Serving Eastern Massachusetts
Properties
Boxford
37.8 Acres on Washington St., Boxford, Mass.
Unique Features:
Wetland Restrictions- both State and Local
61A Restriction Town of Boxford
New England Power Lines
Gas Line Easement
This property was sold as a single family development to a New Hampshire developer. We were able to have the subdivison designed in such a way that all the above criteria were met, including securing cooperation from New England Power, the equestrian society, and National Heritage.
In this case, the town exercised its option under 61A and purchased the property at full price after a purchase and sale agreement had been signed by the buyer and seller.
North Andover
24+ Acres on Boxford St., North Andover, Mass.
Unique Features:
Endangered Species
Poor Soil for Septic
Cost of Zoning Compliance
Vernal Pools
Heritage Foundation
This project closed in 2015. It is comprised of 24+ acres of residential zoned property located in one of the nicest sections in North Andover. However, due to the cost of complying with current zoning and conservation regulations, the property was functionally un-developable. However, by combining the subject property with abutting parcels we were able to successfully design and market the combined site into a 10-unit residential subdivision.
Beverly
10 Acre parcel on both sides of Standley St., 51, 52, 44, Standley St., Beverly, Mass.
Unique Features:
Chemical Contamination
City Required OSRD
City ROW Through Property
Well-Funded Opposition (Ware School)
Extensive Wetland Vegetation
Formerly the Sweeney Nursery, this property is currently under construction as a single-family development. As is common with nursery and farm property, chemical contamination is present. In this case, the property had arsenic contamination as well as ROW through the middle of the property. However, the most difficult obstacle was the vehement opposition of the Ware School, a well-financed abutter. Eventually we were
able to negotiate a land swap and purchase a portion of the property with the school that substantially increased the net to return to our client. The contamination was resolved to state officials' satisfaction in a cost effective manner.
Salem Street
Lynnfield, Mass.
Unique features:
Required Assemblage of Three Properties
Boundary Disputes
Owner Unknown Property
Involves Utility Company Involvement
This project came about as a result of an assemblage of three properties: two held by different owners (each contesting the ownership of the other) the third classified as owner unknown. It was further complicated by the existing of nearby utility company property.
We were able to successfully resolve the ownership and title problems on all three properties and combine portions of each into a marketable development. The
property sold to a local developer and now is considered one of the premier subdivisions in the city with houses in the two million dollar plus dollar range.
Topsfield Road
Ipswich, Mass.
Unique Features:
Requires State Approval Under 40B
Wetland Issues
Extreme Local Opposition
This property New England Power (National Grid) was on the outskirts of the Ipswich town center. The property had wetland issues and zoning issues that made development unduly expensive and difficult. However, its access to water, sewer and public transportation made it an ideal property for a subchapter 40B development. We marketed the property on that basis and a beautiful town house development (Ipswich Pines) was built as a result, offering affordable housing to the community.
Parrish Road
Georgetown, Mass.
Unique Features:
Property Under State Rivers Jurisdiction
Duel Municipal Jurisdictions
Access to Property Difficulties
Extreme Wetland Issues
This property is located completely in Georgetown; however, the road is located in Newbury. This mandated approvals from both jurisdictions including planning, conservation, and fire department. In addition to the dual jurisdiction requirement, the towns differed on aspects of the development which required extensive negotiaion. The wetland and river front restrictions mandated a unique design utilizing town OSR regulations as well as
IRS 526 regulations. A design was finally approved resulting in a ten lot subdivision.