Canton Officials Release Impact Report for Plymouth Rubber Housing Proposal

Canton officials have released a consultant report regarding a proposed housing project on the former Plymouth Rubber site.

The report discusses a proposal of what to do with the property, which involves the development of 348 housing units: 64 own houses, 80 age-restricted for residents aged 55 and older and 204 apartments. 

The report is the result of a request by the Canton Board of Selectmen in December asking Attorney Mark Bobrowski to head a team of interdisciplinary professionals to investigate the impacts of the proposal. 

Officials are to decide whether the proposal is a good option for the redevelopment of the property, and if they choose to endorse it, a zoning amendment and development agreement still need to be drafted, according to the report. Moreover, the inclusion of a Chapter 40R component would mean a vote at the Fall 2013 Town Meeting. 

Among the findings of the report, which can be read in full on the Canton town website, include: 

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety: Traffic from the proposal could be addressed if certain mitigation measures were provided; it is recommended that a pedestrian connection be established from the Plymouth Rubber property to Canton Junction Station, as well as a sidewalk connection to Washington Street. 

Drainage & Flood Control: There is enough space on the property to accommodate on-site mitigation of storm water, the report finds. 

Water & Sewer: The installation of a new 12-inch water main on Revere Street from Washington Street to Sherman Street is recommended. 

Town Finances: The proposal is estimated to generate $840,000-$891,000 in property taxes each year; it is also estimated that between 48 and 65 children will enroll in Canton Public Schools as a result. That would mean a positive fiscal effect if the number of school children at the time is at a low end, or it could mean a negative impact if the number of school children is on the high end. 

Downtown Economy: The proposal is estimated to generate 150 short-term and 178 long-term jobs and result in an estimated $10 million spent on goods and services from businesses in Canton. 

For more information in the report, visit the Canton town website.