The mixed-use portion of the proposal includes a 25,000-sf office building, as well as a 70,000-sf store that includes an additional 13,000 sf for a mezzanine. "They want this to be a new store prototype," says Fitzgerald. "It will have a newer urban design, with a canopied entrance, a greenhouse and a working clock tower. Mayor Gay insisted the store incorporate the highest design criteria to revitalize the lumber site."

Nevertheless, the mayor still faces stiff opposition from local groups such as the East Somerville Neighborhood Association and at-large alderman Denise Provost. Reportedly, Provost is still trying to get the site rezoned from industrial to a residential because of the private homes that abut the property. The city's traffic and planning director, Bill Lyons, recently met with ESNA to hear their concerns and describe the traffic plan that will keep commercial traffic on commercial streets if the supermarket does move in.

Fitzgerald also points out that Mayor Gay is also working with Stop & Shop to get a community benefits package. As of now, the mayor has a commitment from the company to renovate the adjacent Harris Park, at a cost of approximately $300,000. Stop & Shop has also agreed to designate one room in the store as a community room.