164 REAR BOSTON STREET - ZBA 164 Boston St. Rear I/R-2
Michael Harrington
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DECISION ON THE PETITION OF MICHAEL J. HARRINGTON FOR
VARIANCES AT 164R BOSTON ST. (I/R-2)
A hearing on this petition was held March 15, 1989 with the following Board
Members present: James Fleming, Chairman; Messrs. , Bencal, Nutting, Strout and
Associate Member Labrecque. Notice of the hearing was sent to abutters and others
and notices of the hearing were properly published in the Salem Evening News in
accordance with Massachusett General Laws Chapter 40A.
The petitioner, represented by Attorney George W. Atkins, is the owner of the
property, which was formerly used as a site for a leather tanning factory. The
petitioner is requesting a variance to allow a multi-family residential use in
this Industrial/R-2 district; as well as variances from density requirments of
setbacks and maximum building height. A new building would be constructed on the
site containing sixty-four (64) residential units. During the hearing, the
petitioner modified his petition, reduced the total number to forty eight (48)
residential units.
The variances which have been requested may be granted upon a finding of the
Board that:
a. special conditions and circumstances exist which especially affect the land,
building or structure involved and which are not generally affecting other
lands, buildings and structures in the same district;
b. literal enforcement of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance would involve
substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, to the petitioner;
c. desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public
good and without nullifying or substantially derogating from the intent of the
district or the purpose of the Ordinance.
The Board of Appeal, after careful consideration of the evidence presented, and
after viewing the plans, makes the following findings of fact:
1 . Several abutters, as well as other residents of the immediate area, spoke
in opposition to the project, citing the addition of traffic to heavily
travelled adjacent streets.
2. Other concerns raised by the abutters and residents were the impact on public
safety demands, the disposal of sewerage, rodent control, the loss of natural
wetlands, the effect on the Salem school system
3. The proposed building, because of its size and height, would not be in
conformity to the existing neighborhood and would dominate the area too greatly.
4. The property can be developed industrially, adding greater tax dollars
to the City.
5. The additional traffic generated by the proposal would have an adverse effect
on the planned connector road and the realignment of Route 114.
DECISION ON THE PETITION OF MICHAEL J. HARRINGTON FOR VARIANCES
AT 164R BOSTON ST. , SALEM
page two
On the basis of the above findings of fact, and on the evidence presented, the
Board of Appeal concludes as follows:
1 . Special conditions do not exist which especially the subject property and
not the district generally;
2. Literal enforcement of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance would not
involve substantial hardship to the petitioner;
3. The relief requested cannot be granted without substantial detriment to the
public good or without nullifying and substantially derogating from the intent
of the district or the purpose of the Ordinance.
4. Petitioner failed to prove the requisite hardship.
Therefore, after a motion to grant the requested variances with nineteen ( 19)
conditions was made and duly seconded, the Zoning Board of Appeal voted 1-4,
(Mr. Fleming in favor) , against granting the requested variances. The petition
failed to receive four (4) affirmative votes and, therefore, the variances
are denied.
VARIANCES DENIED
ames M. Fleming, Esq.
Chairman, Board of Appeal
A COPY OF -THIS DECISION HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE PLANNING BOARD AND THE CITY CLERK
APPEAL FROM THIS DECISION, IF ANY. SHALL BE MADE PURSUANT TO SECTION 17 OF THE `ria VS.
GENERAL LAWS. CHAPTER 808. AND SHALL BE FILED WITHIN 20 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF 11LIN3
OF THIS DECISION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.
PURSANT TO NiASS. GENERAL L W.i, CHAPTER 808, SECTION 11. THE VARIANCE - R S".
GRANTED HEREIN. SHALL NOT TA.;E EFFECT UNTIL A COPY OF THE::T_CISIJN.
FICATION OF THE LNY CLERK THAI 20 DAYS HAVE ELAPSED 1,N1 N3 APPEAL HAS 3E L' .,.
uR THAT. IF SUCH AN APPEAL HAS-BEEN TILE. THAT IT H•TS BEEN DISMISSED CR
RECJRDEO IN THE SOUTH ESSC% P,E,;ISTRY OF LEEDS AND INDEXED UNDER THE NAIBE LF THE . '. t
OF RECORD OR IS RECORDED AND NOTED ON THE OWNER'S CERTIFICATE OF TITLE.
BOARD OF APPEAL
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S8 Division
USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65)
p 0. 10, FPO San Francisco , CA
FEC l u 96636-2810
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-- Ss.. 5 February 1989
CITY CP
Board of Appeals
City Hall
Salem , MA
01970
Dear Mr . Fleming,
I have lived my entire life prior to entering the service at
22 Silver St . I have been made aware of a recent developer ' s
proposal to significantly change the neighborhood I still
consider home . Specifically , this is the area known as the Old
Mill Pond . The area is being developed by a Mr . Harrington . The
location is South of Harmony Grove Road . Below are listed
several of my concerns :
The height of the buildings should not exceed the ground
level at the top of the hill . I believe the height to be
about thirty feet .
