Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals allows 2 projects to move forward that will bring 226 new housing units; convenience store also given go ahead to sell alcohol

The Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals heard the following petitions at Thursday’s meeting at Government Center.

David Nguyen for D & D Southcoast Partners LLC and U.S. Bedding c/o Jeffrey Tallman went in front of the Board to request a variance to divide the conforming 26,900 square foot U.S. Bedding property with 109 feet of frontage at 846 Brayton Avenue to build an 11-unit townhouse style condominium on the newly created lot waving unit density requirements.

According to Tallman, the 11 units will feature 3 bedrooms and will leave plenty of parking as the manufacturing use is using far less spaces than the previous Sam’s Club retailer.

Kenneth Fiola, Executive Vice President of Bristol County Economic Development Consultants, spoke in favor of the project noting that the deed restrictions imposed by Walmart limits what the property can become (no competition). Fiola also stated that proceeds from the units could go back into the bedding company.

The board unanimously approved the variance.

The Patels c/o Peter Saulino requested a variance that would allow Supreme Mart at 1012 Bedford Street to sell alcohol to be consumed off premises.

According to Saulino, the Patels purchased Moes Variety alcohol license as they will no longer be selling beer and wine.

The board unanimously approved the variance.

Jason M. Duarte Owner: Gonsalves Real Estate Investments LLC c/o Atty Peter Saulino was requesting a variance waiving setback requirements from 10′ to 5′ and to allow an 8–unit 3 story apartment building in a B-L district at 833 North Main Street, the former Del’s Lemonade.

The applicant also was requesting a special permit to waive parking requirements from the required 16 parking spots to 10.

The 8 units would be 2 bedrooms, however, the matter was later tabled to a future meeting to update the plan to decrease the number of units.

Charlton Mill Lofts LLC c/o Atty Peter Saulino was requesting a special permit to raise two structures on 109 Howe Street & E.S. Otis Street to convert the existing mill building into 147 apartment units, and also construct a 68 unit apartment building on the property, waiving use, number of units, as well as the parking and loading requirements as to proximity to property lines. 

Saulino stated that the market rate units at the mill building would consist of 55 studios, 74 one bedroom, and 18 two bedrooms. The new building would hold 52 one bedroom, 8 two bedrooms, and 8 three-bedroom units.

There would be 269 spaces for parking in total and the units would be rentals, not condos.

Amenities will include a golf simulator, 2 media rooms, and a recreation area.

Fiola spoke in favor of the $65 million project and noted that it could open access to Cook Pond and extensive money has already been spent to repurpose the mill.

The board unanimous approved the special permit.