Belmont Planning Board considers proposal for 36 microapartments

BELMONT — A new law passed in July has made it possible for developer Jamie O’Hara to increase the town's housing stock, pending planning board approval Aug. 24. The 36-unit studio apartment project, dubbed Belmont Landing, is described as a housing solution for seasonal workers and senior citizens.

But that’s only if the traffic study comes back favorably.

Presenting before the board on July 27, O’Hara proposed microapartments above 171 Daniel Webster Hwy, the location of El Jimador restaurant. The number of spaces in the parking lot needed for tenants is 36, one per unit. There are currently 104 spots in the lot.

The board continued the application until August, so O’Hara can complete a second traffic study.

“The issue the applicant is running into is that the lot is very limited. There’s no room to expand parking,” said Karen Santoro, town planner. “The first floor currently hosts El Jimador and other office spaces, so there’s a balance between parking for current tenants, and parking for the proposed apartments.”

In a phone interview, O’Hara said he already had a traffic study done on Memorial Day weekend. It determined that during peak hours, like 6 p.m. on Friday, there were 60 parking spaces used, leaving 44 remaining. “We’ve proven that there are plenty of spaces there,” he said.

“They want additional parking study, and we will research who can do that,” he said. “Bottom line, we have 104 spaces, and did a count Memorial Day weekend.”

Project renderings showcase the rear of the building, each studio apartment with a window facing the woods. The proposed units are micro, around 250 square feet each. They will come fully furnished with a full-size bed, table and desk with two chairs, and feature a kitchenette and closet with a small bathroom. There are onsite washing machines and dryers.

Suitable for a single person, seasonal worker, traveling nurse or senior citizen, the units will be move-in ready.

"This type of housing works out great,” O’Hara said. “They are convenient, basically bring your clothes, and you have some place to live."

Belmont Landing will also include an apartment for an onsite manager.

House Bill 631, which passed July 1, now permits residential housing in a commercially zoned location. It’s why O’Hara is able to pursue the project. He hopes increasing housing units will help area employers recruit.

“We have seen the increased need. From personal and professional experience, the demand for units far outweighs the supply,” Santoro said. “Even for employees of the restaurant [El Jimador], Shooters and Northeast Tire; when they’re looking to hire people who have no place to live, it’s a starting point.”

The board supports the project, but wants confirmation parking won’t be an issue down the road.

“The town is fully on board with the concept,” Santoro said. “It’s making the parking work for 36 units.”

The Belmont Planning Board will meet next at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, at the Belmont Mill.