Cambridge council defers decision on six-tower development in Preston
Posted May 30, 2024 12:15:31 PM.
Last Updated May 30, 2024 12:18:50 PM.
Cambridge council voted 5-4 on Tuesday night to defer a decision on a massive six-tower development in the Preston area.
The site at 777 Laurel Street and 308 Dolph Street would have 1,215 units between towers ranging from 16 to 19 storeys. The original design had 1,046 units between the towers at heights of 12 to 14 storeys.
The motion to defer was brought forward by Ward 2 Councillor Mike Devine, who said the number of storeys increased between a public meeting in September and a report submitted in March. He added that the residents in the area should have one more chance to weigh in and for one more shadow study to be completed.
“That property is very important to the community,” Devine said. “I agree with the housing going on it…and it will hopefully revitalize the Preston-core area.”
The four councillors to vote against the motion were Ross Earnshaw, Corey Kimpson, Sheri Roberts and Scott Hamilton.
In a report to council, the developer said the additional height in the towers was made to accommodate more parking spaces on a per unit basis, following feedback from a public meeting in September.
The development would have 1,401 parking spots, with additional parking added to the podium of the towers. The original design called for 1,047.
Council will vote on the development’s approval at their June 25 meeting.
