Public Meetings - Peabody, Massachusetts

The Peabody City Council convened the Industrial and Community Development Committee, the Municipal Safety Committee, and the Regular City Council Meeting on the evening of October 22, 2026. Major topics included flood resilience zoning for the Walnut Street corridor, the Centennial Park strategic plan, extensive traffic safety discussions on Bartholomew Street and Casco Road, a failed attempt to override the mayor's snow ordinance veto, and the revocation of a business license for unpaid taxes. Consent Calendar & Routine Approvals - Fogo de Chão Entertainment License: Approved unanimously (10-0) for non-live and limited live entertainment (quarterly piano). - El Fogon de la Rubia Show Cause: Council took no action (10-0) after the owner paid the 2026 renewal fine and cited personal medical issues. - Mandalidis Auto Repair License Revocation: The Class 2 Motor Vehicle license was revoked unanimously (10-0) due to $11,711.20 in outstanding back taxes. - Continuances: A zoning map amendment (495 Lowell Street) and a special permit (60 Pulaski Street) were both continued to November 12, 2026. Councilor Hockman recused himself from the 495 Lowell vote due to a direct abutter conflict of interest. Public Comments & Testimony - Bartholomew Street Safety: Six residents provided extensive testimony. Paul Campbell described the street as a “Bartholomew Raceway” demanding speed humps and crosswalks. Jameson Kish displayed a damaged mailbox from a hit-and-run, calling for physical infrastructure over signs. George Smith detailed failures in truck exclusion enforcement and the danger from tractor-trailers. Amelia and Jeff Roy highlighted speeding, bus safety issues, and the absence of sidewalks and crosswalks endangering children and elderly pedestrians. Pam Swanson advocated for speed tables. - Peabody Meadows: Councilor Ladoff relayed complaints from 29 residents about speeding on Granite Street and alcohol consumption in the parking lot. - El Fogon de la Rubia: Owner Rosa Montes explained her license renewal oversight was due to surgery, an ankle injury, and an accident, confirming the fine was paid. Discussion Items - North River Resiliency Plan (Industrial Committee): Consultants Weston & Sampson and UTL presented flood modeling for the Walnut Street corridor. The plan recommends a zoning overlay limiting “building touchdown” to elevate structures above flood levels, allowing water drainage and mixed-use redevelopment. Councilor Peach expressed strong support, calling it the “pivotal piece we were missing.” The committee moved to receive the presentation; formal zoning proposals are the next step. - Centennial Park Strategic Plan (Industrial Committee): Senior Planner Andrew Levin presented the study, funded by a $65,000 MassDevelopment grant. Key findings included an average building age of 50 years and significant out-of-state investment. Councilor Turko urged rapid action on zoning and District Improvement Financing, while Councilor Rosignal stressed highway egress improvements on Summit Street. The committee received the update, keeping the item in committee for further zoning work. - Casco Road Intersection (Municipal Safety Committee): Mayor Bettencourt outlined the city’s history of attempting low-cost safety improvements. These efforts were halted by a MassDOT order in Sept 2024 following a complaint from the City of Lynn. The Mayor expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress and the impasse. Recent communication from MassDOT indicates they will re-engage on scheduling meetings. - Bartholomew Street / Lynn Street / Fairview Ave Traffic (Municipal Safety Committee): Captain Scott Richards presented data: 19 accidents at Lynn/Bartholomew, 9 at Lynn/Fairview, and 19 on Bartholomew Street over five years. He recommended standardizing the speed limit to 25 mph (currently 20/30/20/30), replacing outdated signage, and relocating the speed reader. He strongly opposed speed humps, citing emergency vehicle delays and noise, but supported low-cost fog lines and striping. - Snow Ordinance Veto Override (Full Council): The council debated the mayor’s veto. Councilors Welton and Daigle argued the ordinance was necessary to enforce rules against negligent absentee landlords. Councilors Gamash and Higgins countered it was unenforceable and would cause neighbor disputes. Councilor Ladoff cited remaining ambiguities. The override failed 6-4. - High School Project (Full Council): Councilor Peach successfully moved to authorize the signing of a Construction Manager at Risk (CM at Risk) delivery method, sending the item to the Committee of the Whole. Key Outcomes - Failed Veto Override: The motion to override the Mayor’s snow ordinance veto failed (6 No, 4 Yes). Voting against override (upholding the veto): Gamash, Hockman, Turko, Manning Martin, Ladoff, Higgins. Voting to override (supporting the ordinance): Daigle, Welton, Rosignal, Peach. - Bartholomew Street Directives (Municipal Safety Committee): The council voted to refer school bus stop issues to the joint ad hoc committee, instruct Police and