By Donald Norton

On Tuesday, May 8, Ward 4 Alderman Jesse Clingan, along with a number of Planning Department staffers, held a neighborhood meeting at the Healy School to update the public on what is going on at the Star Market lot in Winter Hill.

About 175–200 residents showed up to view a slide presentation of a proposal for two large buildings to be positioned on the site where the old Star Market and Rite Aid stand, and the corner lot where Winter Hill Liquors is, with the 3-story building adjacent to it. Several slides illustrated how the proposed buildings would look, taking over the whole lot.

At the end of the presentation, the meeting was opened to questions and answers. Many focused on low to moderate income housing and how much would be available for the community. Questions were also asked regarding any possible tax breaks by the city.

How the city will be handling the corner location was also a topic of inquiry, and whether the city prefers to have it done in the private sector or with a developer.

Future updates will be made available and the community will be notified.

It was not mentioned as part of the neighborhood meeting, but sources said a purchase price of about $24 million was paid by the developer to the owners of Star lot. Asked if the city can move ahead without the corner property, it was mentioned that they are hopeful a solution can be worked out for keeping it private.