Cedarwood Development’s David Matteo and David Winnick have proposed thirty-five new condominiums on 19-21 West Third St. The six-story development would consist of one—and two-bedroom units, a first-floor commercial unit, and a parking garage for eleven cars.

In the May 28 public meeting, it was questioned why, in Southie’s ever-congested housing market, a 49-bedroom complex would only supply ten dedicated parking spots and why the structure would lack any three-bedroom units that might be more appealing to families. 

“We’ve had three units several times, and they end up sitting to our detriment,” said Matteo. “So we feel like if there’s a demand, they would fill. And unfortunately, the social need, I understand, is that if you build it, they’ll come. But unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.” 

One community member questioned whether the commercial space might alternatively be used as housing, citing an abundance of empty commercial spaces, including 100 A St and Port 45, which have been empty for the past seven years.

Matteo affirmed a commitment to a commercial unit, saying they would rather under-rent than allow it to sit empty. 

“It’s good for the building. It’s good for the bottom line. It’s good for a number of reasons. Having this vacant and being greedy is not our agenda.”

Due to the structure’s zoning, it is unlikely that any food or beverage could be served on-site. The developers are confident that they could have the space filled with retail or offices “almost right off the bat.”

For parking, Cedarwood Development attorney George Maranci pointed out that the spaces allotted exceed the number required by the Transit-Oriented Development ratio, and that if someone is dependent on a car and cannot secure a space, this building may not be a good fit for them.

Maranci also added that, due to the development qualifying as an Article 80 Small Structure, a traffic study would not be necessary. “The number of trips generated by this building would constitute an insignificant impact on any traffic conditions in the neighborhood. It’s just not that large of a project,” he said.

Some dissatisfaction with the building’s design was also heard. It is planned to be a large grey structure on a street lined with other large grey structures. Architect Shane Losi said the building’s facades will angle outward to avoid any big blank walls. “We just try to create some interest in the facade that’s not, you know, the sort of box that a lot of developments end up being,” he said.

Losi added that the design has undergone some changes since development and may still change, but they are close to where they want to be.

The Small Project Review Application’s comment period for this development will remain open until June 5. Comments can be made here.