Public Meetings - Peabody, Massachusetts

The Peabody City Council held multiple committee meetings (Legal Affairs, Energy Efficiency, Finance) followed by a regular full council session on October 23, 2025. Key actions included advancing an ordinance to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, receiving updates on green community and net-zero initiatives, authorizing a cybersecurity grant application, and recognizing four longtime local businesses. Consent Calendar - Motion to receive late communications (items 8A, 7D, 7E, 8B, 8C) and set public hearings were approved unanimously. Discussion Items Legal Affairs Committee – Cryptocurrency Kiosk Ordinance - District Attorney Paul Tucker and Police Chief Tom Griffin presented on the epidemic of crypto-related scams. They reported that in Essex County alone, reported losses in 2025 are approximately $11 million (likely two to three times higher unreported). Peabody has 16 crypto kiosks, with 15 confirmed victims since 2023 losing a total of $147,000. A study from Iowa found 98% of deposits into these machines are scams. - Sergeant Dave Betancourt stated that kiosk operators (e.g., Bitcoin Depot) are increasingly uncooperative and contractually discourage store owners from reporting scams. Fees range from 20% to 50%. - Council members expressed strong support for the ordinance, noting the predatory nature and the vulnerability of the elderly. Councilor Turko observed that one local kiosk had been wrapped in evidence tape twice. - The proposed code ordinance would ban all virtual currency kiosks within Peabody. The city solicitor advised that it should be placed in the general government ordinances, not zoning. Ad Hoc Committee on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Green Community Program Update (Director Kirk Bellavance): Peabody received a $271,000 designation grant. Of 19 planned projects, 16 are complete; $73,000 remains. The city has leveraged $180,000 from National Grid. Delays were due to procurement issues, incorrect measurements, and staffing changes. Annual report is pending; completion is expected by end of 2025, enabling eligibility for competitive grants (spring 2026). - Climate Leader Community Designation: Bellavance outlined six requirements, including decarbonization commitment and adoption of specialized stretch code. Currently 17 communities in MA have this status, unlocking additional grants (up to $1 million). No recommendation was made; further study needed on impact to private sector. - Net Zero Roadmap Progress: Progress reported in five areas: buildings (PACE program, energy disclosure policy), mobility (pedestrian/bike plan, $110k federal grant on hold, bike path extension, EV charging stations), energy (upgrading mechanical systems, renewable purchase program), natural systems (open space purchases, air quality pilot), and other (sustainability coordinator not yet hired). Finance Committee – Cybersecurity Grant - Mayor Betancourt requested authorization to apply for a $50,000 state DEP cybersecurity grant for water treatment plant SCADA upgrades. Total project cost is $135,000; the remaining $85,000 would be funded by the city if the grant is awarded. Councilor Turko clarified the scope. Motion passed unanimously in committee and full council. Regular Session – Business Recognitions - Mayor Betancourt recognized four Peabody businesses for milestones: Dance with Dina (30 years), Ideal Transportation Company (50 years), GraVoc (32 years, named 20th largest IT consulting firm in MA by Boston Business Journal), and Patrick J. Woods Insurance Agency (127 years). All were presented with citations. Regular Session – Appointments - Appointed Leslie Cottermanch and Derek McCarthy as alternate members of the Conservation Commission (both approved 11-0). - Reappointed Sharon Cameron as Human Services Director for a one-year term (approved 11-0). Other Motions - Councilor Gould: Install a streetlight on Aberdeen Avenue (approved). - Councilor Gamash: Request Parks & Recreation to explore expanding parking at Lieutenant Ross Park (approved). - Councilor McGinn: Refer items 7C and Late 2 to Finance Committee (approved). - Public hearings set for items 8B and 8C. - Special event applications approved: YMCA 5K/half marathon (7D) and Trick-or-Treat on Main Street (7E) on October 29. Key Outcomes - Legal Affairs Committee: Motion to receive and approve the cryptocurrency kiosk ordinance (as drafted) passed committee and full council roll call vote (11-0). Ordinance requires all existing kiosks to be removed within seven days of the effective date, with a $300 fine per violation per day. - Finance Committee: Authorization to apply for the $50,000 DEP cybersecurity grant passed full council (11-0). - Green Community & Net Zero: No formal votes; updates received and noted. - Appointments: All three appointments (Conservation Commission alternates and Human Services Director) approved unanimously. - Other motions: All passed without dissent.

