PEABODY — A 40B proposal to build a senior living building at 40-42 Endicott St. was unanimously passed during Monday’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting, despite initial controversy surrounding the project.
Board members praised the developers, The Residences at Endicott LLC, for their revised proposal. Representing the developers at the meeting was attorney John Smolak, who presented a downscaled plan compared to the first one put in front of the ZBA over two years ago.
This original proposal was met with severe backlash, and an appeal from residents who felt its large size would overburden the neighborhood.
Now with several changes, including lowering the number of rooms from 68 two-to-three-bedroom units to 42 one-bedroom units, and an access location now on Berry Street instead of Endicott Street, the proposal has gotten a significantly more positive reception.
At the meeting, Smolak requested for the ZBA to “determine that these changes are ‘insubstantial changes’ for the meaning of the Chapter 40B regulations”, an ask that went through with ease.
Chief of Community Development Curt Bellavance gave the board his perspective on the revisions.
“The owners of the project came to us several months ago talking about changing the project. We liked what we heard,” Bellavance said. “They’re reducing the units, it’s going to be senior housing, they’re coming in from the rear of the property, they’re adding more landscaping … all around we’re very happy with this.”
Bellavance also added that while financing will be done through the state, as this is a 40B project, the Community Development Office, through its HOME Investment Partnership Program, has earmarked $400,00 over two years to be used towards the project as well.
Chris Gilbert, a ZBA member, praised the fact that all 42 units will now go into the Subsidized Housing Inventory, compared to the previous number of 17 units.
“That’s a big one,” Gilbert said. “Great presentation. Great project. I grew up in this neighborhood. I know for 55, 58 years, that building’s been disgusting. I can’t wait for this project to break ground.”
Councillor-at-large Anne Manning-Martin expressed her satisfaction with the revised plan, calling the changes “an all around win for the city and this neighborhood.”
“This agreement has drastically reduced water consumption, traffic, wear and tear on our roads and infrastructure, all while providing needed affordable housing for seniors,” she said.
