PEABODY — The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Monday to reject a plan for a proposed Chapter 40B affordable housing development on Oak Street.
The ZBA had been considering a permit for the so-called “Locus” site for years prior to the board’s 5-0 vote to deny plans for the project this week.
Throughout the process, board members had been weighing concerns from the city’s Police and Fire departments, the mayor’s office and residents. Some of those concerns have included the area’s history of flooding, possible issues with access for emergency vehicles and general contract issues.
Former Fire Chief Steven Pasdon said he was concerned about the lack of access that emergency vehicles would have in the area if the development was constructed. Pasdon said he was worried about not having “360-degree access” around the proposed building in what he described as an “already-congested area.”
In addition, Pasdon said that the city has not yet been able to solve its flooding issue in the downtown area, which has been a concern since 2016. The problem is such that the proposed building would be in danger of going underwater if flooding occurred. Current Fire Chief Joseph Daly expressed those same concerns in May.
Police Chief Thomas Griffin said he noticed that there would be an increased risk for motor-vehicle crashes in the area, particularly in the winter months.
‘It’s reasonable to assume that some impatient commuters will seek alternative routes when leaving the neighborhood to avoid the increased traffic, especially during peak commuter hours and this will funnel these vehicles through narrowly, predominantly-residential streets that are not suitable for the increased traffic,” said Griffin.
Griffin said the increased traffic that would result from the development would cause significant congestion on Washington Street.
“Washington Street at Oak Street already has significant traffic issues, especially with Aborn Street’s location that is in close proximity to Oak Street,” he said. “The increased traffic from the proposed project site will only exacerbate this problem.”
Griffin also said that the proposed building would be out of scale and character with the rest of the neighborhood. In addition, he suggested that it would be more difficult to remove snow from the property.
Ward 2 Councilor Peter McGinn said the ZBA made an informed decision, adding that he agrees with the board’s vote to deny the plan.
“I think it’s a well-informed decision and I think it was an outcome that makes sense for the area,” said McGinn.