The Peabody Planning Board met on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the PBD City Hall low-level conference room. The board approved previous minutes, received a late communication, and conditionally approved the 15 Sylvan Street project after extensive discussion on entrance/exit design and emergency vehicle access. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 2, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. - Late Communication: A motion to receive a late memo from William Paulitz, Director of Public Services, dated October 16, 2025, was approved unanimously. The memo outlines 13 conditions for the 15 Sylvan Street project and includes a peer review from Horsley Witten. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - 15 Sylvan Street – Closeout Memo and Conditions: Attorney Kelty and Eric DeBrule (Bowler Engineering) presented the project status. The project is still before the Conservation Commission and requires a favorable order of conditions. The DPW memo lists nine items from peer review plus four additional conditions. Key discussion centered on the entrance/exit on Sylvan Street: - The board, police department, and DPW wanted a vertical granite curb to prevent left turns out of the site. - The applicant proposed a 4-inch sloped curb to allow emergency vehicles (fire trucks, delivery trucks) to mount it. - Board members debated options, including angling the exit to naturally discourage left turns, using signage, or adding plantings. It was noted that the current design already includes a sloped curb at 4 inches, which is more robust than the typical 2-3 inch mountable curb. - Captain Richards of the police department expressed concern that the sloped curb might not sufficiently deter left turns across two lanes of traffic. The board emphasized the need for a design that satisfies both police and fire department requirements. - Ultimately, the board decided to condition the approval on the applicant working with the police and fire departments to finalize an acceptable design for the entrance/exit. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: The board unanimously voted to conditionally approve the 15 Sylvan Street project with three conditions: 1. The project must receive a positive vote or recommendation from the Conservation Commission. 2. The applicant must comply with the 13 conditions outlined in Mr. Paulitz’s memo dated October 16, 2025. 3. Regarding the entrance and exit on Sylvan Street, the applicant must work with the police and fire departments to achieve a satisfactory design (including curb type, signage, and geometry). - The board also noted that any redesign for the entrance/exit would need to come back for board approval if substantial changes are made. - The meeting adjourned after the vote.

The Peabody City Council met on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the Frank L. Wigan Auditorium and via Zoom. President Julie Daigle (Ward 4) presided with all 11 councilors present. The meeting included two public hearings (a junk dealer license transfer and a special permit for physical therapy), several routine approvals, a proclamation, and updates on FEMA flood maps. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke for or against either hearing item, either in person or via Zoom. Hearings - Junk Dealer License Transfer – Threads (99/101 Lynn Street): - Petitioner Denise Remington Hereford (doing business as Threads) requested a transfer of a junk dealer license to sell secondhand clothing, chocolates, and custom wreaths at the former Velvet Elvis/Ginger's Closet location. No opposition was raised. - Councilor Welton noted he spoke with neighbors who are on board, and conditions from the 2022 approval were readopted with one addition: all lighting must be extinguished after closing. Health Director conditions included: no unauthorized dumping, sanitary items for resale, no mattress resale, monthly pest control, proper trash disposal, and lighting shut-off. Hours of operation: Monday–Wednesday 11 AM–6 PM, Thursday–Friday 11 AM–8 PM, Saturday 11 AM–5 PM, Sunday 12 PM–6 PM. - Vote: 11–0 in favor (roll call). - Special Permit – Professional Physical Therapy (635 Lowell Street): - Applicants (clinical director Alice Leon and facilities director from corporate) sought a special permit for personal services physical therapy (not a medical use center). They have two licensed physical therapists. No opposition. - Councilor Higgins spoke in support, noting the suite had been vacant. Hours were originally varied; after a suggestion from Councilor Manning Martin, the applicant amended hours to Monday–Friday 7 AM–8 PM and Saturday 8 AM–3 PM. The health department had no objections. - Vote: 11–0 in favor (roll call). Proclamation - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month: Councilor Peach introduced a joint proclamation with the Mayor declaring October 2025 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and October 15, 2025, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The council expressed condolences to affected residents. - Vote: 11–0 in favor (roll call). Discussion Items - FEMA Flood Map Update (Councilor Turko): Councilor Turko reported on an article in Commonwealth Beacon featuring the director of community development, noted posted documents on the city website about the FEMA flood map and the Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) process for residents, and said they are still working to get a FEMA representative to speak before the council, likely in November after the government shutdown is resolved. - Flea Market on Wallace Street (Councilor Peach): Raised concern about a flea market operating on Wallace Street for several weekends. The health department determined no health permit is needed since no prepared food is sold, but Councilor Peach felt some permit is required. He moved for the building commissioner to provide a determination on the needed permit. Motion approved unanimously. - Sidewalk Issue at 14 Crockmall Street (Councilor Welton): An elderly neighbor slipped on a broken sidewalk. Councilor Welton moved under emergency preamble to have the Department of Public Services fix it. Emergency preamble and the motion both passed 11–0. - City Clerk Fee Changes – Poll Books (Councilor McGinn): The clerk requested approval of increased fees for printed poll books ($20 for electronic copy) to cover costs. Some councilors questioned charging for electronic copies and suggested moving to free electronic distribution. The motion to approve was carried 10–0–1 (Councilor Manning Martin voted present). - Other Routine Motions (under suspension of rules): Several items were received, approved, or set for public hearings, including a special event application for the Jason Bernard 5K (Saturday, October 11), referral of a utility contractor license, receipt of a communication regarding One Serena Terrace, and advertisement of an ordinance change regarding licensee fingerprinting/background checks. Key Outcomes - Approved Junk Dealer License Transfer for Threads at 99/101 Lynn Street with conditions (11–0). - Approved Special Permit for Professional Physical Therapy at 635 Lowell Street with amended hours (11–0). - Adopted Proclamation for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (11–0). - Referred Flea Market Issue to building commissioner for permit determination. - Ordered Sidewalk Repair at 14 Crockmall Street under emergency preamble (11–0). - Approved Poll Book Fee Increase (10–0–1). - Advertised Ordinance Changes for license holder fingerprinting/quarry requirements and endorsed new procedures (11–0). - Scheduled a special permit public hearing for a future date.

