ATHOL – In his meeting with the Board of Planning and Community Development, developer K. William Krikorian addressed concerns with parking and drainage for a mixed-use plan to replace a closed garage.

The project is a proposal to transform the site of a parking garage off of South and Exchange streets which was closed two years ago into a 43-unit mixed income housing and retail development. Krikorian went before the board on Aug. 2 and will return on Sept. 6.

“We’re looking to turn it around and, hopefully, make it the catalyst to revitalize the downtown business district and bring things back economically to where they should be,” he said.

Bill Hannigan of Hannigan Engineering told the board that the site has been examined by McKenzie Engineering, which determined the structure could be used to support the proposed development. Once completed, the building would be the first and only five-story structure in downtown Athol. It would also be the tallest at 54 feet as measured from South Street.

Hannigan said once the project is completed there would be three fewer parking spaces in front of the building. However, the other side has a total of 38 spaces on the paved area. Additionally, there would be 25 spaces in the parking garage.

“There are now technical parking requirements for this zone,” he continued, “but acknowledging that these residents need some sort of parking area…we end up with approximately 66 parking spaces in the area – in the front on the street and in the back of the property. There’s a total of 43 residential units and we’re trying to get above one-per-unit to some degree, and this accomplishes that goal.”

The engineer said the site will see a reduction in the impervious area in the parking lot behind the structure in order to lessen stormwater runoff. Asphalt would be removed from the lot and replaced with grassy areas which could absorb some of the water.

“The roof drainage system has not been designed yet,” Hannigan continued. “Where that comes out of the building and where that ties into everything, that’s going to be worked out prior to construction.”

Few questions were raised by members of the public prior to the hearing being recessed. However, Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, Downtown Vitality Committee chair Mary Holtorf, and Athol Economic Development and Industrial Corporation Chair Keith McGuirk all expressed support for the project, that the development would likely be a boon to the downtown economy while also relieving some of the pressure for affordable housing in Athol.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.

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