By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — The Zoning Board of Appeals last week gave the OK for Building Inspector Benjamin DeChristoforo to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for 160 more units at the residential development known as “The Basin” at the head of the Lake. A temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) allows a building or a portion of it to be legally used and allows tenants to move in before final construction completion, provided basic safety codes are met.
Attorney Brian McGrail and Project Manager Marissa Gallo from development firm Cabot Cabot & Forbes were at last week’s meeting requesting that the board communicate to the Building Inspector that the conditions of the ZBA’s approval decision had been met to the board’s satisfaction.
The 160 units represent a portion of the largest of the three buildings that comprise the project. This is the building furthest back from the Lake and closest to the highway. The remaining 130 units in that building are expected to be ready for occupancy in February of 2026. The final phase of the project, which consists of the building closest to the Route 129 Rotary, is expected to be completed in April of 2026.
Last July, the project received a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for Building 1, which is closest to North Avenue.
——
A separate residential project on North Avenue is also ready for tenants. Attorney Jesse Schomer was before the ZBA last week seeking a TCO for the 36-unit, Chapter 40B affordable housing project at 596 North Ave. (next to the Knights of Columbus Building).
Schomer was asking that the ZBA assign a member to do a walk-through of the building with the Building Inspector to confirm that the necessary work has been completed to allow a temporary occupancy permit to be issued.
ZBA member Chip Tarbell suggested that the board OK up to 30 units for occupancy, holding out a few units to assure that final work on the project is completed to the board’s satisfaction.
Tarbell was assigned the task of touring the site along with the Building Inspector.
——
Also at last week’s meeting, the ZBA continued its review of a proposed subdivision on Salem Street.
The full project consists of a new cul-de-sac that would be created at 154 and 158 Salem Street. The two duplexes and one single-family home along the cul-de-sac fall under the Planning Board’s purview, with the eight attached dwelling units proposed in the rear of the site falling under the Board of Appeals jurisdiction.
Attorney Brian McGrail and developer Nicholas Leo were on hand for last week’s ZBA hearing along with architect Nerijus Bubnelis.
McGrail and Bubnelis displayed and discussed updates to the plans since the last meeting.
McGrail told the ZBA that he was working on a draft decision and conditions for the board’s consideration while awaiting a memorandum from Town Engineer Bill Renault related to drainage.
He said that he anticipated final plans to be ready for the board’s Oct. 29 meeting.