Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BROCKTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A piece of land in Brockton that used to be the site of carnival games and Ferris wheels is one step closer to a major transformation.
The historic Brockton Fairgrounds on Belmont Street closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a developer announced plans last year to turn the six parcels of land into what Councilor Thomas Minichiello Jr. calls a "very positive, eye-pleasing edition" to the city.
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"We call it the new Main Street, so it’s very important that it be developed responsibly," said Minichiello, who represents Ward 1, which includes part of the fairgrounds. "We don’t want this developed into a parcel where people say, ‘Whoa, I’m staying away from the west side of Brockton.'"
Last month, the Brockton City Council approved development rules that allow up to 1,750 residences in buildings up to seven stories tall, along with commercial and industrial buildings and a green space, on two of the parcels. Development rules for the remaining parcels will be decided separately.
According to The Enterprise, the developer expects to file a detailed proposal for the first phase of residential units this summer.
Minichiello told WBZ NewsRadio Monday that some residents are concerned about the size of the project and increased traffic, but said those are the types of issues that the city council and the mayor will look at before giving anything final approval.
"We want it to be a win-win for everybody," Minichiello said.
WBZ’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.