Melrose Approves $643,000 Fire Remediation Payment to Downtown Developer

MELROSE — July 20, 2023 — Melrose Select Board approves $643,000 fire remediation payment and tables contested vacant building ordinance. The board voted unanimously Thursday to remit the $643,000 to Riverside Development Group, which is redeveloping the 400 block damaged in a 2016 fire using funds the state legislature appropriated for Melrose's downtown revitalization; Community Development Director Sheila reported the developer had already documented expenditures exceeding that amount on the adjacent project and that crews were actively digging on the site. The board also tabled a proposed vacant building registration ordinance after council members raised concerns that it would sweep in snowbird homeowners and commercial landlords between tenants, with one member warning that "ninety percent of the homes around lakes would qualify as vacant properties." The board also accepted the retirement of HRA Executive Director Ernie, who described building the agency's affordable housing portfolio over 12 years, and unanimously approved his successor following a July 10 interview process.