A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to deliberations on the HDIP, designed to stimulate market-rate housing in designated Gateway cities. The program includes local tax agreements and state tax credits to incentivize development. However, some council members expressed reservations about the legal implications of approving the HDIP, particularly in relation to pre-existing special permits. One council member emphasized, “I have a problem with passing this because of the legal issues,” advocating for further examination before proceeding with a vote. This sentiment was echoed by the zoning committee chairman, who stressed the importance of addressing legal and fiscal evaluations thoroughly to avoid reckless decisions.

Despite these concerns, a motion was put forward to approve the establishment of the HDIP zone. A substitute motion was also proposed, suggesting that the original motion be sent back to committee for further scrutiny, alongside the authority for the mayor to execute tax exemption agreements for projects within the HDIP zones.

Tom O’Brien from the HYM Investment Group provided an update on the Suffolk Downs redevelopment, a project central to Revere’s economic strategy. O’Brien outlined significant investments in infrastructure, parks, and residential units since the site’s acquisition in 2017. He projected that the Amaya building alone, part of the redevelopment, would generate nearly $2 million in annual property taxes. The broader Suffolk Downs project is expected to contribute over $10 million in taxes this year, with potential to reach $70 million annually if fully developed in the next decade. Despite the project’s economic promise, O’Brien acknowledged challenges posed by rising interest rates and the absence of affordable housing units in Revere, highlighting ongoing negotiations to address community needs.

The council also revisited the Housing Production Plan (HPP), which aims to increase affordable housing stock in the city. Discussions revealed a gap of approximately 750 affordable units needed to meet state goals, with only a fraction currently in the permitting process. A council member expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s track record in constructing affordable housing, noting a preference for municipal projects like schools over development initiatives. Legal issues concerning parts of the HPP were also raised, prompting a request to retain the proposal in committee until these concerns are resolved.

Conflicting interests emerged, as the lot is vital for local businesses under the Broadway master plan. Planning and Community Development officials assured that any redevelopment would consider these dynamics, emphasizing a neighborhood-specific approach to zoning changes rather than blanket policies.