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Peabody, MA

Peabody public meetings in 2023

65 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 28, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $9M bond for 80 Granite Street land acquisition

The Peabody City Council unanimously approved a $9,000,000 bond order to acquire the 132.45-acre property at 80 Granite Street. The council also voted 11-0 to correct scrivener's errors on three prior motions related to land court documents. The special meeting was held solely for this purpose.

Thu Dec 14, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health approves syringe exchange program for Peabody

The Peabody Board of Health unanimously approved a syringe exchange program for the city, to be implemented via a mobile model. The board also granted a tattoo apprentice permit at 150 Main St. and conditionally approved a body art training academy at 39 Cross St. No public comments were received on any of the hearings.

Thu Dec 14, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approves $9M land acquisition to preserve golf course, prevent development

The City Council approved a $9 million acquisition of four parcels from Rousselot to secure full ownership of The Meadows golf course and prevent future housing development. The purchase was negotiated down from an $11.9 million appraisal, and the mayor committed that it will not affect the operating budget. The council also approved three special permits: an auto repair shop at 1 Willard Street, a multi-family alteration at 38 Central Street, and a self-service storage facility at 47 Tremont Street.

Wed Dec 13, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approves 47 Tremont St redevelopment with conditions

The Peabody Conservation Commission held public hearings on six Notices of Intent. They closed hearings and issued Orders of Conditions for two projects: a commercial storage building at 47 Tremont Street and a commercial addition at 168 Main Street. Three other hearings were continued to future meetings, and one hearing was continued pending a site visit and additional information.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Dec 7, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Council adopts FY2024 tax classification with residential factor of 0.847613

The Peabody City Council held a special meeting to adopt the Fiscal 2024 Tax Classification. The council approved a residential factor of 0.847613 (175% CIP) by a 9-1 vote, with Councillor Manning-Martin opposed. They also approved multiple fund transfers totaling over $3 million, including $1.5 million from free cash to the operating budget, and adopted optional real estate exemptions for 2024. No members of the public spoke for or against the tax classification.

Thu Dec 7, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approves 47 Tremont Street self-storage with conditions

The Peabody Planning Board approved a site plan review for a 3-story self-storage building at 47 Tremont Street, with conditions including full downward cutoff lighting, completion of a wall, and submission of an engineering report. The board also approved extensions for several other projects and recommended approval for a three-unit townhouse at 28 Washington Street with conditions.

🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Mon Nov 20, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: ZBA continues DiOrio variance, closes 41 Newbury St hearing

The Zoning Board of Appeals continued the DiOrio variance request for 304 Lowell St to December 18, 2023, after the chair recused herself. The board also closed the public hearing on the 41 Newbury Street Realty LLC Chapter 40B comprehensive permit for 60 rental units, with a vote on the decision scheduled for the December meeting.

Thu Nov 16, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approved lot consolidation for 40B project at 128 Newbury St

The Planning Board unanimously approved an ANR plan to combine multiple lots at 128 Newbury Street into one contiguous parcel for the Trammell Crow 40B project. Several site plan review items were continued to December 7, 2023, pending completion of peer reviews. The board also approved the 2024 meeting schedule.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Thu Nov 9, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approves $95,367 tractor for Brooksby Farm, 11-0

The Peabody City Council approved a $95,367 transfer of funds for a tractor for Brooksby Farm, and a $2,035 transfer for cemetery restoration fencing at Emerson Cemetery, both unanimously. Several motions were passed, including a restricted parking ordinance on MacArthur Road and requests for legal opinions on property issues. All decisions were unanimous or carried 11-0.

Wed Nov 8, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approved soil borings for transmission line work

The Peabody Conservation Commission held a remote meeting on November 8, 2023, and approved a standard Order of Conditions for exploratory soil borings by New England Power Company along a transmission line right-of-way, with special conditions for erosion controls and fueling restrictions. All other public hearings were continued to future dates pending revised plans or peer reviews. The commission also approved minor permits and tree permits, including a vegetation management plan for PMLP.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Nov 2, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Approved site plan for 101,302 sq ft Residence Inn hotel at 210 Andover Street

The Planning Board approved a site plan review for a proposed Residence Inn by Marriott at 0 Prospect Street (210 Andover Street), a 101,302-square-foot hotel. The approval was contingent on conditions from the Engineering Department and Community Development, both dated November 1, 2023. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Thu Oct 19, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health approves tattoo permits, chicken permit, sewer stay

The Peabody Board of Health approved two body-tattooing permits (micropigmentation apprentice and full tattoo artist), a permit to keep six chickens at 2 Tremont St. with a setback variance, extended a stay on a sewer connection order at 176 Newbury St. for six months, and upheld an order to correct at 148 Washington St. Unit B after the property owner failed to appear. All votes were unanimous.

