A point of discussion was the proposal for a five-story mixed-use development on Shirley Avenue. The development, represented by Attorney Joseph Ktogio, was introduced with an amendment to reduce the original 52 residential units to 50, alongside two commercial units. The project has been in development for over a year and aims to incorporate community-oriented elements. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of parking spaces for residents, as the nine proposed parking spaces were allocated solely for retail units, with two reserved for zip cars. This aspect of the proposal highlighted potential issues for future residents and prompted a broader discussion on urban planning and resource allocation.

Council members also debated the developer’s offer to contribute $20,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund instead of including affordable housing units within the project. Some councilors voiced concerns that this contribution would not impact the affordability crisis in the area. They questioned the adequacy of the amount, pointing out that it would not cover even one year’s rent for individuals earning 80% of the area median income. The debate touched upon the broader issue of setting precedents for future developments, with some councilors expressing reluctance to tie the financial contribution to the special permit.

In addition to housing, the council considered the potential for creating a community arts space within the new development. This proposal was met with enthusiasm, although it was noted that the city’s arts commission currently lacks a budget to support such initiatives. Discussions around funding challenges highlighted the need for sustainable financial support to make the arts space a reality.

Another item on the agenda was the conveyance of five tax title properties to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees. These properties, acquired by the city due to non-payment of taxes, were identified as potential sites for affordable single-family homes. However, constraints on the land, including utility easements, posed challenges to their development. One property on Hitchborn Street was specifically noted as likely unbuildable due to a city utility easement. The council discussed the possibility of selling such parcels to adjacent property owners for uses like yard expansion or parking, rather than attempting to develop homes on them.

The council’s consideration of these properties involved a careful evaluation process, with a focus on ensuring that any sales agreements are finalized only after confirming the buildability of the sites. The proposal to use a realtor to facilitate agreements before sale was seen as a way to streamline the process and avoid potential complications. Despite some properties’ limitations, there was overall support for the conveyance initiative, which was seen as a means to increase affordable housing opportunities in the city.

Appointments to key city commissions were also on the agenda. Shai Husani was reappointed to the Human Rights Commission, having previously served as both vice chair and chair since the commission’s reestablishment in 2020. Husani emphasized her commitment to community engagement and addressing racial and ethnic inequities, garnering praise from council members for her leadership and the commission’s work.

Additionally, Lark Logan was appointed to the Cultural Council. Logan, a recent Revere resident with a background in radio and the arts, expressed her enthusiasm for launching community theater projects and arts education initiatives for local youth. Her appointment was met with excitement due to her potential contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.

The meeting concluded with the council making recommendations on the discussed proposals, including forwarding the mixed-use development project to the full city council with a favorable recommendation. The conveyance of tax title properties was also recommended, with specific attention to ensuring the properties’ feasibility for development or alternative community uses.