DPS to evaluate crosswalk placement at Nathan’s Way/Valley Circle, direct DPS to replace all outdated signage, relocate the speed reader, and initiate the process with MassDOT to standardize the speed limit to 25 mph. - Peabody Meadows Directives: The council approved “No Alcohol” signage on the premises. A motion to install speed tables was withdrawn; Councilor Ladoff will follow up with Captain Richards to review options. - Crossing Guard Review: The review of crossing guard assignments was officially referred to the joint City Council and School Committee meeting. - Budget: Council requested updated FY27 budget figures from the Mayor and Finance Director prior to December’s tax classification hearing. - Poll Workers: Councilor Gamash announced the Board of Registrars approved staffing levels of 2 police officers per polling location for municipal elections and 3 for state elections.

The Peabody Planning Board convened on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Wigan Auditorium, City Hall, 24 Low Street. The agenda included a public hearing on a zoning amendment for 495 Lowell Street, a discussion on a recommendation regarding AI data centers, a site plan withdrawal, and a bond release. Public Hearing: Zoning Map Amendment for 495 Lowell Street Attorney John Kelty, representing the applicant, presented an amended request to rezone the property from R1 to R2. The initial request was for R4, but was amended to R2 following board and city council feedback. - Applicant's Position: The applicant stated that under current R1 zoning, developing the property would require building a roadway and cul-de-sac, necessitating significant blasting and grading that would impact the hill and vernal pool. The R2 change would allow for two duplex lots (yielding four units) without a new roadway, minimal soil removal, and preservation of the wooded area around the vernal pool. - Board Questions: Members questioned the applicant about access points (confirmed solely on Lowell Street), lot dimensions, grading impact, and potential "spot zoning" concerns. The applicant argued that the R2 development would be far less impactful than a standard subdivision. - Public Testimony: - Jared Hockman (52 Ellsworth Road, congregant of Temple Tiferet Shalom) recused himself from deliberation or votes due to a conflict of interest. He spoke as a neutral resident raising concerns about the lack of a detailed plan, security buffers between the property and the temple, noise, and lighting. He requested a natural buffer zone and fencing. - Dr. Ed Weiner (Vice President, Temple Tiferet Shalom) expressed deep concerns about security, privacy, and noise, noting the temple requires armed security for all events due to the current climate. He requested a survey of property lines, review of the vernal pool, and a continuance to allow for negotiation of reasonable conditions. - Fatima Magatear (497 Lowell Street) expressed concerns about the shared driveway, increased traffic, blind driveway conditions, deforestation, and the changing character of the neighborhood from single-family to multi-family. She requested a traffic study and expressed concerns about the speed of the process. - Board Deliberation: Board members Roy Simos, Thomas Battancourt, and others requested a preliminary plan showing lot lines, driveway location, building footprints, and a strong buffer to the temple before supporting the zone change. They urged the applicant to work with the abutters. - Motion and Vote: A motion to recess the public hearing until the November 5, 2026 meeting passed unanimously. Consent Calendar The minutes of the October 1, 2026 meeting (the agenda item mistakenly referenced a December date but the motion was for the October 1 minutes) were approved by unanimous roll call. Discussion Items 1. Site/Building Permit Plan Review: 81 Prospect Street - A withdrawal request from the developer was received and approved unanimously without prejudice. 2. Stonegate Subdivision - Surety Bond Release - The board considered a request to release the remaining surety bond. Department of Public Services conditions regarding mylars and digital plans were fulfilled. Board members confirmed the site was in good condition. A motion to release the bonds passed unanimously. 3. AI Data Center Zoning Recommendation - The board considered a memo from the subcommittee proposing a definition for data centers and two potential zoning districts. Members expressed strong opposition to data centers in Peabody, citing energy, water, and environmental concerns. Some members wanted specific dimensional requirements. The discussion was continued to the November 5 meeting for a formal draft recommendation. Key Outcomes - Zoning Amendment (495 Lowell St): Public hearing recessed to November 5, 2026. Applicant to file preliminary plans and meet with neighbors and Temple Tiferet Shalom. - Stonegate Subdivision: Surety bond approved for release. - 81 Prospect Street: Site plan review withdrawn without prejudice. - AI Data Centers: Discussion continued to November 5, 2026 meeting for drafting a formal recommendation.

