Marblehead veterinary clinic opponents take their case to Massachusetts Land Court

MARBLEHEAD-Potential neighbors of Dr. Jeffrey Rockwell’s proposed veterinary clinic at 10 Ocean Ave. were scheduled to oppose the plan at the state Land Court today.The Board of Appeals approved the construction of the clinic at the site of Ocean Florist a month ago over the objections of neighbors. Hearings at the appeals board and Planning Board attracted more than 70 persons, many of them opposed. The Board of Appeals vote was 4-1 in favor.Opponents had already retained a lawyer, Attorney William R. DiMento, to represent them during the town hearings. DiMento asked the appeals board if the change in use was appropriate and if it was adverse to the neighborhood.Rockwell, who has maintained a veterinary clinic in downtown Marblehead, was represented by Attorney Paul Lynch. Lynch admitted that change was “uncomfortable” but said, “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.” Lynch said that was what Rockwell had altered his plans to fit those criteria.Rockwell currently has a second doctor and eight employees Monday-Friday and four on Saturday. The clinic sees six patients an hour.It was Rockwell’s second time before the appeals board with a clinic proposal. The board denied him permission to move to another location in 2004.Property owner Jack Ahearn said he had a second offer from a garden business that would add gravel and crushed rock to the location’s current gift shop and garden supply business and thought Rockwell’s proposal was in the best interest of the neighbors.Rockwell plans to build a clinic with five examination rooms and a 14-space parking lot. Bouvier 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.Abutter Elizabeth Durkee said the traffic would affect her ability and the ability of the elderly couple on the other side of the business to enjoy the use of their homes.Rockwell said after the vote that 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.”