Peabody public meetings in 2020
26 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for Exordium Capital, LLC to convert the former Red Cross building at 85-87 Lowell St. into nine apartments, with relief from lot area, front/rear yard setback, and driveway coverage requirements (5-0). The board continued the 40 Oak Street 80-unit Chapter 40B application to March 22, 2021, and the 27(R) Farm Ave 116-unit application to February 22, 2021. It also approved variances for additions at 30 Sabino Farm Rd. and 33 Linden Rd., and continued the Northeast Arms mobile gun range variance request at 108H Newbury St. to a future meeting.
- Approved variance for 9 apartments at 85-87 Lowell St. (5-0)
- Continued 40 Oak Street 80-unit 40B application to March 22, 2021 (5-0)
- Continued 27(R) Farm Ave 116-unit 40B application to February 22, 2021 (5-0)
- Approved variance for addition at 30 Sabino Farm Rd. (5-0)
- Approved variance for addition at 33 Linden Rd. (5-0)
- Continued mobile gun range variance at 108H Newbury St. (5-0)
Zoning Board
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 (with the chair voting present) to assert a Safe Harbor claim against the 133-unit Chapter 40B comprehensive permit application for 15 King Street, arguing the city meets affordable housing thresholds. The board then continued the public hearing to February 8, 2021, to hear additional testimony on traffic, stormwater, wastewater, and water. The applicant's attorney has formally challenged the Safe Harbor assertion, arguing it was untimely and lacks factual basis.
- Voted to assert Safe Harbor and notify DHCD of intent (4-0, chair voting present)
- Continued public hearing for 15 King Street to February 8, 2021
- Accepted correspondence from the Planning Board (5-0)
- Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
Zoning Board
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted on December 7, 2020 to claim safe harbor under M.G.L. c. 40B for the 15 King Street application by Hemisphere Development Corp. The board asserts Peabody exceeds the 10% affordable housing threshold and has made substantial progress, citing preservation of 248 Tannery I units and approval of 176 new affordable units. The letter requests DHCD grant safe harbor protection until after the 2020 Census.
- Voted to claim 40B safe harbor for 15 King Street application
- Cited Peabody's affordable housing stock exceeding 10% of total units
- Cited preservation of 248 Tannery I affordable units
- Cited approval of 176 new affordable units via two 40B projects
Conservation Commission
The Peabody Conservation Commission ratified two emergency certificates, granted a one-year permit extension, and continued several certificates of compliance. The commission continued the public hearing for a proposed gas station at 468 Lowell Street, requesting revised plans for erosion control, pavement repair, drainage, and dewatering. It also closed a hearing and issued an order of conditions for a pool at 7 Glen Drive.
- Ratified emergency certificate to demolish unsafe building at 24 Caller Street (unanimous)
- Ratified emergency certificate for oil remediation at 16 Castle Circle (unanimous)
- Granted one-year extension for DEP File #55-797 at 15 Elginwood Road (unanimous)
- Continued certificate of compliance for 0 Willowdale Avenue (unanimous)
- Extended certificate of compliance for PMLP Substation at Russell Street to Jan. 20, 2021 (unanimous)
- Continued public hearing for fuel tanks at 468 Lowell Street, requesting revised plans (5-0)
- Closed public hearing and issued order of conditions for pool at 7 Glen Drive (4-0)
- Continued violation case at 83 Pine Street (unanimous)
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals held a special remote meeting to hear public comment on the Chapter 40B comprehensive permit application for 133 units at 15 King Street. The board accepted letters from city departments, elected officials, and abutters into the record, and heard opposition from city officials and residents. The hearing was continued to December 7, 2020, with no decision made.
