Peabody downtown revitalization plan receives positive response

PEABODY – Many city officials were wowed last night after hearing Community Development Director Jean Delios’ downtown revitalization plan; others were not. However, all councilors agreed on one thing: the need to bring life back into the once thriving downtown and the need to do it quickly.Delios referred to her plan a “major undertaking” that would require the help of the downtown business community. Through a series of photographic slides and informative charts, Delios painted the pristine picture of what she and the rest of City Hall would like to see outside of their office in the near future.Coffee shops, cafes, pubs, more ethnic restaurants, greenways, destination stores, and a theater are just a few of the attractions on their large to-do list. Even more so, Delios said, is the need for a people generator, something that makes out-of-towners and locals travel specifically to Peabody’s downtown.Delios recognized the need for major work on the city’s end to make the move to downtown more appealing and safe for businesses, residents, and visitors.To address safety concerns, Delios suggested increased community policing, slower speed limits, and the reduction from four to two lanes along the half-mile stretch of Main Street.To help improve the aesthetics, Delios announced that 41 new lamp heads would be added to Central, Foster, Lowell, and Main Street, as well as new crosswalks. She also suggested design review from banners and signage to lighting and painting. Again, she shared her feelings against “canary yellow” buildings and her wish for more eye pleasing brick storefronts.Addressing the city’s flooding issues, however, comes first and foremost with the downtown’s revitalization, she said.”They are intricately linked,” said Delios. In order to obtain funding for flood mitigation, the city must be committed to improving the downtown through the revamping of Brownfields and the like.Delios pushed the idea of mixed-use development similar to Rose’s Bakery on Main Street. The Italian-style café sits on the first floor while two apartment units rest above.”Mixed use is a failed system,” said Councilor Rico Mello, adding that more residents create an increase in taxes, whereas commercial properties decrease taxes.Councilor Barry Sinewitz agreed. Although, he likes the idea of mixed-use, just not one that involves creating more housing.Councilor Mike Garabedian disagreed.”When the economy is the way it is, mixed-use is the way to go,” he said.”We’re heading in the right direction,” said Councilor Barry Osborne. “For the first time?I think we’re going to get it done.”Councilor Jim Liacos brought a different point to the table. He asked the councilors how to draw people to downtown and away from big commercial properties such as the Northshore Mall to eat, shop, and run small errands.”We do have a tough task,” said Garabedian. “We need to know what we’re up against.”