Controversial Beverly Development Moves Forward

BEVERLY, MA — A controversial plan to build an 115-unit apartment complex on Rantoul Street in Beverly cleared its final hurdle Tuesday when the planning board approved two special permits. Derek Beckwith was the lone planning board member to vote against the Depot II project that is being developed by Beverly Crossing. The approval comes after Beverly Crossing modified its plan and agreed to preserve a historic building on the site that had originally been slated for demolition.

According to the Salem News, which first reported this story, Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill spoke in favor of the project located near a commuter rail station at the planning board meeting. In addition to "desperately needing" the 12 affordable housing units included in the project, Beverly's master plan calls for "transit-oriented development."