The Peabody Planning Board met on October 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level conference room at 24 Lowell Street. The board unanimously approved the minutes of the September 3, 2026 meeting, endorsed an ANR plan for 604 Lowell Street with a non-buildable parcel condition, and granted a continuation extension for a site plan review at 81 Prospect Street. A subcommittee report on AI-related matters was also placed on the next agenda. Minutes Approval - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the September 3, 2026 meeting. (Motion by Mr. Chairman, seconded; all in favor.) ANR Plan of Land – 604 Lowell Street (Map 25, Lot 12A) - The applicant, Elizabeth Young (represented by her son), requested endorsement of an ANR plan to divide the existing dwelling lot into two parcels: Lot 1 (20,257 square feet, with the house) and Parcel A (26,898 square feet, landlocked and non-buildable). The stated goal was to allow the sale of the house following the death of the applicant's father and to make Parcel A available for purchase by abutters or to be held by the son. - The board discussed the legality of creating a landlocked parcel. Board member Joe Gagnon initially expressed concern, noting that subdivision regulations generally prohibit creating a lot without access. Surveyor Chris Muller (Eastern Land Survey) explained that this is a common practice for conveying non-buildable parcels to adjacent landowners, and that Parcel A would remain non-buildable until combined with an abutter's lot and further subdivided with ZBA approval. - The board voted to endorse the plan, conditioned on a clear statement that Parcel A is unbuildable. The motion carried unanimously (8-0). Site Building Permit Plan Review – 81 Prospect Street (Map 39, Lots 46A and 46B) - This item was continued from the September 3, 2026 meeting. The board received a late email communication from Nicholas Betts on September 30, requesting an extension of time to a later meeting in November. The board moved to receive and grant the requested extension. - Discussion indicated that testing had been conducted on the site and that the board was awaiting review of the testing results. The extension was granted unanimously. Correspondence and Other Matters - The board noted correspondence regarding 2027 meeting dates and agenda items. - Judith provided a report from the AI subcommittee (two-page memo). The board placed this item on the next agenda for further discussion. Key Outcomes - Minutes of September 3, 2026 approved unanimously. - ANR plan for 604 Lowell Street endorsed with the condition that Parcel A be designated as unbuildable. Unanimous vote (8-0). - Site plan review for 81 Prospect Street continued to a later meeting in November upon the request of Nicholas Betts; extension granted unanimously. - AI subcommittee report referred to the next agenda. - Meeting adjourned without further business.