Mon Oct 16, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: ZBA allows withdrawal of 128-unit senior housing plan on Newbury St

The Zoning Board of Appeals granted the applicant's request to withdraw without prejudice a proposal for a 128-unit continuing care retirement community at 0 Newbury Street, after board members expressed concerns about the extent of zoning relief needed. The board also approved several other variance requests, including a pool house use at 11 Michelle Road, a frontage variance at 0 Pearl Street, and additions at 20 Proctor Street, 22 Alden Road, and 71 Lake Street. A special meeting item for a 60-unit Chapter 40B project at 41 Newbury Street was continued to November 20.

Wed Oct 11, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission issued certificate of compliance for expired order at 190 Newbury St

The Conservation Commission issued a full Certificate of Compliance for an expired Order of Conditions at 190 Newbury Street, noting work never commenced and a new order has been issued. A public hearing for a single-family home at 29 Glendale Avenue was continued to November due to concerns about stormwater proximity to wetlands. The commission approved a standard Order of Conditions for a three-car garage at 163 Lowell Street with additional conditions.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Oct 5, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approves four modifications to 45 Tremont Street site plan

The Peabody Planning Board unanimously approved four modifications to the 45 Tremont Street site plan, including changes to landscaping, parking, and a retaining wall. Several other items were continued to future meetings, including a proposed Residence Inn by Marriott at 0 Prospect Street and a 26-unit apartment complex at 54 Prospect Street. The board also granted continuances for a land petition at 168 Lynn Street and a site plan review at 28 Washington Street.

🏢 Building at this address: 4 m tall
Thu Sep 28, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health approved five tattoo permits unanimously

The Peabody Board of Health held hearings and unanimously approved five applications for permits to perform body tattooing or micropigmentation. The permits were granted to Laurie Fernandez, Courtney Langton (apprentice only), Anthony Beatrice, Amber Williams, and Maritza Rodriguez (micropigmentation only). All applicants demonstrated knowledge of cross-contamination prevention and had paperwork in order.

Thu Sep 21, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Board grants withdrawal of zoning overlay petition, continues hotel and apartment reviews

The Planning Board unanimously approved a withdrawal without prejudice of a petition to amend the Zoning Overlay District for two parcels. The board also continued site plan reviews for a proposed Residence Inn by Marriott and a 26-unit apartment complex to the next meeting, and re-endorsed an ANR plan for 1 Newbury Street.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Wed Sep 13, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission extends 10 Mill St permit, continues 6 hearings

The Peabody Conservation Commission voted unanimously to extend a commercial building permit at 10 Mill Street for one year. Six other hearings were continued to future meetings, including a single-family home at 29 Glendale Avenue, a commercial addition at 168 Main Street, a garage at 163 Lowell Street, a storage building at 47 Tremont Street, a commercial redevelopment at 60 Pulaski Street, and a retaining wall repair at 1 Brooksby Village Drive. The commission also issued a negative determination for the Brooksby Village retaining wall repair with conditions.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Mon Sep 11, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: ZBA approved 140-unit rental project at 39 Wallis St. (5-0)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit for The Tan-Rite Residences LLC to construct 140 rental units at 39 Wallis St., 4 and 8 Upton St. The vote was 5-0. Other items were continued or discussed, including a proposed 128-unit continuing care retirement community at 0 Newbury St., which drew opposition letters and board concerns about density and traffic.

⚠️ EPA compliance flag nearby: ADHESIVE PACKAGING (Violation Identified)
🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Thu Sep 7, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board extends deadlines for several development projects

The Peabody Planning Board unanimously approved extensions for a zoning amendment, a site plan review for a proposed apartment complex at 54 Prospect Street, and a site plan review for a self-storage building at 47 Tremont Street. No final decisions were made on any project; all were continued to the September 21, 2023 meeting.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Mon Aug 28, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: ZBA enters executive session to discuss 11 Michelle Road litigation

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a special meeting and unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation related to a variance denial at 11 Michelle Road, Peabody. The board reviewed a potential settlement agreement with the plaintiff. No substantive public decisions were made.