A change in the areas zoning would provide a great deal
of lost potential revenue for Salem. Several of these
business lots have railroad access , which I believe is
something of exceedingly increasing value . I have seen
increased use of rail throughout the many states in which I
have served .
I believe that any increase in residential population
would not be accommodated well with the existing traffic
patterns . For at least the last twelve years the cities of
Salem , Beverly and Peabody have been trying to remedy the traffic
choke points as well as access to Route 128. A development in
the area would be like throwing salt on a wound . After having
frequently sat at the intersections of Main Street and Howley
Street in Peabody for several minutes waiting for a break in
traffic , I believe a Peabody access is no solution . Another
entrance for traffic to Boston Street will severely choke
traffic . As a paper boy I often had to wait five minutes to
cross Boston Street . That was several years ago when the city ' s
population was much smaller . What is the Developers solution for
the general public who will bear this additional inconvenience?
Would not this increased traffic further cripple the City ' s goal
of attracting new business?
Any development on the area will be affected be flooding .
Over the years I noticed several substantial floods . What
has the developer done for the potential occupants? Will he
pay their flood insurance? Should this flood area be
developed what will the impact be on the residents of the areas
north of Lowell Street in Peabody? That area is not far up the
river . The old marshes served very well as a flood plain until
developed in the last ten years .
The area was also severely polluted over the years with
industrial wastes . The ground and water should be checked to
ensure that if developed there would be no Salem version of Love
Canal . Simply covering the wastes over is an outdated and
disproved practice . I studied this problem since 1970 . It has
not been resolved , based on a walk through the area in December
1988 .
I believe that the slick approach that Mr . Harrington
showed in the absence of Mr . 0 Leary demonstrates a lack of
concern for the area or the neighbors . This is not the
blighted area as some recent articles would lead one to believe.
These families which will be affected did not speculate on their
homes . They bought them over the years because they loved the
building and the neighborhood. Many of these families have been
in their homes for over fifty years . That concern should weigh
heavily on the Board ' s decision making.
The Sweeney family has live in the same house for over seventy
years . This is the family homestead . The sweat , toil and
personal energy that went into that home cannot be measured by a
financial slide rule . The developer knew the potential risks
prior to purchase . He should be politely reminded of that fact
and held accountable for his decisions as I hold my men
accountable for theirs . Most of my neighbors are not happy with
these developments. Despite my distance , there is no lack of
interest . I would fly home and express this in person if my
duties did not preclude the trip .
Your response is appreciated .
Sincerely ,
� I
CITY OF SALEM
BOARD OF APPEAL
Due to scheduling conflicts the hearing of the City of Salem
Zoning Board of Appeal relative to the petition of MICHAEL J.
HARRINGTON for multi-family housing at R164 Boston St. , Salem
for February 22, 1989 has been cancelled. The hearing has been
rescheduled for WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989 at 7:00 p.m. on
the second floor of ONE SALEM GREEN.
James M. Fleming
Chairman, Board of Appeal
%. �. Via' pu nld U1 L kppeal
Reunt.�+r'
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Citp of *alem, Ma m5acbus'ett!5
Avg Office of the Citp Council
3
VINCENT J. FURFARO WARD COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE 1989
PRESIDENT
1989 GEORGEA.NOWAK
DONALD T.BATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
NEIL J.HARRINGTON LEONARD F.O'LEARY
GEORGE P.McCABE JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 24 , 1989
Mr. Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Michael:
I received your letter relative to the neighborhood meeting on your
project in Ward Four. The basic issue is that a neighborhood meeting on
a project of this size is fundamental .
Neighborhood means exactly that. It does not mean just abutters to
the property, or those who have shown an interest. It means notifying
the neighborhood. That is the way I have conducted myself in connection
with all projects that take place in Ward 4 .
You know that this particular project is much larger than any
other project in that section of the City, and not to get the full input
from City Departments Heads so that the neighbors can understand exactly
what' s going to happen is not acceptable. You should have been aware of
that situation.
My only motive is to do the best I can for the neighbors , none of
whom have high-priced lawyers or high-priced engineers or consultants .
They depend upon me and the City to give them whatever assistance they
can. A neighborhood meeting is essential, and at that meeting, I will
ask the City Planner, City Engineer, City Health Agent, and all other
interested departments to be present to answer the questions that will
be raised. Because I , as representative of the people of Ward 4, do my
best to protect their interest does not mean, nor should it require,
any inference on your part of any other motivations other than that.
Consider my office a public duty to perform to the best of my ability.
The people who voted for me expect that, and I intend to represent them.
-2-
You were wrong in going ahead with the meeting as you did, because it
did not cover all the areas that have to be covered, nor did all of the
people affected have an opportunity to become involved. You should
have been aware of that.
I will ask the Board of Appeals to consider the matter i
pp n the light
of my previous letter to them.