- Accepted letters from Planning Board, Building, Health, Community Development, and PMLP into record (5-0)
- Accepted letters from Rep. Walsh, Sen. Lovely, Councilors Melville and Manning into record (5-0)
- Accepted letters from abutters into record (5-0)
- Continued 15 King Street 40B hearing to Dec. 7, 2020 (5-0)
City Council
The Peabody City Council voted to extend the city's outdoor dining initiative from November 1, 2020 to April 1, 2021, amending the expiration date of the Temporary Outdoor Dining Regulations and Agreement. The council also approved a request for the withdrawal of a special permit without prejudice, received committee reports on veterans services and the Housing Production Plan, and passed several motions including requests for police control of a gate, sidewalk inspections, and release of executive session minutes.
- Extended outdoor dining initiative to April 1, 2021 (9-0)
- Approved withdrawal of Special Permit without prejudice for Scott Crooker (10-0)
- Received Human Services Committee report on veterans services and No Child Goes Hungry (10-0)
- Received Industrial & Community Development Committee report on Housing Production Plan (10-0)
- Requested Police Department control gate at 65 North Central Street (10-0)
- Requested Public Services inspect school zone sidewalks (10-0)
- Referred multiple fund transfers to Finance Committee (10-0)
- Requested release of executive session minutes on cellphone tower at 161 Lynn Street (10-0)
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals held a special remote meeting on Oct. 5, 2020, to hear a presentation from HDG King Street, LLC for a Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit to build 133 residential units at 15 King Street. The board accepted correspondence (5-0) and voted to continue the public hearing to November 9, 2020, when abutters and city officials will be heard. No final decision was made.
- Accepted correspondence (5-0)
- Continued public hearing to November 9, 2020
City Council
The Peabody City Council approved two special permits: one for the Public Services Department to expand a nonconforming use at 0 Winona Street by about 1,700 square feet, and another for Jessica Capellan to operate a hair, nail, and skin depilatory salon at 149 Washington Street, with conditions limiting hours and service providers. The council also continued a hearing for S & S Consultants' application at 530 Lowell Street to October 8, 2020, and voted to formally object to a Keno application by Richdale at 139 Lynnfield Street, citing a special permit condition. All votes were 11-0.
- Approved special permit for Public Services Department to expand nonconforming use at 0 Winona Street (11-0)
- Approved special permit for Jessica Capellan to operate salon at 149 Washington Street, with conditions (11-0)
- Continued public hearing for S & S Consultants' application at 530 Lowell Street to October 8, 2020 (11-0)
- Ordered City Clerk to submit formal objection to Richdale's Keno application at 139 Lynnfield Street (11-0)
- Ordered Public Services to repair sidewalks at 12 and 14 Gardner Street and 7 Union Street (11-0)
- Approved appointment of Beth Brennan O'Donnell as Liaison to State Ethics Commission (11-0)
- Approved appointments of Sharon Cameron and Jeffrey Budd to city boards (11-0)
- Approved junk dealer license renewal for GameStop, Inc. at 300 Andover Street (11-0)
Board of Health
The Peabody Board of Health conditionally approved a permit for James Moore to keep up to ten hens at 1 McKinley Road, pending receipt of an acceptable pest inspection report. The board approved permits for a new tattooing establishment at 119 Rear Foster Street and for four individual tattoo artists to perform body tattooing in Peabody. The board held over a decision on whether to revoke the variance granted to Main Street Smoke Shop, warning the owner that any future violations would result in revocation. The board also upheld a violation order for 18 Winona St. and extended the compliance timeframe for 51 Lowell Street by three months.