Thu Aug 24, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health tours syringe service van, considers needle exchange program

The Peabody Board of Health held a discussion and on-site visit with Healthy Streets, a mobile syringe service program, as a preliminary step toward potentially allowing a needle exchange in Peabody. No vote was taken on the program; the Board reached a consensus to proceed with community outreach and coordination with the mayor and police and fire chiefs before any formal decision. The Board also approved three tattoo permits: one apprentice permit for Natalya Kushpel (micropigmentation only) and two full permits for Charles Reilly and Jeffrey Brito, all by unanimous roll-call votes.

Thu Aug 17, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approves land transfer for 100 Birch Street

The Planning Board approved an ANR Plan to transfer a portion of land at 100 Birch Street to an abutting property. Several other site plan reviews and zoning amendments were continued to future meetings.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Thu Aug 3, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approves expansion of EV charging stations at Northshore Mall

The Board approved a modification to increase the number of fast-charging electric vehicle stations at 210 Andover Street from four to six. Several other zoning and site plan reviews were continued to the August 17, 2023, meeting.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Thu Jul 27, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health approves three body tattooing permits

The Board of Health granted tattooing permits to three applicants following hearings on their procedures and credentials. One permit application was held over to next month due to the applicant's absence, and a hearing regarding E Market was deferred.

Wed Jul 26, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves three residential projects with specific conditions

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for a new home at 36A Greenwood Rd, a pool at 71 Lake Street, and a sunroom at 6 Leblanc Drive. Several other public hearings for residential and commercial projects were continued to future meetings.

Thu Jul 20, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board recommends approval for coffee shop at 1 Newbury Street

The Planning Board recommended a conditional permit for a coffee shop redevelopment at 1 Newbury Street. The Board also approved a land court plan for a residential property on Bow Street and continued several other site plan reviews and a zoning amendment request.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Mon Jul 17, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Zoning Board approves conversion of 229 Lowell St to two-family home

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to convert a single-family home to a two-family home at 229 Lowell St with a parking restriction. Several other variance applications and Chapter 40B permits were continued to future meetings. The board also rescheduled the September meeting date.

Thu Jul 13, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Peabody City Council approves several business permits and licenses

The City Council approved multiple special permits for boat sales, indoor recreation, and landscaping, as well as motor vehicle licenses. Several other zoning and licensing requests were recessed until August 29, 2023.

Wed Jul 12, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves interim restoration plan for Salem Country Club

The Commission approved a restoration plan for 133 Forest Street to address an Enforcement Order regarding tree removal and woodchip deposits. The plan is being implemented with a completion deadline of November 30, 2023. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for September 13.

Thu Jun 29, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health approves multiple body tattooing permits

The Board of Health held hearings for several tattoo permit applicants. The board unanimously approved permits for five individuals and one establishment.

Thu Jun 15, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board recommends zoning change for 10 and 12 Munroe Street

The Board unanimously recommended that the City Council redesignate two parcels on Munroe Street from Residential R-2 to Central Business BC. Several other site plan reviews for commercial and residential projects were continued to the July 20 meeting.

🏢 Building at this address: 3 m tall
Wed Jun 14, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission continues all pending items due to power outage

The Conservation Commission continued several public hearings and enforcement orders. The meeting was adjourned early after a thunderstorm caused a widespread power outage, preventing members from completing the agenda.

Mon Jun 12, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Zoning Board approves coffee shop and several residential variances

The Board granted variances for a new coffee shop at 1 Newbury St and several residential projects. A request for a second-floor deck at 14 Sandra Rd was denied twice, and multiple other applications were continued to future meetings.

Thu Jun 8, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Peabody City Council updates site plan fees and appoints building commissioner

The City Council approved a new fee schedule for site plan reviews and appointed Thomas St. Pierre as Inspector of Buildings/Building Commissioner. A special permit for a hair salon at 672 Lowell Street was approved, and the council began updating compensation schedules for various city positions.

