The Revere Conservation Commission on Feb. 19 approved a notice of intent (DEP file 610836) for phase‑1 construction of a roundabout to improve southbound access to Route 1A, Gibson Park and adjacent neighborhoods. The application covers the roundabout and traffic infrastructure only; the Gibson Park access road and other park improvements are proposed under a later filing.

Julie DeMaro, project lead from the city’s Department of Planning and Community Development, and consultants from Howard/Stein‑Hudson presented the phase‑1 design. Wetland scientist Devin Herrick (Weston & Sampson) said phase‑1 work will affect barrier beach/coastal dune and land subject to coastal storm flow: the team reported 65,611 square feet of permanent impacts to the 100‑year floodplain (land subject to coastal storm flowage) and a combined total of 186,335 square feet of barrier beach and coastal dune impacts; the proposal includes replanting 44,714 square feet with native dune species drawn from the state‑recommended palette.

Consulting engineer Taryn Wong said the roundabout will be located largely within the state right of way and that access permits from MassDOT and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are required. Wong said the design follows MassDOT roundabout guidance and that vehicle‑turning analyses included the largest Revere Fire Department ladder truck, standard buses and tractor‑trailers. Peter Hrabowski, the project traffic consultant, said traffic counts and conservative growth assumptions were used in the analysis and that the roundabout has sufficient capacity to accommodate projected traffic volumes.

The applicants described erosion and sediment controls and routine construction controls: silt fence, mulch wattles, catch basin inlet protection with silt sacks or filter mitts, weekly inspections and maintenance, and a requirement to clean existing sediment from catch basins and select pipes prior to project completion. The team said they will apply for state access permits and a traffic‑management plan with MassDOT, and obtain any MassDOT/DCR permits necessary for work on Lynnway/DCR land.

Residents and elected officials raised concerns during public comment about notification, neighborhood access, maintenance of plantings and potential changes to local circulation. The project team said residents will receive direct notifications about construction timing after a contractor is selected and the state access permits are issued and that the city intends to coordinate outreach prior to construction. The applicants noted up to three 24‑hour detours are anticipated for overnight work, done non‑sequentially to minimize disruption.

Commissioners closed the public hearing and voted to approve the notice of intent, with conditions that the project team provide required state access permits, final erosion‑control details and documentation of catch basin cleaning and the planting palette prior to construction.