The Peabody Planning Board met on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM at PB City Hall, Weekend Auditorium, 24 Low Street, PBD. The board approved prior meeting minutes, granted a continuance for a site plan review, and signed the updated zoning map. No public comments or city council items were presented. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - 15 Sylvan Street Site Building Permit Plan Review: The board received a late communication from Attorney John R. Kelty requesting an extension until October 16, 2025, to allow time for a final close-out memo from the Department of Public Services. Staff indicated that changes from the peer review were minor, with the most significant being a more enforced right-turn-only restriction from the PBD side entrance. The board granted the extension unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the September 18, 2025 meeting (unanimous). - Granted a continuance to October 16, 2025 for the Sylvan Street site plan review (motion to receive communication and grant extension, seconded, unanimous). - Signed the zoning map as amended on December 12, 2024, which had been previously approved by the board.

The Peabody Planning Board convened on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Wigan Auditorium at PBD City Hall. The board approved the previous meeting’s minutes, discussed a site plan review for Zero Hardy Street, granted an extension for 15 Sylvan Street, and addressed appointments. The meeting adjourned after unanimous votes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 4, 2025): Unanimously accepted and approved. Discussion Items - Zero Hardy Street (Map 85 Lot 001) – Site/Building Permit Plan Review: Continued from the September 4 meeting. Attorney John Kelty, representing the applicant, presented revised plans for a seven-unit contractor’s garage. Key issues included sidewalk materials and curb design. The applicant initially opposed a concrete sidewalk due to an Activity and Use Limitation (AUL) restricting excavation, instead proposing an asphalt Cape Cod berm. The Department of Public Services (DPS) required concrete. After discussion, the applicant agreed to a concrete Cape Cod berm (instead of asphalt), and the board addressed additional conditions: ADA accessibility, downward-facing lighting, no-parking signage, and compliance with DPS. The board voted unanimously (8–0) to approve the plan dated September 2, 2025, with these conditions. - 15 Sylvan Street (Map 30 Lot 49) – Extension Request: Attorney Kelty requested a two-week extension to October 2, 2025, to address peer review comments (outstanding soil samples). The board unanimously granted the extension. Appointments - Paul DiBiassi (PB Living LLC): No update; still awaiting a meeting with DPS. - Adoption of City Planning Zoning Map: The map, previously endorsed following MBTA 3A rezoning, was ready for signatures. The board agreed to sign a large-format copy at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September 4, 2025 (unanimous). - Approved site plan for Zero Hardy Street with conditions: concrete Cape Cod berm for all sidewalks, hooded/downward-facing lighting, no-parking signs, ADA compliance, and satisfaction of all DPS requirements. Vote: 8–0. - Granted extension for 15 Sylvan Street to October 2, 2025 (unanimous). - Postponed signing of the zoning map to the next meeting. - Meeting adjourned unanimously.