- Approved conditional permit for up to 10 hens at 1 McKinley Road, pending pest control report (unanimous)
- Approved tattooing establishment permit at 119 Rear Foster Street, pending final site inspection (unanimous)
- Approved body tattooing permits for Jason Michalak, James Mackenzie, Brianna Nicollo, and Nathan Ernce (unanimous)
- Held over decision on revoking Main Street Smoke Shop's variance; owner warned future violations will trigger revocation
- Upheld violation order and penalty for 18 Winona St. (unanimous)
- Extended compliance timeframe for 51 Lowell Street by three months (unanimous)
- Approved seven sets of meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Discussed but did not adopt expanded mask mandate; draft to be reviewed and prepared for potential emergency use
Conservation Commission
The Peabody Conservation Commission closed the public hearing and issued a Standard Order of Conditions for a proposed Muslim cemetery at 530 Lowell Street, adding conditions including a 25-foot no-disturb zone with granite markers, a ban on chemicals in burials, and restrictions on soil disposal. The commission also confirmed that outdoor RV and boat storage at 137 Summit Street is not a LUHPPL, granted a one-year extension for the Winona/Pine subdivision, and issued full certificates of compliance for two Proctor Brook projects.
- Approved Standard Order of Conditions for cemetery at 530 Lowell St with conditions 51-54 (unanimous)
- Confirmed 137 Summit St RV/boat storage is not a LUHPPL, with Good Housekeeping Practices (unanimous)
- Granted one-year extension for Winona/Pine subdivision until 10/28/2021 (unanimous)
- Issued Full Certificate of Compliance for Proctor Brook Dam Upgrades, DEP 55-872 (unanimous)
- Issued Full Certificate of Compliance for Proctor Brook Culvert Repairs, DEP 55-876 (unanimous)
- Continued Certificate of Compliance for 0 Willowdale Ave inventory lot (unanimous)
- Issued Negative Determination for 68 Prospect St, with conditions on stormwater changes (unanimous)
- Continued enforcement order for 44 Bartholomew St until spring 2021
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals held a short procedural meeting via Zoom on September 14, 2020, to accept continuance requests from applicants for two Chapter 40B comprehensive permit applications. No presentations or substantive decisions were made. The board granted continuances for the 0 Forest St/27(R) Farm Ave project (116 units) and the 40 Oak Street project (80 rental units) to future dates.
- Continued 0 Forest St/27(R) Farm Ave 40B hearing (116 units) to a date on or after Sept. 28, 2020
- Continued 40 Oak Street 40B hearing (80 rental units) to next scheduled meeting
Zoning Board
The Zoning Board reviewed peer review reports on traffic and sewer capacity for The Residences at Farm Avenue, a proposed 116-unit apartment building at 27R Farm Avenue. The traffic review requested additional analysis on trip distribution, peak hour factors, and truck percentages, while the sewer review concluded the downstream system can accommodate the project's flows if connected at a specific manhole. No formal vote or decision was recorded in the minutes.
- Accepted 1% annual traffic growth factor for 2019-2026 projections
- Requested revised traffic analysis with new trip distribution, truck %, and peak hour factor
- Requested justification for reduced parking from 1.7 to 1.2 spaces per unit
- Requested firm commitment to sidewalk improvements along Farm Avenue
- Recommended against connecting force main to existing Farm Avenue sewer main
- Recommended connecting to gravity sewer manhole MH58-4 on Forest Street
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals held a remote meeting on July 6, 2020, and voted on eight variance applications. The board denied a variance for a 40.2'x10.2' accessory structure at 17 Loris Rd. (0-5), citing the structure's size and lack of hardship. All other applications were approved unanimously (5-0), including a rooftop sign at 122 Foster St., a garage at 4 Randall Rd., a family room/garage at 11 Anthony Rd., a sunroom at 3 Sheffield Dr., a Domino's sign at 1 Andover St. (denied 0-5), a FALA addition at 9 Intervale Ave., and a porch at 43 King St.