The Peabody City Council held subcommittee meetings (Legal Affairs, Industrial & Community Development, Finance) followed by a regular meeting. The council addressed public hearings, subcommittee reports, and routine approvals. Key actions included advancing a snow removal ordinance, rejecting a land sale, continuing a zoning hearing, and approving budget transfers. Public Hearings - Utility Pole Installation (PMLP): The council approved a petition from Peabody Municipal Light Plant to install a new utility pole on Walnut Street near the Salem line. No public opposition. Vote: 10-0. - Zoning Change Request (30 Lake Street): Attorney John Kelty requested redesignation of two parcels from R1 to BN, citing an administrative error from 2017. Several councilors (Turko, Manning Martin) questioned the evidence and requested documentation of the original zoning. The hearing was continued to October 8, 2026. Vote: 11-0 to continue. Public comment: Mark O'Neill (21 Antrim Road) opposed, arguing no evidence of city error and that the zoning had been R1 since 2011. - Continuation Request (Late 2): Councilor Peach moved to continue a separate hearing to October 22, 2026, to accommodate neighbors unable to attend on October 8. Vote: 11-0. Consent Calendar - State Election Warrant (8B): Approved. - Informational Items (7A, 7B, 7C): Received and referred as appropriate. - Entertainment License for Fogo de Chow, Block Party Request, Taxi License Renewal: Received and set for public hearing pending paperwork. Reports from Subcommittees Legal Affairs Committee - Purchase of City-Owned Land (0 Pulaski Street): The committee recommended not to sell the land. Patricia Cohen (Gardner Street) spoke in opposition, citing ecological importance and arguing the land belongs to the public. Councilor Peach moved not to sell; vote 5-0 in committee, then adopted by full council (10-0). - Commercial Vehicle Ordinance (Motion by Councilor Peach): Proposed stricter parking restrictions for commercial vehicles on residential streets. Left in committee for further discussion with police. - Snow Removal Ordinance (Motion by Councilor Peach): Would extend sidewalk snow removal requirements citywide (currently only downtown) with fines of $50 first offense, $100 subsequent. Committee passed 4-1 (Turko opposed). Full council voted 6-5 to advance to draft and advertise. Councilors Daigle, Gamash, Welton, Rosignal, Latoff, Peach voted yes; Hockman, Turko, Manning Martin, Corovo, Higgins voted no. Councilor Turko expressed concerns about enforceability and burden on residents, especially elderly. Councilor Latoff suggested a volunteer program for seniors. Industrial & Community Development Committee - Special Event Fee Waivers: Mayor discussed current process (fee waivers for city-affiliated nonprofits). Councilor Manning Martin requested clear criteria for waivers and better tracking. The committee agreed to leave the issue in committee for further work with the mayor and community development. Finance Committee - Legal Expense Transfer: $625,000 from stabilization fund to cover an uninsured claim (previously discussed in executive session). Approved 11-0. - FY26 Closeout Transfer: $555,709 moved between department accounts to balance negative accounts. Approved 11-0. - CPC Transfer for Bike Path Construction Management: $326,000 from CPC Open Space to bike path oversight. Approved 11-0. Councilor Hockman asked that excess funds be used for path repairs, but Councilor Peach noted CPC restrictions. Key Outcomes - Land Sale Rejected: 0 Pulaski Street will not be sold. - Snow Removal Ordinance Advanced: Full council voted 6-5 to draft and advertise a revised ordinance requiring residents/businesses to clear snow from sidewalks within 5 hours (amended from 4). - Zoning Hearing Continued: Petitioner must provide evidence of original zoning from 2017. - Budget Transfers Approved: $625,000 legal expense, $555,709 FY26 closeout, $326,000 CPC bike path. - Utility Pole Permit Approved.\n- Subcommittee reports received and actions taken as noted.

The Peabody City Council convened on September 10, 2026, for a series of meetings including the Finance Committee, Industrial and Community Development Committee, and a Regular City Council meeting. Key agenda items included a senior property tax work-off abatement program, the sale of 70 Endicott Street for redevelopment, a zoning amendment for 495 Lowell Street, several special permits and licenses, and multiple fund transfers. All sessions were public and held in the Frank L. Wiggin Auditorium. Consent Calendar - Standard Fund Transfers: The Finance Committee approved and the full council ratified three transfers: $52,242.20 from the ride-share transportation enhancement trust for bike path projects; $122,900 for cemetery capital improvements; and $262,633.55 and $69,781.79 from Comcast cable receipts to the cable fund. All passed unanimously. - Appointments: Reese Panic as Assistant IT Director and Anthony Sorentino as Wiring Inspector were confirmed 10-0. - Licenses and Permits: Utility contractor license for Anderson Construction, banner requests for the Peabody International Festival and Bishop Fenwick High School, taxi driver license for Joseph Mills, and a block party request for Fairview Avenue were approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Black Marble Motorcycles (90 Newbury St): A Zoom participant asked about fuel/chemical storage and noise. The petitioner stated flammables would be properly handled and test drives would occur off-site. - Amazing Billiards and Pub (58 Pulaski St): Several speakers (Jack Goodreau, Ken Beers, Phil Stevens, John Waterman) voiced strong support, citing the applicant’s clean record in Malden and community involvement. Resident