unit; and a variance from having to provide separate entrances for each unit.
A special permit was also granted by the Planning Board for multifamily residential use, which is required for such developments in the district.
The project has already undergone most of the required local permitting, but still requires a Waterways License under Massachusetts Chapter 91, the MassDEP Waterways Regulation Program. Due to the proximity of the North River, the development has to comply with state regulations to ensure public access to the waterway is maintained. Regulations require developers maintain continuous walkways and paths along the water’s edge, as well as signs showing where the public is allowed to walk.
Construction is anticipated to begin this fall and wrap up next summer. The apartments are slated to open in fall of 2027.
The virtual hearing Thursday will be held at 2 and 6 p.m. Register via 06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZuStfIFdT0-KVe6zNgl26g and us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fLH4MzXuT–A9XAF0CaNLQ.
The deadline for public comments is Sept. 7. Comments can be mailed directly to MassDEP Waterways Regulation Program c/o Don Giard, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, BostonStreet, MA 02114.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202