MARLBOROUGH – The old Armory at 358 Lincoln St. – long empty and long considered a neighborhood eyesore – could be converted into 17 residential units if the city approves a special permit.
“I advocate for a transformative project,” said George Voyiatzis, the permit’s applicant, in a public hearing before the City Council on Aug. 21. “We can transform this space.”
According to Brian Falk, the attorney for the Armory at French Hill project, the site would include 14 two-bedroom units, two two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit.
Voyiatzis and his wife would occupy the three-bedroom unit.
The site would be 100% electric, said Falk, and it has received approval from the state’s Historical Commission.
Voyiatzis said the project would “breathe new life” into the neighborhood.
Several residents who attended the public hearing supported the plans.
Robert Kays said he has known Voyiatzis for about 20 years, and “he’s an asset to the community.”
“I can’t say enough about his credibility,” he added.
Other residents said that they were excited to see the project happen, noting that the Armory has been an eyesore for a while.
Council members agreed.
“This is an awesome proposal,” said Councilor David Doucette.
“[The exterior] is a beautiful job, in my view,” said Councilor Mark Oram.
He asked about whether the interior could be salvaged. Voyiatzis said there was very little to save, since the Armory had been empty for nearly 30 years.
Voyiatzis mentioned that the Armory at French Hill is within sight of another development on Lincoln Street – the Alta Marlborough project. Three buildings on the site were recently knocked down to make way for retail space, dwelling units and a parking garage.
The council will send the special permit application to the Urban Affairs Committee.
Permits approved
The City Council also approved several special permits.
One of the permits was to modify a special sign permit for Lincoln Street 431 LLC to add non-EMC panels to the existing free-standing sign at 431 Lincoln St., which is the location of a Shell gas station
They also approved a special permit for JP Morgan Chase Bank to install a drive-through ATM for the bank branch at 189 Boston Post Road West.
The council modified a special permit for Green Gold Group Inc. to amend the hours of operation (Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and type of use (adding a medical marijuana treatment center); and apply for a sign permit at the marijuana dispensary at 910 Boston Post Road East.