Tina Santos raised concerns about late-night traffic but expressed overall favorability. - 106 Lynn Street: Two neighbors (Leanne Conrad, Lee Cardins) opposed quick approval, requesting detailed plans and arguing the BN zone should remain commercial. Councilors acknowledged the need for more information. Discussion Items - Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement Program: Mayor presented a program allowing residents 65+ to work up to 100 hours at $15/hour (max $1,500 abatement) for 75 participants. Participants would be city employees receiving W-2s with taxable income. The program is a pilot set to launch in February 2027; the mayor will report back in six months. Councilors expressed support and suggested prioritizing first-time applicants over returning participants. - 70 Endicott Street Sale and Redevelopment: The Tedisco family proposed a 25-unit (flexible up to 25), five-story building with first-floor parking on the former PMLP/school administration site, which requires environmental remediation (PCBs) and is partially in a floodway. The design includes 38 parking spaces, a podium cap for contamination, and four affordable units. Councilors praised the plan as a long-overdue improvement to a blighted property. A motion to authorize the mayor to sign the purchase and sale agreement, with a cap of 25 units, passed 5-0 in committee and 10-0 in full council. - Zoning Amendment for 495 Lowell Street: Attorney John Kelty requested a change from R1B to R2 to allow two duplexes (four units) instead of four single-family homes, reducing blasting and intrusion. The Industrial Committee favorably reported the amendment, and the full council approved it 10-0, with the understanding that the project would still require planning board and public hearing. - Black Marble Motorcycles Special Permit and Class 1 License: A special permit was granted for a motorcycle sales and service business at 90 Newbury St (BR-1 zone) with conditions including hours 9 AM–6 PM Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Saturday, no Sunday. A Class 1 license for 30 new vehicles was also approved. Both votes were 10-0. - Amazing Billiards and Pub Special Permit: A recreation establishment with billiards, darts, leagues, and tournaments at 58 Pulaski St (I.K.A. zone) was approved with hours 10 AM–12 AM. Conditions require outdoor staging on paved areas and health department approval for kitchen plans. Vote 10-0. - 106 Lynn Street Special Permit: Petition to convert a former commercial building into three residential units was recessed to October 8 after councilors questioned whether the BN zone allows multifamily dwellings by special permit. The matter was referred to the city solicitor and building commissioner for an opinion, and a neighborhood meeting was proposed. Key Outcomes - Senior Tax Work-Off Program: No formal vote needed; mayor to launch program and report in six months. - 70 Endicott Street Sale: Authorized mayor to sign PSA (cap 25 units). Final vote 10-0. - Zoning Amendment 495 Lowell St (R1B to R2): Approved 10-0; proceeds to planning board and public hearing. - Black Marble Motorcycles Special Permit: Approved 10-0 with conditions. - Black Marble Motorcycles Class 1 License: Approved 10-0 with 30 new vehicle limit. - Amazing Billiards Special Permit: Approved 10-0 with conditions. - 106 Lynn Street: Recessed to October 8; opinion sought from city solicitor and building commissioner. - Show Cause Hearings: Ordered for Car Depot (license) and Elphagon Delubia (entertainment license) due to non-renewal. - Committee Reports: Finance and Industrial committee reports were adopted, approving all transfers and the zoning amendment recommendation.

The Peabody Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment for two parcels on Lake Street, followed by administrative actions. The board voted unanimously to recommend the zoning change to the City Council and approved minutes and an extension. Public Comments & Testimony - A letter of opposition from Randolph Blunt, dated August 23, 2026, was received and entered into the record. The letter expressed opposition to the zone change from R1 to BN for the subject parcels. - No oral public comments were made in favor or opposition during the hearing. Discussion Items - Zoning Amendment for 0 and 30 Lake Street: Attorney Kalty, representing Lake Street LLC (owner Mr. Salvaggio), presented a request to rezone two parcels from R1 (Residential) to BN (Business Neighborhood). He explained that the parcels were originally zoned BN, but a clerical error during a zoning map revision around 2018-2020 changed them to R1. The owner had purchased the property in 2017 under the impression it was BN, and a 2017 subdivision plan approved by the Planning Board also indicated BN. The parcels are adjacent to BN-zoned properties including a gas station and convenience store. Board members asked clarifying questions about the location, the history, and the status of an abutter. The Chair noted that the adjacent abutter at 32 Lake Street was notified and had not objected to the change, but a letter of opposition from Randolph Blunt was received. - The board then opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. The board moved to recommend the zoning change to the City Council. Key Outcomes - Vote on Zoning Change: The board voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed zoning amendment for 0 Lake Street and 30 Lake Street, changing the zoning from R1 to BN. - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes of the August 13, 2026 meeting. - Extension Granted: The board granted an extension to Nicholas Betts for the site building permit plans for 81 Prospect Street, continuing the matter to the October 1, 2026 meeting.

