Peabody approves billiards complex

PEABODY-Residents turned out in full force at Thursday?s Council meeting to hear what turned out to be hours of discussion on Brunswick Bowling and Billiards, which Councilors approved unanimously.The proposed plans for the family entertainment complex have upset some neighbors and pleased others. The same can be said for city councilors, who again spent hours discussing the details of the 49,580-square-foot entertainment complex to be located off Rt. 1 south just behind Country Cue.City Councilor Dave Gamache, who has supported the project since its inception, said the lengthy debate on the issue was a healthy one.?We put 20 conditions on the special permit from no access from Winona Road to buffers, basically all the normal conditions we?d put on a special permit,” he said. “Both sides brought good issues to the table and there was some compromise.”Gamache said the problem with the project essentially began with developer Richard Marchese of South Pike LLC clear-cut over 21-acres of trees.Marchese has plans to develop 14 high-end homes, known as the community of Winona Woods. That plan rested perfectly well in the minds of neighbors. However, when he cleared out the trees for grading purposes he left a large empty hole in the middle of the neighborhood, which has remained as such for several 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 last month, Marchese said he simply didn?t have the money to complete the project, which is why he asked for the special permit to build the complex. He would potentially lease the building to Illinois-based Brunswick Bowling and Billiards?, who would use the space for a Brunswick Zone XL, featuring laser tag, bowling, billiards, arcades, family dining, and an alcohol-serving sports lounge.Marchese said that if the city doesn?t approve the entertainment center, then he would have to pull out of the housing development due to lack of funds, thus leaving residents with the view of a bare, demolition site.However, contamination was also a concern for the majority of residents and councilors, who feared construction would add to existing problems. The site was a former machine shop and has been contaminated for 30 years with chlorinate solvents. The current owners are still paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to clean it up.The last of concerns continues with increased traffic along Route 1 and Winona Road, speeding, the potential for underage drinking at a mixed age-group facility, noise and disruption of wetlands.Gamache attempted to assure residents that such things could be handled by the city if it is approved, but not if they give the site up to a different developer.?This is the best use of the property,” he told residents and fellow councilors Thursday night. “We?ve got controls.”He went on to say that if the previously-approved billiards parlor, which holds the liquor license that Brunswick seeks, was to open tomorrow, then no one is responsible for landscaping and solving the water issues in the area. Such conditions only exist in Marchese?s plan for Brunswick and Winona Woods.Item reporter Chris Stevens contributed to this report.