53 units proposed near trolley stop, developer says they'll 'blend in' with Milton Village

MILTON – A development of 53 apartments has been proposed adjacent to the Milton trolley stop on Adams Street.

There would be eight units built in a two-story addition atop the building at 40 Adams St., which now houses a Citizens Bank branch. A new, four-story building with another 45 apartments would be built behind it at what is now a parking lot for commuters. The apartments would be a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units. The buildings would be linked by enclosed walkways and there would be a path from the new building to Adams Street.

Chuck Hajjar, a local real estate manager, outlined the proposal during a meeting with the select board Wednesday night.

"So far, we've had a lot of positive feedback," Hajjar said the proposal.

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Architect Derek Rubinoff, who designed the proposed building, said the design features a lot of red brick to blend in with other buildings in the Milton Village area, such as the Walter Baker complex. It also matches the height of other buildings in the area and features some modern touches of glass and metal.

The exterior of the bank building is already undergoing renovations that will match the development.

The area below the new building would be converted into tenant parking and Hajjar said that one of the things the MBTA wants the developer to do is replace 20 to 25 commuter parking spaces nearby.

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Hajjar said he would need some help from the town in relocating the parking.

He said he would also be willing to repair the closed stairway which leads from Adams Street to Milton station platforms. The stairway has been closed due to its deteriorating condition.

Select board chair Katie Conlon said she would like to see more red brink and less modern elements in the design of the building in keeping with the area.

"Hopefully, it will lead to further development in Milton Village," she said.

Hajjar said he plans to continue talks with the MBTA about acquiring the site and will have further discussions with the town.

A proposal that will go before the Feb. 28 special town meeting would ask the state for an additional liquor license for a brewpub that would be part of a redevelopment of 1 Eliot St., across the street from Hajjar's proposed development.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Developer Chuck Hajjar wants to put 53 apartments in Milton Village