The Peabody City Council met on August 18, 2026, in a Committee of the Whole session followed by a Regular Meeting. Key actions included adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, appointment of department heads, approval of a special permit for a drip IV therapy business, and various motions and communications. Committee of the Whole - Hazard Mitigation Plan - Senior Planner Andrew Levin presented the City of Peabody Mass Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026, an update to the 2016 plan. The plan was developed with contractor Horsley Witten, funded by a MIMA grant, and involved public meetings and a comment period. FEMA Region 1 approved the plan subject to council adoption. The council was informed that adoption was needed within 30 days, but MIMA granted leniency for the August meeting. - Councilor Kabash moved to adopt the plan. The motion carried 10-0 (Councilor Welton absent). The resolution states that adoption is a federal requirement for eligibility for hazard mitigation grants. The plan was subsequently adopted again during the Regular Meeting by an 11-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the special permit hearing for drip IV therapy. Discussion Items - Appointments: Mayor Bettencourt presented several appointments: - Jacqueline Seattle as Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director (term to 12/31/2027). Approved 11-0. - Sophia Mercurio as Park and Recreation Manager (term to 12/31/2027). Approved 11-0. - Frank Lowry as Plumbing and Gas Inspector (term to 12/31/2027). Approved 11-0. - Reappointments: Teresa Reid and Susan Antonellis to Board of Assessors, Sharon Cameron as Human Services Director, and Jim Liakis to Licensing Board. Approved 11-0. - Special Permit (Hearing 4A): Attorney John Kelty represented applicant Cassandra Garcilaso for a personal services establishment (drip IV therapy) at 4 Lake Street, Unit 7. The business would provide hydration, energy boost, and immune support via intravenous vitamin therapy administered by a licensed nurse. Conditions included approval of plumbing by Public Services and Board of Health, compliance with Board of Health requirements (licenses and certificates), maintenance of insurance, and that any expansion of services (e.g., Botox) would require a new council appearance. Operating hours were revised to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The special permit was approved 11-0. - Motions, Orders, and Resolutions: Numerous items were addressed under suspension of rules: - Received communication on zoning amendments for 495 Lowell Street (to ICD). - Approved state primary warrant for September 1, 2026. - Granted withdrawal of a zoning amendment request for 196 Lake Street. - Set public hearings for Black Marble Motorcycles (special permit and Class 1 license) and other items. - Referred short-term rental regulations (including Airbnb/VRBO) to legal counsel. - Received update on reducing police officers at polling places; Board of Registrars to meet October 1st. - Accepted several special event applications (YMCA Live Strong 5K/half marathon, Jennifer Lorraine Foundation, Holy Ghost Society, Fall Festival) and requested the mayor to clarify cost collection and update the application form. - Approved banner requests, taxi/limo licenses, block party requests, and adjunct tailor license renewal. - Council Requests: - Councilor Welton requested a meeting of the Municipal Safety Committee to discuss traffic safety on Bartholomew Street and the Lynn Street intersection. Approved. - Councilor Rosignal requested a full assessment of all bike paths and a maintenance plan, including the South Peabody trail. Approved. - Councilor Manning Martin requested the mayor provide the process for collecting costs (e.g., police details) for special events and update the application form. Approved. Key Outcomes - Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026 adopted unanimously (11-0). The city is now eligible for federal hazard mitigation grants. - Appointments for Parks Director, Parks Manager, Plumbing Inspector, and four reappointments all approved unanimously. - Special permit for drip IV therapy at 4 Lake Street Unit 7 approved unanimously with conditions. - Various motions approved, including setting public hearings, referring items to committees, and requesting studies on traffic safety and bike path maintenance.

