Peabody residents blast proposed Route 1 entertainment complex

PEABODY – Proposed plans for a family entertainment complex have neighbors far from enjoying themselves.Several opposing the development of the 49,580-square-foot center waited patiently in City Hall Thursday night to voice their distaste. Leading the group holding posters and trifolds was resident Nancy Kaminksi of 11 Anderson St.”The area is so congested it’s like a parking lot in the morning,” she said, referring to the Route 1 location. “The land is contaminated?It’s a serious concern and needs to be addressed. We need you to consider the neighborhood.”Richard Marchese of South Pike LLC has plans to develop 14 high-end homes, known as the community of Winona Woods, which rests perfectly well in the minds of neighbors. However, in the process, he cleared out over 21 acres of trees (for grading purposes), leaving a large, empty hole in the middle of the neighborhood for months.Neighbors believe the massive clearing has been the cause of serious water problems, such as flooding and storm water run off.In his defense, Marchese said he simply doesn’t have the money to complete the project, which is why he’s asking for the special permit to build the complex. He would lease the building to Illinois-based Brunswick Bowling and Billiards, who will use the space for Brunswick Zone XL, featuring laser tag, bowling, billiards, arcades, family dining, and an alcohol-serving sports lounge.”I’m at a stand-still with the banks,” said Marchese, blaming the failing housing market. “Brunswick will be the anchor.”Marchese said he’d use the money from Brunswick to clean up and complete the residential site. He expects the project to be the source of roughly $12 million in revenue.”If Brunswick doesn’t happen, then I won’t have the money,” he told neighbors and Councilors, adding that the bare lot will then remain untouched. “It’s the only answer for us.”But, neighbors don’t buy it, nor do they want to”Do we really need another establishment like that?” asked Kaminski, adding that if the economy is so bad, “people aren’t going to go bowling when they don’t have any money.”Contamination is another concern. Councilor Dave Gamache said in an April Planning Board meeting that the site, a former machine shop, has been contaminated for 30 years with chlorinate solvents. He said that the current owners are still paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to clean it up.The contamination, Kaminski believes, is the reason behind the many incidents of a rare cancer that has struck the lives of nearby residents. She said two of her close friends and neighbors both passed away from the disease.Councilor Arthur Athas was hesitant on approving the permit request to build the complex, as well as the transfer of a liquor license, because of the developer’s longstanding issues with city departments.Within the request were objections from the Police Department in regards to traffic safety, Public Services in regards to water and sewer mitigation, and the Health Department requesting environmental testing for contamination before any construction commences.In a letter to the Council, the Planning Board said that Marchese “has shown minimal response to the neighbors’ concerns?The applicant has proven to act without proper planning and to conduct his work with limited regards to his neighbors. The project under construction has shown poor workmanship.”Councilor Mike Garabedian was supportive of a development in the area, but not one that serves alcohol until 1 a.m. with underage children on the premises.”I’m concerned with all the different age groups under one roof,” he told Councilors. “Alcohol throws in a monkey wrench.”Feeling that the request needed some more attention and time to address their concerns, the Council tabled the discussion until their next meeting on Aug. 14.In the meantime, Marchese told Councilors he would meet individually with the departments to work out their objections.