Peabody to apply for grant money for land purchase

PEABODY-Mayor Michael Bonfanti is one gem closer to crafting his “emerald necklace” for downtown Peabody.With a strong push by Councilor Anne M. Manning, the City Council addressed Bonfanti?s timely request for authorization to apply for a grant to pursue acquisition of 45 Walnut St. as open space. Her efforts were met with some resistance by Councilor Rico Mello, who would have much rather seen the issue taken up in committee.?These grants come up all the time,” Mello said, referring to the urgent July 15 application deadline. “It?s not going somewhere soon.”What used to be the home of New England Sportswear has been vacant for over 20 years and become “a weed-infested lot with a chain linked fence around it,” said Community Development Director Jean Delios. Both Delios and Bonfanti would like to see the roughly acre of land used as open space where neighbors can bring their children and enjoy the city?s outdoors.Purchasing the land required the Council?s approval to come up with approximately $450,000 in order to acquire grant money from the Division of Conservation Services. The money would be reimbursed by the grant, said Delios, adding that if problems with the land arose, the selling price could and would be negotiated.All Councilors agreed that having an open area for residents to enjoy would be something positive and beneficial to the city; however, not if the location is a contaminated lot.?If the land is contaminated, I don?t want any part in it,” said Councilor James Liacos. “You?re asking permission to go for the grant, and I support that provided a full 21E (environmental test) is done under the Council?s discretion.”?There?s got to be something wrong if the owner can?t sell it,” said Mello, questioning the costs of repairing the site.Delios said Peabody has dealt with a number of contaminated brownfield sites in the past with successful results, such as the Carroll School and Leather City Park. She assured councilors that proper environmental assessments are in process and a second round of testing will follow. GEI Consultants of Woburn is leading the studies at a cost of roughly $30,000.?All we?re trying to do is put in a request,” said Delios.Councilors battled over the wording in the grant request, some saying that the loose language allowed Community Development and the mayor to acquire the land without their approval. They agreed to tweak the motion to require anything beyond the application for funding to come before the Council.?We can pull the plug at anytime,” Manning reassured her fellow Councilors.Councilor Ted Bettencourt, Jr. compared the process to new homeowners who opt to cancel their purchase after inspections turn up some unfavorable results.?It?d be a nice area to have a park, and I hope everything works out,” he said.Councilor Barry Osborne also expressed hope for the site.?This won?t be the last time this comes up,” said Osborne, referencing the numerous brownfields in Peabody. “Just because it?s contaminated doesn?t mean it doesn?t have potential.”?It?s across from a bakery and a barber shop,” said Manning. “The vision of that is so pleasant.”The Council approved the request with an 8-3 vote, with councilors Liacos, Mello, and Sinewitz voting in opposition.If the grant is not approved by the state, the city will withdraw its proposal. If it is approved, the city will move forward with acquiring the property as early as this fall.Delios said the next step would be to complete the 21E, present the results to the Council and request to enter a purchase and sale agreement. If approved, the city will move to appropriate funds, which will be reimbursed by the state.