Thu Jun 1, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board recommends zoning amendment for site plan review fees

The Board recommended a zoning ordinance amendment to update site plan review fees and terminology. It also approved the release of a covenant for Winona Woods and issued a recommendation for a 60-unit housing project.

Thu May 25, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health approves three tattoo apprentice permits and spares tobacco permit

The Board of Health granted three permits for body tattooing apprentices. The Board also decided not to revoke the tobacco sales permit for New England Meat Market following a fourth violation.

Thu May 18, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board extends review for 1 Newbury Street coffee shop

The Board approved a continuation and time extension for the site plan review of a proposed coffee shop at 1 Newbury Street. A proposal for a 101,302 square-foot Residence Inn by Marriott was presented for initial review, but no decision was made.

Mon May 15, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Zoning Board approves 220-unit rental project at 128 Newbury Street

The Board approved a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit for a 220-unit rental development. Several residential variances for garages, pools, and home replacements were approved, while other requests were continued for further review.

Wed May 10, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves stormwater basin at 25 Farm Avenue

The Commission issued a standard Order of Conditions for a stormwater infiltration basin at 25 Farm Avenue despite abutter objections. Several Certificates of Compliance were issued or held pending revised plans for residential and commercial properties.

Thu May 4, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board continues review of proposed Starbucks at 1 Newbury Street

The Board reviewed a site plan for a 2,400-square-foot coffee shop with a drive-thru at 1 Newbury Street. No final decision was made on the application, and the item remains on the agenda for future meetings.

Thu Apr 27, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health adopts updated tobacco sales regulations

The Board of Health unanimously approved amendments to tobacco sales regulations to align penalties with state law and reduce the cap on establishments. The Board also granted a new tattoo establishment permit and decided not to revoke permits for an existing tattoo artist despite past disciplinary issues in another city.

Thu Apr 20, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board recommends rezoning of 10 and 12 Munroe Street to Central Business

The Planning Board unanimously recommended that the City Council change the zoning of 10 and 12 Munroe Street from Residential R-2 to Central Business (BC). The change is intended to facilitate the development of a three-story building with 14 units. The board also approved the minutes from the April 6, 2023 meeting.

🏢 Building at this address: 5 m tall
Thu Apr 13, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves limousine license and refers several million-dollar items

The City Council approved a limousine license for Sunshine Car Service, LLC and a junk dealer renewal for Long's Jewelers. Several high-value items, including a $5.7 million land acquisition and a $862,922 fire pumper lease, were referred to committees for review. Multiple zoning and special permit hearings were continued to future dates.

Wed Apr 12, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission issues compliance certificates for cemetery and housing

The Commission issued Full Certificates of Compliance for the Boston Muslim Cemetery and a multifamily house on Winter Street. A Partial Certificate of Compliance was granted for 7 North Dale Street. Several other projects and enforcement orders were continued to future hearings.

Thu Apr 6, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board recommends approval of 1 Newbury Street land plan

The Board recommended approval for a land plan to create a 0.702-acre lot at 1 Newbury Street for a proposed coffee shop. The Board also endorsed a new site plan application fee structure to be sent to the City Council. Two other residential development projects were continued to future dates.

Thu Mar 23, 2023

Board of Health

✓ Decided: Board of Health approves multiple tattoo permits and ends shop owner's suspension

The Board of Health approved several body tattooing permits and lifted the suspension of Jason Michalack's permit following staff retraining. The Board also extended a sewer connection enforcement stay for 176 Newbury Street and approved a burial vault modification for 530 Lowell Street.

Mon Mar 20, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Engineering review addresses traffic and parking for 39 Wallis Street project

The Director of Engineering reviewed a proposal for a 132-unit multi-family residential development at 39 Wallis Street. The review focused on sight distance, parking capacity, and pedestrian infrastructure, with the applicant agreeing to remove five parking spaces to improve visibility.

Mon Mar 20, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Zoning Board approves three residential and commercial variances

The Board approved variance requests for a front porch at 26 Linden Rd, a deck at 9 Longwood Ave, and two signs at 3 Centennial Dr. A request to convert a home to a two-family dwelling at 229 Lowell St was continued for a site visit. Public hearings were closed for a 180-unit project at 128 Newbury Street, while a 140-unit project at 39 Wallis St was continued.