- Approved rooftop sign variance at 122 Foster St. (5-0)
- Approved side setback variance for 2-car garage at 4 Randall Rd. (5-0)
- Approved front/side setback variance at 11 Anthony Rd. (5-0)
- Approved rear setback variance for sunroom at 3 Sheffield Dr. (5-0)
- Denied 400-sq-ft shed variance at 17 Loris Rd. (0-5)
- Denied 20-ft Domino's sign variance at 1 Andover St. (0-5)
- Approved rear setback variance for FALA addition at 9 Intervale Ave. with condition (5-0)
- Approved side setback variance for porch at 43 King St. (5-0)
Board of Health
The Board approved a permit for Charles and Mary Smith to keep up to nine hens at 779 Lowell Street, with conditions that it can be revoked if problems arise. A request from The Eaves for a lifeguard variance was deferred because no applicant was present. The Board also received updates on Rousselot's odor control efforts, COVID-19 data, and the FY21 budget.
- Approved permit for up to 9 hens at 779 Lowell Street (unanimous)
- Deferred lifeguard variance request from The Eaves to next meeting
- Noted Rousselot's ongoing odor control measures and cease and desist order still in effect
City Council
The Peabody City Council approved a special permit for Todisco Properties to demolish existing structures and build 38 residential condominium units at 40-42 Endicott Street, with conditions including addressing traffic study issues and complying with demolition safeguards. The council also approved a special permit for SemiNex Corporation and Dermal Photonics Corp. to conduct manufacturing at 100-200 Corporate Place. A public hearing for S & S Consultants was recessed to June 25, 2020. The council approved a new MWRA payment schedule as outlined in a June 4, 2020 mayoral communication.
- Approved special permit for 38 condos at 40-42 Endicott St (9-2; Saslaw, Manning-Martin opposed)
- Approved special permit for SemiNex/Dermal Photonics at 100-200 Corporate Place (10-0; Manning-Martin present)
- Recessed public hearing for S & S Consultants to June 25, 2020 (11-0)
- Approved new MWRA payment schedule (11-0)
- Referred pedestrian light timing at Wilson Square to Police Traffic Division (11-0)
- Requested release of Executive Session minutes for 2 Washington St (11-0)
- Requested info on City Hall reopening and Wiggin Auditorium use (11-0)
- Requested summer street sweeping schedule from Public Services (11-0)
City Council
The Peabody City Council approved two Finance Committee fund transfers: $361,500 to various departments and $226,292.38 from the Cable Fund to Cable Fund Expense. The council also approved the appointment of James Liacos to the Licensing Board, scheduled a special meeting on temporary outdoor dining, and recessed two public hearings (Todisco Properties and SemiNex Corporation) to June 11, 2020. All votes were 11-0 except where noted.
- Approved $361,500 transfer to various departments (11-0)
- Approved $226,292.38 transfer from Cable Fund to Cable Fund Expense (11-0)
- Approved appointment of James Liacos to Licensing Board (11-0)
- Scheduled special meeting June 4, 2020 on temporary outdoor dining (11-0)
- Recessed Todisco Properties hearing to June 11, 2020 (11-0)
- Recessed SemiNex Corporation hearing to June 11, 2020 (11-0)
- Approved junk dealers license renewal for ecoATM, LLC (11-0)
- Approved entertainment license renewal for Toscana Ristorante (11-0)
Board of Health
The Peabody Board of Health met virtually and reviewed updated COVID-19 data for the city and state. They unanimously agreed to amend a previously issued directive requiring long-term care facilities to report infection control and surveillance information, streamlining the form and extending the response time. No formal votes were taken on new items; the meeting focused on updates and discussion of reopening and testing plans.
- Amended long-term care facility reporting directive (unanimous)
- Reviewed COVID-19 data update (no vote)
- Discussed reopening planning support for businesses (no vote)
- Discussed expanded testing with ambulance companies and pharmacies (no vote)
Board of Health
The Peabody Board of Health approved an emergency order for essential retail establishments, setting a maximum occupancy cap of 40% of normal capacity, including staff and customers, to enhance social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The board also agreed to delay issuing ice cream truck permits until after the emergency and to extend food permits. No formal votes were recorded; decisions were made by consensus.
