The Special Permit for the Riverside project that was approved on October 19, 2020. Only 3 months later Mark Development (MD) has proposed a set of changes due to 'market forces related to the coronavirus pandemic.'

The MD team described the proposed changes during a meeting with neighbors and our City Councilors on January 21, 2021.

View MD's presentation at the Jan 21st meeting. The following is a summary of the major changes proposed. For fuller detail go to the Riverside Page.

• Hotel replaced with significantly taller lab/life sciences building
  
• Original office tower height reduced
  
• Signage changes
• Public open space decreased
  
• Retail space reduced 43%
• Residential units reduced by 32 units, including 5-6 affordable units
• Parking spaces increased by 12%
• Traffic increased 1%
  
•  Ramp access from 128N maintained
  
• Mitigation package unchanged
  
• City net tax revenue increased by $600 to 800K
• Slight modifications to building fronting on Grove Street.
  
• Timeline: Construction  to begin in Spring 2022.

Next steps: MD must obtain City Council approval f a zoning amendment and an amendment to the Special Permit. If filed in March public hearings would begin in April.

The LFIA Riverside Committee continues to advocate on behalf of the Lower Falls and Auburndale neighborhoods to reduce negative impacts of the project. Please contact us if you have specific feedback.