Bruni is back so is the opposition

The long dormant proposal for a huge housing development on the Bruni property is resurfacing.

 The ZBA ruled on this proposal back in the spring of 2021. At that time the ZBA approved the project in spite of widespread opposition but imposed many conditions including reducing the number of units. Mr. Bruni and his legal team appealed these conditions to the Massachusetts Housing Appeals Court. At the same time, Ipswich Citizens for Sustainable Growth and abutters filed a separate appeal opposing the project based on objections that were voiced by the Select Board, the Fire Chief, the Police chief, the Conservation Committee and many members of the public.

Before either of these appeals went to court, the Wetlands Delineation for the property expired. A new study showed that some of the projects design was on existing wetlands. Mr. Bruni submitted a redesign this past winter. However, rather than acknowledge the desire of the ZBA, the town committees and the public to reduce the scope of the project, the new proposal not only contains more units than the ZBA allowed but more than was in Bruni’s original proposal in a more dense space.

 This disregard of the clear will of the town is consistent with this project’s history. Ipswich Citizens for Sustainable Growth will continue to work to oppose this project.

This is even more critical now because of the potential addition of a vast amount of new housing in the town due to the new state 3A regulations. Since the Bruni property is not within the 3A building zones, development on that property would be in addition to any 3A development. Ipswich could change from a beautiful coastal gem into an urban tract of housing developments very quickly. 

Bruni’s proposal began in 2018 with a project eligibility letter (PEL) from Mass Housing Partnership (MHP). It is our opinion that before the ZBA revisits the project, MHP should grant a new eligibility letter. There are too many things that have changed for the old one to be still valid. The number of units has changed, as has the wetlands delineation, the real estate market, property values, interest rates and the overall design. We strongly request that the ZBA requires a new PEL to be submitted.

 Regardless of the outcome with the ZBA, Mr. Bruni will again have the option to appeal their ruling. When that is complete Ipswich Citizens for Sustainable Growth will begin their appeal to address the issues that make this project unsuitable for Ipswich. This process could go on for many months or years.

 For those interested in finding out more and supporting the opposition to this proposal Ipswich Citizens for Sustainable Growth will be hosting an event at Gathr in Ipswich (42 Market Street next to Zumis) this October 11th at 7pm.

 RSVP for this event can be found by visiting:
https://gathr.com/events/3649a140/ipswich-citizens-for-sustainable-growth-bruni-project-update
 or sending email to IpswichCitizens@gmail.com