- Approved emergency order for essential retail establishments with 40% occupancy cap (consensus)
- Agreed to delay ice cream truck permits until after the emergency (consensus)
- Agreed to extend food permits due to staff constraints (consensus)
- Approved drive-in church services and drive-through wakes (consensus)
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals held a special meeting to hear a Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit application from The Residence at Farm Avenue LLC for 116 rental units at 0 Forest St and 27(R) Farm Ave. The board heard presentations from the applicant, city officials, and abutters in opposition, but took no vote. The board scheduled the next hearing for April 13, 2020, and directed the applicant to work with Community Development on a peer review of traffic, water, sewer, and site design.
- Scheduled next hearing for April 13, 2020 at 7 PM (no vote)
- Directed applicant to coordinate peer review with Community Development (no vote)
- Heard 116-unit Chapter 40B application for 0 Forest St and 27(R) Farm Ave (no vote)
Zoning Board
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a special meeting to continue the Chapter 40B comprehensive permit application for 80 rental units at 40 Oak Street. The board heard from the city engineer and a traffic consultant, who raised concerns about traffic, parking, and site conditions. Residents testified about flooding issues. The board voted 5-0 to continue the hearing to March 16, 2020, to allow the applicant to respond to the traffic review and for further review of water, sewer, and stormwater.
- Continued 40 Oak Street 80-unit Chapter 40B application to March 16, 2020 (5-0)
- Heard traffic peer review from World Tech Engineering
- Heard public testimony on flooding from residents and Elks Lodge representative
- Scheduled next meeting for March 16, 2020, with water/sewer and traffic follow-up
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to grant variances for six properties, including a storage facility at 151 Andover St. with a condition on hours, a deck at 19 Samoset Rd., a home addition at 7 Longwood Ave., a garage at 13 Will Sawyer Rd., a garage at 10 Maryvale Ln., and a new home at 10 Naumkeag Rd. The board denied a variance for an already-built deck at 19 Samoset Rd. (0-5) because construction occurred without a permit. The board also accepted a motion to revise the 40B application distribution list.
- Granted variance for LCI Management at 151 Andover St. with condition of 7 a.m.-8 p.m. hours (5-0)
- Denied variance for Black Roof Properties at 19 Samoset Rd. for after-the-fact deck (0-5)
- Granted variance modification for Childress at 7 Longwood Ave. (5-0)
- Granted variance for Sabelli at 13 Will Sawyer Rd. for garage (5-0)
- Granted variance for Brock at 10 Maryvale Ln. for garage (5-0)
- Granted variance for Capano/Fulciniti at 10 Naumkeag Rd. for new home (5-0)
- Granted variance for Schrage at 7 Reed Rd. for addition (5-0)
- Accepted motion to revise 40B application distribution list
City Council
The Peabody City Council approved a 2% pay raise for the Mayor, increasing annual compensation from $120,000 to $122,400 (8-3). It also approved three special permits: a contractor office at 96 Lynn Street, a charter service office at 119 Rear Foster Street, and a modification to allow outdoor storage of RVs and boats at 137 Summit Street. The Council authorized the Superintendent to submit Statements of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for roof replacement at South Memorial and West Memorial Elementary Schools. All other items were procedural, including accepting land donations, referring fund transfers, and approving licenses and appointments.
- Approved mayor's salary increase to $122,400 (8-3)
- Approved special permit for contractor office at 96 Lynn Street (11-0)
- Approved special permit for charter service office at 119 Rear Foster Street (11-0)
- Approved modification to allow outdoor storage of RVs/boats at 137 Summit Street (11-0)
- Authorized SOI submission for South Memorial Elementary School roof repair (11-0)
- Authorized SOI submission for West Memorial Elementary School roof repair (11-0)
- Accepted gift of land at 0 Trask Road (11-0)
- Referred right of first refusal for 156 R Bartholomew Street to Community Development (11-0)
Zoning Board
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals held a special meeting to continue the hearing for the 40 Oak Street Development, LLC's Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit application for 80 rental units. The board heard opposition from elected officials, residents, and others, plus a complaint from the Elks Lodge about unauthorized soil testing. The board voted 5-0 to continue the hearing to March 2, 2020, and also voted 5-0 to accept the meeting minutes.
