According to Scott Dale, vice president of development at Avalon Bay, the proposal involves 311 units here and 84 units in Danvers built on 25 of the 63 acres. An office and warehouse building will remain on the site, which Avalon Bay is under contract to acquire from Chicago-based Morton International. The one-, two- and three-bedroom units will range in price from $1,400 to $2,000 per month.

The comprehensive permit enables Avalon Bay to bypass local zoning laws as long as 20% of the project is designated as affordable housing, which Dale confirms is part of the plan. The site is currently zoned for commercial space but Dale tells GlobeSt.com that beyond the zoning issue, the decision to apply for a comprehensive permit was also because it's a good site "for a mixed income community." Dale notes that Avalon Bay worked with town officials in developing the project.