Proposed mixed-use plan at Capitol Square. / Commercial, Residential, Hospitality of Newton
The Redevelopment Board is considering a plan that would reshape the Capitol Square block once the site of a bank that became two restaurants.
The plan would situate 30 residential apartments, five of them affordable, above about 5,000 square feet of commercial space in a four-story building at Mass. Ave. and Lake Street, East Arlington.
The board voted, 4-0, on Jan. 23 to continue the hearing to Feb 27. Board member Melissa Tintocalis was absent, and the Planning Director Claire Ricker reported Tintocalis is leaving the board and her spot may be filled in about six weeks.
The mixed-use plan covers the block once embracing Christo’s Market and the Arlington Five Cent Savings Bank, built in 1920. The bank became the restuarant flora in 1996 and Bistro Duet in 2016, whichwas open two years. The block also held Adventure Pub, which closed in 2020. A restaurant, Little Q Hot Pot, remains.
Developer Pasciuto
The developer is Frank Pasciuto, who has an office in Arlington. His company has developed the mixed-use development, nearing opening, across from Arlington High School, and the Medford Street block across from the Regent Theatre. Work on the latter plan, focusing on upper-floor living units while leaving ground-floor businesses, continues.
The East Arlington plan was the subject of hearings in 2021.
Robert Annese, an attorney for the applicant, told the board Jan. 23 that this project did not proceed in 2021 because of limits to floor area ratios in the zoning bylaw. The earlier proposal had 37 apartments. He said he believes the proposal squares with the goals of the master plan.
After a lengthy discussion of the plan from board members and the public, board Chair Rachel Zsembery provided a list of issues to address for the next hearing.
For details, read a summary by Steve Revilak, a board member who provides meeting notes as a public service >>
June 13, 2021: Redevelopment Board raises concerns about E. Arlington block plan
This news summary based on a Redevelopment Board member’s notes and YourArlington’s archives was published Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.