- Continued 40 Oak St 40B hearing to March 2, 2020 (5-0)
- Accepted meeting minutes (5-0)
City Council
The Peabody City Council approved a special permit amendment for James Grieco at 160 Lynn Street, allowing pizza and submarine sandwich preparation on premises and extending hours to 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, with conditions including nightly trash removal and parking compliance. The council also unanimously approved an Innholders License for Springhill Suites Boston Peabody at 43 Newbury Street, and supported two state healthcare proxy bills (H.1565 and H.1566). Several other items were received, referred to committees, or approved, including fund transfers for bunker gear and sidewalk plows.
- Approved amended special permit for 160 Lynn Street allowing food prep and extended hours (9-0)
- Approved Innholders License for Springhill Suites Boston Peabody, 43 Newbury Street (unanimous)
- Supported House Bills H.1565 and H.1566 on digitized healthcare proxies (9-0)
- Approved establishing municipal veterans assistance fund per Chapter 60 Section 3F (9-0)
- Referred commercial kitchen zoning amendment to Planning Board (9-0)
- Approved $100,000 transfer for bunker gear, referred to Finance Committee (unanimous)
- Approved $104,000 transfer for sidewalk plow equipment, referred to Finance Committee (unanimous)
- Approved taxi driver licenses, Class 2 motor vehicle licenses, and entertainment license renewals (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Commission approved a Notice of Intent for the rehabilitation of the Winona Water Treatment Plant, including a 1,000 SF building addition, upgrades to the treatment process, and a new sewer pump station. It also accepted the withdrawal of a Notice of Intent for 25 Farm Avenue, issued Orders of Conditions for a parking lot expansion at 22 Johnson Street, and continued a hearing for a larger house at 73 Lake Street. Certificates of Compliance were issued for properties at 20 John Road and 10 Sylvan Street.
- Approved NOI for Winona Water Treatment Plant rehab with conditions (unanimous)
- Accepted withdrawal of NOI for 25 Farm Avenue (unanimous)
- Issued Order of Conditions for 22 Johnson Street parking lot expansion with conditions (unanimous)
- Continued hearing for 73 Lake Street house expansion to address stormwater concerns (unanimous)
- Issued Partial Certificate of Compliance for 20 John Road (unanimous)
- Issued Full Certificate of Compliance for 10 Sylvan Street (DEP 55-740) (unanimous)
- Issued Full Certificate of Compliance for 10 Sylvan Street (DEP 55-748) (unanimous)
- Continued enforcement order for 60 Warren Street Extension (unanimous)
City Council
The Peabody City Council approved three special permits: Nutre LLC's parking plan modification at 23 Upton Street, Capone's Restaurant's electronic message board sign, and McDonald's digital menu board signs. The council also appointed Diane R. Full as City Treasurer, adopted two ordinance amendments, and approved numerous license renewals.
- Approved Nutre LLC special permit to modify parking plan at 23 Upton Street (10-0)
- Approved Capone's Restaurant special permit for electronic message board sign (9-0)
- Approved McDonald's special permit for three digital menu board signs (9-0)
- Approved appointment of Diane R. Full as City Treasurer for one-year term (10-0)
- Adopted ordinance amending Chapter 6 'Animals' (9-0)
- Adopted ordinance amending Section 19-81 'Parking Prohibited – Handicap Zone' (9-0)
- Approved 5 taxi driver licenses, 2 Class 1, 6 Class 2, 1 Class 3 motor vehicle licenses, 12 entertainment licenses, 7 general licenses, and 1 taxicab license transfer (all unanimous)