Thu Mar 16, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approves land division at Northshore Mall

The Board recommended approval for a land division at the Northshore Mall and granted a conditional site plan permit for a 60-unit residential project. An extension was granted for a multi-family housing project on Pulaski Street.

Thu Mar 9, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council denies gasoline sale permit for 468 Lowell Street

The City Council denied a special permit to allow gasoline sales at 468 Lowell Street. The Council approved a special permit for an ice cream stand and commissary kitchen at 297 Lynn Street and adopted an ordinance amending the Mayor's salary.

Wed Mar 8, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves car wash and residential project orders

The Commission issued Orders of Conditions for a car wash upgrade at 27 Central Street and a multi-family building at 190R Newbury Street. Several other requests for certificates of compliance and notices of intent were continued for further revision or site visits.

Thu Mar 2, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board grants time extensions for two multi-family housing projects

The Planning Board approved the minutes from February 16, 2023. The board granted time extensions until March 16, 2023, for site plan reviews regarding two residential developments. Both project reviews were continued to March 9, 2023.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Mon Feb 27, 2023

Zoning Board

✓ Decided: Zoning Board approves multiple residential and commercial variances

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved several variance requests for home additions, decks, and signage. The board denied a variance for an oversized shed at 14 Kosciusko St and upheld an enforcement action against J.D. Raymond Transport Inc. Two large Chapter 40B rental projects were continued to a future meeting.

🏢 Building at this address: 7 m tall
Thu Feb 23, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council appropriates $2.8M for public safety and infrastructure projects

The City Council approved $2.8 million for a public safety facility, bridge repair, and square easements. The council also issued fines for license violations and approved several entertainment and motor vehicle license renewals.

Tue Feb 21, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Tracy M. Valletti elected to Peabody Municipal Light Commission

The City Council and Municipal Light Commission held a joint special meeting to fill a vacancy left by Charles W. Bonfanti. Following a nomination process and candidate statements, Tracy M. Valletti was elected to the commission.

Thu Feb 16, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board continues two multi-family housing site plan reviews

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the February 2, 2023 meeting. Two applications for multi-family residential developments were continued to March 9, 2023, to allow for further review of revised plans.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Feb 9, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Peabody City Council approves police body camera contract and mayoral raise

The City Council authorized a five-year agreement for police body-worn cameras and increased the Mayor's annual salary. The council also approved several business licenses and temporarily relocated Ward 2 polling places for 2023.

Wed Feb 8, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves tree orders for Salem Country Club

The Commission authorized the Salem Country Club to order replacement trees and approved the removal of Japanese Hops. Several other notices of intent and enforcement orders were continued to future meetings.

Thu Feb 2, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board continues two multi-family housing site plan reviews

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the January 19, 2023 meeting. Two site plan reviews for multi-family residential projects were continued to the February 16, 2023 meeting following requests from the applicant's attorney.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Jan 26, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: Peabody City Council approves $2.8M for public safety and infrastructure projects

The Council authorized $2.8 million for a new public safety facility, bridge repairs, and street easements. They also approved several entertainment licenses for local restaurants and transferred $1.4 million in ARPA funds to fire salaries and overtime.

Thu Jan 19, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board recommends Mill Overlay District zoning amendment

The Planning Board voted to recommend that the City Council adopt an amendment to the Mill Overlay District (MOD) zoning ordinance. The board also approved two requests to continue site plan reviews for residential projects on Newbury Street and Pulaski Street.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Jan 12, 2023

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves special permit for car wash expansion at 27 Central Street

The City Council approved a special permit for New York Capital Investment Group, LLC to expand a car wash and install a new vacuum system at 27 Central Street. The council also renewed several business licenses and requested a new stop sign at Monroe Court and Central Street.

Wed Jan 11, 2023

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves redevelopment at 58 Pulaski Street

The Commission approved a project for the reconfiguration and paving of an area at 58 Pulaski Street with specific conditions for stormwater and maintenance. Several other notices of intent and enforcement orders were continued for further review or documentation.

Thu Jan 5, 2023

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approves officer appointments and withdraws Westford Ave project

The Planning Board appointed its Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. A subdivision application for Westford Avenue was withdrawn, and a public hearing for the Mill Overlay District zoning amendment was continued to a later date.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall