5.27.2020 Planning Board

The Fall River Planning Board met on May 27, 2020, to consider an amendment to the city's Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) zone and conduct regular business. Board Member Cynthia Sevigny opened the meeting with a roll call noting board member Gloria Pacheco Ferreira Andrade was absent. The primary agenda item concerned a proposed material amendment to the City of Fall River Central Market Housing Development Zone and Plan requested by J&K Realty LLC for the property at 1168 Highland Avenue, the historic Adams House.

Ken Fiola, Executive Vice President of the Bristol County Economic Development Consulting Group, presented the project on behalf of J&K Realty LLC, a partnership between BayCoast Bank and Bob Karen. Fiola outlined plans to rehabilitate the 1898 historic Adams House into 32 to 34 housing units, including 9 workforce housing units priced at $1,228 per month (80% area median income). The development plan also preserves four subdivided single-family residential lots that received prior zoning variances, with deed restrictions planned for the Highland Avenue lot to protect neighborhood character. Fiola detailed the project's financial requirements, including an estimated $500,000 for asbestos remediation, and explained the need for HDIP state and local tax credits. Following board questions regarding parking capacity, unit sizes, and housing demand, the Planning Board voted to approve the amendment and forward it to the City Council.

The board subsequently reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes from its February 24, 2020 meeting. With no participants offering public comment, the board voted to adjourn.

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