Peabody business owners propose new zoning plan

PEABODY – If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. The old saying rings true for Anthony J. Salalayko and Darryl Norwood who have come before City Council numerous times in hopes of getting their wish to expand the use of their Walnut Street location.In July, the property owners’ attorney Athan Vontzalides asked councilors to change the zone from a Light Industrial (I-L) District to a Central Business (BC) District – a request that had been pending for more than two years while the city worked on developing a new zoning map.Vontzalides said that rezoning would allow the owners to turn the once dilapidated oil machine building into a new home for restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. But, as councilors pointed out, the zoning change would also allow for residential use.It was officially shot down at that meeting after the council voted 6-5 in fear of setting a precedent for others in the area. It needed eight votes to pass.Thursday night, Vontzalides came before the councilors once again with a new plan: to keep the Light Industrial designation, but to include private, nonprofit clubs and retail stores for packaged alcoholic beverages as permitted uses.Members of the Planning Board appeared to see no problems with the proposal, as they voted unanimously for the change this past September.Ward Councilor Rico Mello was too comfortable with the idea of allowing the uses, however, and expressed his concern over a “blanket change.”Instead, Mello suggested that Vontzalides come back with their request through a special permit. The council agreed, and Vontzalides assured them he would do just that.