Planning board approves 14,400‑sq‑ft contractor building at 82 Ames Street with riverfront restoration

Bob Burigo of Riverhawk Environmental presented a redevelopment plan for a 1.32‑acre site at Ames and Spark streets in the I2 general industrial district. The proposal includes a 14,400 square‑foot single‑story building with four contractor bays, 39 parking spaces (the requirement was listed as 16), stormwater infiltration, a new hydrant and fire connection, and riverfront restoration including a converted pocket wetland and enhanced 25‑foot buffer planting.

Burigo described the site as blighted with dumping and invasive species and said the project had undergone extensive Conservation Commission review with consultant Beta Group and that an order of conditions had been issued. "We're going to restore the 25 foot riverfront area... the existing drainage basin on the western portion of the property is going to be significantly enhanced," he said, and noted care was taken to avoid adding fill in the flood plain.

Public comment raised questions about potential tenant types and whether heavy truck parking or outside storage would occur; the applicant said the building is intended for light contractors (electricians, plumbers) and that no outside storage or hazardous materials were planned. The Planning Board approved the site plan with a condition to enhance plantings and streetscape in the front right‑of‑way.