By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — The 58-unit condominium complex currently under construction at 62 Foundry St. was originally permitted as a mixed-use development with restaurant use on the ground floor.
But the attorney for the project told the Zoning Board of Appeals this week that after trying for more than a year to market the 3,000 square-foot first floor space, there have been no takers interested in using the space as a restaurant.
Attorney Brian McGrail and property owner/developer Hugo DiBiase said that a restaurant marketing firm was retained to try to find an eatery willing to operate in the space.
But despite close to a dozen potential restaurant operators looking at and touring the site, there have been no takers. McGrail and DiBiase indicated that most of those who looked at the space felt that the location was too far off the beaten path and noted that Foundry Street was not yet sufficiently developed to support a successful restaurant.
McGrail said that the first-floor space has been fully outfitted with vents and other elements to support a restaurant. But absent any takers, he said that the DiBiase Companies would like to move their corporate offices into the space. He said that a future restaurant use has not been ruled out and may eventually be the best use for the space.
ZBA members expressed disappointment that no restaurant would be going into the location, noting that the expectation of an eatery was a key factor in approving the mixed-use project.
After receiving the board’s feedback, McGrail said that he would be coming back with a formal application seeking a modification to allow the space to be used as office space.
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Also this week, the Board of Appeals approved minor modifications to the 40B affordable housing project currently under construction at 596 North Ave.
Attorney Jesse Schomer presented the proposed changes, which included relocating a transformer, adding an electrical panel and adding several windows.
ZBA members agreed that the proposed changes were insubstantial in nature and approved them as minor modifications.
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The ZBA also approved a signage proposal for Gong Cha Tea, which is moving into a long-vacant storefront at 410 Main St. The board had previously granted Special Permits for the fast-food use and a waiver of parking requirements. The space is part of the former Ski Shack location.