Possible new uses for former Braintree light plant to be presented

The Patriot Ledger
Posted May 24, 2010 @ 02:12 AM

BRAINTREE — Possible new uses for the original Braintree Electric Light Department plant on Allen Street will be shown at a community meeting Thursday night.

The Community Design Resource Center of Boston will present a range of open space and site redevelopment options for the riverfront property. The designs are based on suggestions made by residents during a community meeting in March.

At that meeting, about three dozen residents expressed strong opposition to the construction of condominiums on the site, and said they would like to see the area developed as a park.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan said at the meeting he would like to see housing for people age 55 and over built on the site, given the proximity to stores and the commuter rail station in Weymouth Landing.

Architect David Gamble of the center said that two of the buildings on the site – the former light department offices and another building fronting on Allen Street are both structurally sound and good candidates for reuse. He said a good mix of use for the site would be 25 percent development to 75 percent open space.

The site has sat unused for the past 14 years.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Watson Building, 85 Quincy Ave.

Original article at Patriotledger.com

Copyright 2010 The Patriot Ledger.