Mixed-use project proposed at former Cumby’s site

An out-of-state developer appeared before the Canton Board of Selectmen earlier this week with a proposal to build a high-end apartment complex with space for retail and commercial development at the former Cumberland Farms property at 777 Dedham Street.

The property, which is currently zoned industrial, has been vacant since 2009, when Cumberland Farms relocated its corporate headquarters to Framingham.

The property has been designated as a “priority development site” under the state’s Chapter 43D expedited permitting program. Nicole Dunphy, representing Highpoint Engineering and the developer, Virginia-based Woodfield Investments, said the developers are only in the exploratory stage and do not have a purchase and sales agreement with the site broker or owner. Dunphy said the developers would either seek a use variance from the zoning board or propose a multi-family overlay district at annual town meeting.

Todd Jacobus of Woodfield Investments said his company is interested in building a mixed-use development consisting of 321 apartments and a commercial office space component. The development would also include a new parking garage, pedestrian walkways, new landscaping, and additional parking areas.

Jacobus said the apartments would be upscale and built for young professionals and empty nesters, with estimated rental fees of $1,400 for a one bedroom and $1,800 to $2,000 for a two bedroom. The grounds would include a clubhouse and resort amenities, and more than two-thirds of the units would be one-bedroom apartments, Jacobus said.

The developers have not yet explored an affordable housing option, but selectmen said they would like to see an affordable component addressed in future plans.

Selectmen were reserved in their comments, citing the community’s general lack of appetite for large, multi-family developments and its stated preference for owner-occupied residences. Selectmen also raised the issue of school impact and disagreed with Jacobus’ statement that the project would generate an additional 20 students. Selectman Sal Salvatori urged the developers to read past accounts and view cable airings of public meetings on similar project proposals. Jacobus said the company had not yet gone to the ZBA or Planning Board as they wanted to hear initial comments from selectmen.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jul 12 2014. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.