The Peabody Planning Board met on August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The board addressed three main agenda items: an Approval Not Required (ANR) subdivision plan for 309 Lowell Street, a site plan approval for 532 Lowell Street, and a requested continuance for 81 Prospect Street. The board also revised its administrative procedures for late ad submissions. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes from the July 16, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items ANR Subdivision Plan – 309 Lowell Street (Map 52, Lot 005) - Attorney John Kelty (representing the Vangelities family) presented a revised ANR plan subdividing a 4.3-acre parcel into four lots (A, B, C, D). The plan uses long, narrow strips to connect each lot to frontage on Lowell Street or North Shore Road, meeting R2 zoning minimum square footage requirements. - Board members questioned the rationale for the strips, intended use (single-family duplexes for sale, not group homes), and driveway placements for lots C and D onto North Shore Road. Concerns were raised about safety due to high-speed traffic and the potential for a shared driveway to reduce curb cuts. - A motion to recommend endorsement of the ANR plan passed 7–1 (Tom French dissented). The board encouraged the applicant to work with the Department of Public Services on a shared driveway for lots C and D. Site Plan Approval – 532 Lowell Street (Dr. Peter Frozer/Postal Dental) - Attorney John Kelty and Rick Salvo (Engineering Alliance) presented updated responses to outstanding comments from Will Pollets (Public Services) and Horsley Witten. Late ads dated August 10 and August 11, 2026, were accepted by separate unanimous votes. - Key discussion centered on a small parcel of land (the “dog”) owned by unknown parties and previously part of MassDOT’s I-95 takings. The applicant may pursue adverse possession claims. The board also discussed coordinating with community development and MassDOT on a landscape plan for the front section to avoid a guardrail and unused parking spots along the future bike path. - The board approved site plan approval with a condition that the applicant work with staff to finalize the landscape plan for the front section. The motion passed unanimously. 81 Prospect Street – Request for Continuance - The applicant requested a continuance to the September 3, 2026 meeting to respond to comments. The board unanimously granted the continuance. Administrative Procedure: Late Ad Deadline - The board debated frustration with receiving late materials and reviewed a proposal to move the agenda deadline from Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon (nine days before the meeting), allowing staff more preparation time and board members more review time. - After discussion, the board voted unanimously to adopt the new deadline and authorize the chair or vice chair to accept exceptions at their discretion. Key Outcomes - 309 Lowell Street ANR: Endorsed (7–1). Applicant to coordinate shared driveway approach. - 532 Lowell Street Site Plan: Approved unanimously with a condition to finalize the landscape plan. - 81 Prospect Street: Continued to September 3, 2026. - Late Ad Procedure: Agenda deadline moved to Tuesday at noon; chair or vice chair may permit exceptions. - The board noted upcoming city council zoning changes on Lake Street (four lots rezoned from R1 to BN/I) but took no action.

The Peabody Planning Board met on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Wigan Auditorium, Peabody City Hall. The meeting primarily addressed routine approvals and continuances for two pending development projects, with a brief discussion on the status of peer review for one property. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the June 18, 2026 meeting were moved, seconded, and unanimously approved. - 532 Lowell Street – Site Building Permit Plans Review: A continuance was requested by the petitioner's attorney and granted by unanimous vote to the board's August 6, 2026 meeting. - 81 Prospect Street – Continuance: A continuance request from Nicholas Betts via email was moved, seconded, and unanimously granted to August 6, 2026. Discussion Items - 81 Prospect Street – Peer Review Status: The chair noted the project remains held up in the peer review process. The board reviewed a point-by-point analysis and adjusted drawings submitted by the applicant's engineer (Engineering Alliance). A board member confirmed with DPW that they are awaiting correspondence from the peer reviewer before Public Services can sign off on the comments. Key Outcomes - Minutes of June 18, 2026 approved unanimously. - Continuances for 532 Lowell Street and 81 Prospect Street both granted to August 6, 2026 by unanimous votes. - No other business was brought before the board; a motion to adjourn passed unanimously.