Weymouth’s Commercial Corridor Overlay District, the development at 1500 Main Street, and Weston Park Apartments have recently been recognized as contributing to the region’s economic competitiveness, and have been endorsed by the South Shore Economic Development Corporation’s Housing Committee, an arm of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. The committee recognizes local initiatives that make the region more competitive and assist in attracting people and businesses, as part of its larger South Shore 2030: Choosing Our Future regional economic and community development plan.

The town of Weymouth’s Commercial Corridor Overlay District is a key zoning change that the has encouraged broader investment in the area. The overlay district has identified critical commercial corridors, including Rt. 53, Rt. 3A, Rt. 18 & Columbian Street, for rezoning to allow for mixed-use projects, plus combining of existing lots. Projects are all approved through a streamlined special permit process. These zoning changes will help Weymouth to revitalize some of their corridors for highest and best use and provide more walkable and transit-friendly neighborhoods.

“I am pleased that the Town adopted this overlay district which serves to encourage controlled investment in our commercial corridors,” said Robert Luongo, town planner for the town of Weymouth. “Over the years I believe substantial disinvestment has taken place in some areas of our main commercial corridors. This zoning unlocks the potential for mixed residential/commercial development, which is in line with current market demand while offering protections to our residential neighborhoods.

“This zoning has already unlocked sites for reinvestment that have sat vacant, underutilized and deteriorated for years. By adopting this zoning, we have accomplished our goals of revitalizing our corridors, creating quality housing/commercial development and helping the town grow its tax base,” Luongo added.

1500 Main Street is making use of an underutilized but conveniently located 5.5-acre lot, offering 237 new homes on the property. The project is right across the street from the South Weymouth Commuter Rail station and adjacent to the Union Point development. Finding an affordable living space in Boston can be challenging for talent -- the convenience of the commuter rail to Boston makes the location attractive to younger professionals. 1500 Main Street is the second project to have been introduced under a new zoning change. John M. Corcoran & Company is the developer of the 1500 Main Street project, which is ahead of scheduled and expected to be completed by summer.

"It's great to be recognized for this project by the Chamber's Housing Committee,” said Peter Mahoney of John M. Corcoran & Company. “John M. Corcoran & Company has been actively developing and managing our properties throughout the region for over 65 years. Given its proximity to the South Weymouth Commuter Rail station, this project has the potential to attract a younger demographic to the region and provide another housing option for those who already live on the South Shore. The site sits in one of Weymouth's newly established commercial corridor overlay districts, which initially attracted us to the opportunity. The Town of Weymouth was excellent to work with throughout the entire process and created a much more streamlined process than we see in other areas. We are happy to report that we are ahead of schedule and looking to welcome our first residents home this summer!"

Weston Park Apartments at 143 Washington Street is offering 42 new homes on a half-acre lot. The project is part of a larger redevelopment effort of The Landing neighborhood, which is right near the Braintree and Weymouth town line and conveniently located 1/3 of a mile from the Braintree/Weymouth Commuter Rail station. The neighborhood has gone through a robust facelift over the past few years with additions of a coffee shop, restaurants, craft beer store and other amenities. The proximity to the train and neighborhood feel with plenty to do makes this development particularly attractive to younger professionals who are wanting a more urban-feeling environment, while still having easy transit access to Boston. Joe Gratta, CEO of Atlantic Mechanical Contractors, is developing this project and expects it to be completed mid-spring.

“This project, along with all the other incredible changes happening in and around Weymouth, highlight the exciting transition that the South Shore is currently undergoing,” said Gratta. “Sitting on top of a beautifully restored park, along with the new Tufts Library, set to open at the same time, this is a great example of public and private sectors working together toward a shared vision to improve our communities. Our large roof deck overlooks the new ball field on one side, and the vibrant shops, bars and restaurants of the Landing on the other. We’re very proud to be a part of the resurgence and success of the new Weymouth/Braintree Landing.”

The Housing Initiative is a major component of South Shore 2030: Choosing Our Future, a multi-year comprehensive economic and community development effort led by the South Shore Chamber and the South Shore Economic Development Corp. The plan focuses on addressing infrastructure, workforce, housing, leadership, and strengthening communities. The housing initiative calls for more production of housing that will appeal to younger people and help retain older residents looking to downsize. To view the full endorsement for each of these projects visit the website at https://www.southshore2030.com/housing-endorsements/category/weymouth.

“These projects and critical leadership by Mayor Hedlund and his team have transformed the way we think about some of our commercial corridors in the area. They are connecting people and businesses to homes and some fantastic centers of activity, truly revitalizing some of these old neighborhoods near transit and breathing new life into the town”, said Peter Forman, president and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.

About the South Shore Chamber of Commerce

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has long been recognized throughout the state as one of the most active and forceful advocates for the business community and numbers among the larger chambers of commerce nationally. The South Shore Chamber is a not-for-profit association of businesses in the communities south of Boston. It is committed to helping its members grow their businesses and to improve the business climate in the region. Members range in size from major international corporations headquartered on the South Shore to small local firms and sole proprietorships. For additional information on the Chamber, please visit www.southshorechamber.org or call 781-421-3900.