Arlington Redevelopment Board Continues Two Hearings, Flags 455 Mass Ave Permit Violations

ARLINGTON — November 10, 2025 — Arlington Redevelopment Board continues two development hearings and demands compliance at 455 Mass Ave. The board voted unanimously to continue both the 18 Grafton Street hearing (docket 3866), a six-unit multifamily proposal by SA Development, and the 1513-1519 Mass Ave mixed-use hearing (docket 3869), a 15-unit, one-commercial-unit project by IG Investments, to December 15, with materials due December 8. On Grafton Street, members told applicant Trevor O'Leary of MG Plus they lacked authority to grant front and rear setback relief and outlined required items including a transportation demand management plan, solar installation, and snow storage plan. On Mass Ave, board members questioned whether a 575-square-foot commercial space qualifies the project as mixed use. Chair Rachel Zenberry called it a challenge to characterize the project as mixed use at that scale. In a separate discussion, the board directed Planning Director Claire Ricker to require the developer at 455 Mass Ave to appear and explain construction that members said bears no resemblance to the approved special permit, with member Eugene Benson calling the current condition "unacceptable." The board also adopted a 2026 meeting schedule, moving the March 2 date to March 9.