Share the Scene:

More of the same from Falconi Companies

Falconi Companies present 40B project again on Oct 18.

Falconi Companies again presented their 40B project at the Milton Art Center last Wednesday. At the previous meeting, they had reduced the units from 71 to 68. The project is now being described as having 69 units. In response to neighbors’ repeated concerns about parking, and about the often confusing math used to calculate the number of parking spots, which are shared with other East Milton properties, Falconi companies added nine new parking spots.

“We are not sure we can do much more than what we have done to reduce density and scale.” -Ned Corcoran #EMilton40B #MiltonNeighbors
— The Milton Scene (@miltonscene) October 18, 2017

The building will have a total of 84 underground parking spots for the 69 apartment units plus retail space, office space, and an additional 40 shared spots in the current lot used at 4 Franklin Street.

The crowd listened intently to the presentation, but grew increasingly aggravated during the Q&A session. Though the presentations are being described as a “listening tour,” East Milton residents are doubtful.

“You have come time again saying you’re on a listening tour but that there is very little room for negotiation.” #EMilton40B #MiltonMA
— The Milton Scene (@miltonscene) October 19, 2017

New anger is directed in response to the repeated description by Falconi companies of East Milton being an “urban area,” and the development being an “urban development.” Residents wondered when East Milton became “urban” and were puzzled by the new marketing language.

“You say you’re on a listening tour. Are you really listening?” Bob Kelly, EM resident. #EMilton40B #MiltonNeighbors
— The Milton Scene (@miltonscene) October 19, 2017

Though the building is purported to be marketed toward empty nesters and young singles, many residents expressed their wonder as to when Milton became a desirable market for young singles with a need for affordable housing, no plans to have children while living in the building, and one or zero vehicles — a demographic repeatedly described as this future building’s inhabitants by Falconi Companies.

Milton’s tax appraiser estimates the annual tax revenue from the project at $200 – $250 thousand based on an estimated valuation between $13 – $15 million. East Milton Neighborhood Association Vice President and Town Meeting Member Peter Dunn is concerned that the town will stand to lose from the project if the cost of town services provided to building exceeds the tax revenues that it would provide:

“There are 19 multi-bedroom apartments in the building. If you estimate that 13-14 school-aged kids move into the building, with a per pupil cost between $14,000 – $15,000 per year, before the first fire or emergency call, the project is at a break even for tax revenue. If there are more than 14 kids, each extra pupil or one or more fire or police calls, this building will cost Milton taxpayers money.”

Falconi Companies attorney Ned Corcoran repeatedly rejected the notion that residents would have children in the building. Noting the many apartment properties owned by the Falconi Companies in Weymouth, Dunn countered that many of these apartment complexes have families with children. While retaining many apartment buildings on the South Shore, the Falconi Companies recently sold Mediterranean Woods, a Weymouth apartment complex, for $61 million.

Another resident brought up concerns about the traffic study surrounding the project:

“How can you do a real traffic study considering the construction that’s been going on on Adams Street since July?”

According to the presentation, the entrance to the underground parking on Bassett Street is a few doors down from the entrance to the Fruit Center.

Proposed driveway location for underground parking, East Milton 40B project

Ned Corcoran and Falconi Companies presenters repeatedly referred to the project as a blueprint for future developments in East Milton. Residents weren’t pleased with the prospect of even more dense developments in the Square.

“We want this project to be a road map to other future projects in this area.” #EMilton40B #MiltonNeighbors #eastmiltonisurban?
— The Milton Scene (@miltonscene) October 18, 2017

“You’re telling is that our destiny by telling us that this is the scale that we have to look forward to.” #EMilton40B #MiltonNeighbors
— The Milton Scene (@miltonscene) October 19, 2017

Falconi Companies’ landscape architect showed slides of narrow “screen” trees and planters, ornamental grasses, and color, with the goal of making the area pedestrian-friendly.

Toward the end of the discussion, East Milton residents asked how the project could be decreased in density and brought down to three stories or less. Corcoran explained that the cost of affordable units is very high and that in order for the developer to recoup their sizable investment, they need to make up for the affordable units with density. If they could get a variance from the town, the developer might be able to reduce the size of the building. He then described the town’s variance process for developers as difficult and unfriendly.

We would need to look at the cost adjustment process in order to consider a variance. It’s a less expensive project that way.
— The Milton Scene (@miltonscene) October 19, 2017