Peabody residents get zoning amendment passed

PEABODY – Peabody City Councilors praised a local couple last week for initiating the recently passed zoning changes near Brooksby Farm.Homeowners Ray and Helen Albert of 10 Page St. proposed amending the zoning ordinance in an effort to regain and maintain their neighborhood’s character. The Alberts asked the Council to reinstate the area’s original R-1A zone designation, which requires a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet. Years ago, the area was changed to an R-1B zone, which only requires lot sizes to be at least 10,000 square feet.The Alberts feared that the smaller lot size would allow developers to construct more homes in less space, and hence, cause congestion in the neighborhood. They noted several 20,000 square-foot lots that under R-1B could be sold and subdivided into two smaller pieces of property.”They’re just asking for what it was and what it should be,” said Councilor James Liacos, who fully supported the Alberts’ request.In an August meeting with the council, the Planning Board unanimously voted against the change. Members felt that a lot of work would be required for a result with very little impact.”It’s not compelling enough to vote on the proposed change,” said Curt Bellevance of the Planning Board. “The changes are very, very, minimal.”Their opinions evolved after a presentation by Blair Haney of Community Development. Haney told the Board that of the 237 parcels located along Baldwin, Felton, Lowell, and Prospect Streets, only 11 could be subdivided if they took no action and left things as they were. If the Board voted in favor of rezoning, nine parcels of land could still be subdivided, leaving only two parcels protected.Liacos, however, refuted those numbers last week by noting that there were 46 parcels of land that exceed 20,000 square feet and 15 parcels that exceed 30,000. If a developer wanted, they could tear down the existing structure and put two, even three homes in its place.”We’re trying to guard against changing the fabric of the neighborhood,” said Liacos. “This is the time to do this rezoning.”Councilor Ted Bettencourt Jr. agreed, so long as the Council has control over issuing special permits for any nonconforming changes.”It will put a lot more work on us for special permits,” he said. “And I think that’s a good thing.”Bettencourt saw the change as “an opportunity for the Council to help the neighborhood.””This is the way to go for Peabody,” said Councilor Rico Mello, adding that for once, the Council is really listening to the residents.Councilor Arthur Athas thanked the Alberts and the many other residents for taking action and bringing the issue to the Council’s attention.