Marblehead veterinary clinic receives green light

MARBLEHEAD – Dr. Jeffrey Rockwell?s plan to build a veterinary clinic in a residential neighborhood at 10 Ocean Ave., the present home of Ocean Florist, won approval from the Planning Board and Board of Appeals Tuesday night in back to back hearings.But some of the 70 neighbors who turned out for the appeals board hearing will test that 4-1 board vote in Land Court. Their lawyer, Attorney William DiMento, asked the board if the change in use was appropriate and if it was adverse to the neighborhood.At the conclusion of a 45-minute presentation by Attorney Paul Lynch, Rockwell, a 15-year downtown Marblehead veterinarian, told the board, “I know change is uncomfortable. At the end of the day, what do the neighbors want? It seems that they would like less traffic and something that will aesthetically enhance the location.” He said that was what he was offering. Lynch told the board he currently has a second doctor working with him, with a total of eight employees Monday-Friday and four on Saturday, and sees six patients an hour.Property owner Jack Ahearn told the board he had a second offer from a garden business that wanted to add gravel and crushed rock to the gift shop, florist shop and garden supply business now at that location. “Change is coming,” he said. “I thought Rockwell?s offer was in the best interest of the neighbors.”Rockwell plans to build a clinic with five examination rooms and a 14-space parking lot. Bubier Road neighbor Amy Weiss, whose home abuts the rear of the proposed building, said that could ultimately result in 220-330 patient trips per day.Superimposing a drawing of Rockwell?s plan onto an aerial photo of the neighborhood, abutter Elizabeth Durkee said she and the elderly couple on the other side of the business said the patient and delivery truck traffic would affect their ability to enjoy the use of their homes.Ocean Avenue resident Jim Ronan said the new business would adversely affect property values.Several neighbors said the florist business was seasonal, but Ahearn told the appeals board that he operated 12 months a year.Seven people spoke in favor of the clinic. About twice as many spoke against it.When the appeals board hearing finally closed at 10:55 p.m., board member David Bennet said the additional traffic would adversely impact the neighborhood.Other members felt differently. Karen Tenenbaum said the change would enhance the neighborhood.When the vote came around 11:15 p.m. Tenenbaum, Alan Lipkind, Elizabeth Burke-Jacobson and William Moriarty voted in favor of the request and Bennet voted no, generating applause from Rockwell?s supporters.DiMento credited Lynch with “a fabulous job” and the board with running “a fair hearing” but called it “disheartening” that Barbara Shefftz, a board member who is sensitive to neighborhood needs, could not stay for the Rockwell hearing. He said the case would now move to Land Court.Rockwell said he was aware that the case would go to court. “We?re sticking with this,” he said. “It?s my intention to be a good neighbor.”