A proposal to replace a North Cambridge grocery store with a 10-story affordable housing development received a largely favorable reception from the Planning Board on Tuesday, but members postponed a vote on a special permit that would allow a new grocery store larger than zoning rules ordinarily permit.
The development at 336-350 Rindge Ave., proposed by Boston Communities and Affordable Housing & Services Collaborative, would replace the existing Ferro’s Foodtown grocery store and neighboring residential buildings with 92 income-restricted apartments and ground-floor retail space intended to house a new version of the longtime neighborhood supermarket. The apartments would include 36 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom units, with affordability restrictions ranging from 30% to 100% of area median income.
The housing development is allowed as of right under Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay zoning rules, meaning the Planning Board can recommend design changes but does not have the authority to approve or reject the housing proposal itself. In a largely procedural 5-0 vote, board members concluded their initial review of the housing plans and directed city staff to prepare a report summarizing their recommendations for the developers.
“My overwhelming thought is that I like the project a lot,” Planning Board member H. Theodore Cohen said. “I’m delighted that there are 92 fully affordable units, and I’m delighted with the mix of the units.” He also praised the facade and overall design of the building.
The proposed grocery store, however, requires a special permit because it would exceed the 2,500 square feet allowed under the property’s mixed-use residential zoning rules. The existing Foodtown, which opened in 1953 as D&R Food Town and contains approximately 6,400 square feet of floor space, according to city property records, was exempted from current zoning restrictions. A proposed replacement would not be. Developers are seeking permission for up to 5,000 square feet of retail space, though plans discussed Tuesday called for 3,700 to 3,900 square feet.
The board voted 6-0 to postpone the special permit decision until developers return for a second design review to address questions about parking, landscaping and other aspects of the proposal. No date has been set for that meeting.
Despite his enthusiasm for the project, Cohen raised concerns about the developers’ parking plans, which call for just 17 off-street spaces for the 92 apartments and additional curbside parking along Rindge Avenue. He warned that the proposed street parking could create safety hazards for pedestrians visiting nearby athletic fields, cyclists and passengers on the Route 83 bus. “You know, I like the building a lot, I don’t like the parking issue,” Cohen said. “When I saw it, I was pretty appalled by that aspect of the building.”
Foodtown’s uncertain future
The project would also force Foodtown to close for approximately two years during construction, which developers said could begin as early as 2028 or as late as 2029, depending on financing. Matt Robayna, a principal at Boston Communities, said the developers would consider finding a temporary location for the supermarket nearby, though suitable commercial spaces within walking distance are scarce.
Developers hope to bring back Foodtown’s current operator, Vishal Patel, when the new building opens, potentially with expanded offerings including prepared foods. But that arrangement is not guaranteed. If they can’t find a tenant to take the whole space, “the retail space can be subdivided into smaller spaces,” Robayna said.
Residents weigh in
During the meeting’s public comment period, resident Gavin Smith spoke in favor of the proposal, especially the effort to preserve Foodtown. “I’ve actually spoken with a few people around my age in university from North Cambridge that have spoken to the impact that Food Town itself has had on their upbringing and their sense of community,” Smith said. “I’m really excited to hear that this proposal is considering that and prioritizing that, and ultimately think it will give existing residents of the neighborhood an important sense of continuity as their physical landscape is going through changes.”
Stefan “Reed” Dibich, a Grand Street resident, praised the existing Foodtown but questioned whether the developers were committed to keeping a grocery store in the new building. “The grocery store that’s there right now is a fabulous one and serves the community really well,” Dibich said. “And is it always going to be a grocery store, or does ‘retail space’ imply something different?”
Samir Al Zubaydi, who lives at the Brickworks condominium complex on Rindge Avenue, said he supported the city’s affordable housing initiatives but worried that the development would worsen existing traffic and parking problems. “When they don’t have access to enough parking, they start competing for parking spots with nearby residents and parking there illegally,” Al Zubaydi said. “While I support creating more housing, I just sincerely hope that the board considers this aspect and pushes the developer for much better parking and traffic solutions.”
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