Very
�truly
� yours,
LEONARD F. O'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
LFO 'L/deb
Copy: Board of Appeal
All Councillors
Mayor Salvo
1,
Board of Appeal
City of Salem
Salem, MA 01970
Re: /tp41 e '� �
The undersigned hereby waives the time requirement, which the Board
has to act on the above referenced petition under Massachusetts General
Laws, Chapter 40A, Section 15, '["V rvC' a2' 1Y�9
�aND�r (Up of Oatem, Aasgacbusettg
Office of the Citp Council
Citp batt
�A�llN6 WARD COUNCILLORS
VINCENT J. FURFARO
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE 1989
PRESIDENT
1989 , GEORGE A.NOWAK
DONALD T.BATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
NEIL J.HARRINGTON LEONARD F.O'LEARY
GEORGE P.McCABE JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 24 , 1989
Mr. Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Michael:
I received your letter relative to the neighborhood meeting on your
project in Ward Four. The basic issue is that a neighborhood meeting on
a project of this size is fundamental.
Neighborhood means exactly that. It does not mean just abutters to
the property, or those who have shown an interest. It means notifying
the neighborhood. That is the way I have conducted myself in connection
with all projects that take place in Ward 4 .
You know that this particular project is much larger than any
other project in that section of the City, and not to get the full input
from City Departments Heads so that the neighbors can understand exactly
what' s going to happen is not acceptable. You should have been aware of
that situation.
My only motive is to do the best I can for the neighbors, none of
whom have high-priced lawyers or high-priced engineers or consultants .
They depend upon me and the City to give them whatever assistance they
can. A neighborhood meeting is essential, and at that meeting, I will
ask the City Planner, City Engineer, City Health Agent, and all other
interested departments to be present to answer the questions that will
be raised. Because I , as representative of the people of Ward 4 , do my
best to protect their interest does not mean, nor should it require,
any inference on your part of any other motivations other than that.
Consider my office a public duty to perform to the best of my ability.
The people who voted for me expect that, and I intend to represent them.
-2-
You were wrong in going ahead with the meeting as you did, because it
did not cover all the areas that have to be covered, nor did all of the
people affected have an opportunity to become involved. You should
have been aware of that.
I will ask the Board of Appeals to consider the matter in the light
of my previous letter to them.
Very truly yours ,
0 °
LEONARD F. O 'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
LFO 'L/deb
Copy: Board of Appeal
All Councillors
Mayor Salvo
�DBN� �itp of Oaiem, Aiaggarbugettg
Office of the Citp council
4l�- is
mNa W� WARD COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE VINCENT J. FURFARO1989
PRESIDENT
1989 GEORGEA.NOWAK
DONALD T.BATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
NEIL J.HARRINGTON - LEONARD F.O'LEARY
GEORGE P.McCABE JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 24 , 1989
Mr. Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Michael:
I received your letter relative to the neighborhood meeting on your
project in Ward Four. The basic issue is that a neighborhood meeting on
a project of this size is fundamental.
Neighborhood means exactly that. It does not mean just abutters to
the property, or those who have shown an interest. It means notifying
the neighborhood. That is the way I have conducted myself in connection
with all projects that take place in Ward 4 .
You know that this particular project is much larger than any
other project in that section of the City, and not to get the full input
from City Departments Heads so that the neighbors can understand exactly
what ' s going to happen is not acceptable. You should have been aware of
that situation.
My only motive is to do the best I can for the neighbors, none of
whom have high-priced lawyers or high-priced engineers or consultants .
They depend upon me and the City to give them whatever assistance they
can. A neighborhood meeting is essential, and at that meeting, I will
ask the City Planner, City Engineer, City Health Agent, and all other
interested departments to be present to answer the questions that will
be raised. Because I, as representative of the people of Ward 4, do my
best to protect their interest does not mean, nor should it require,
any inference on your part of any other motivations other than that.
Consider my office a public duty to perform to the best of my ability.
The people who voted for me expect that, and I intend to represent them.
-z-
You were wrong in going ahead with the meeting as you did, because it
did not cover all the areas that have to be covered, nor did all of the
people affected have an opportunity to become involved. You should
have been aware of that.
I will ask the Board of Appeals to consider the matter in the light
of my previous letter to them.
Very truly yours,
�4� X00
LEONARD F. O'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
LFO 'L/deb
Copy: Board of Appeal
All Councillors
Mayor Salvo
Citp of 6alem, Aaggacbm5ettg
Office of the City Council
4MM6
VINCENTWARD COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE PRESIDENT
ARO 1989
1989 GEORGE A.NOWAK
DONALD T.BATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
NEIL J.HARRINGTON LEONARD F.BLEARY
GEORGE P.McCABE JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 18, 1989
Mr. Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Mr. Harrington:
I am writing to you with regards to my concern for the meeting
you held on Tuesday evening in the City Council Chamber.
I find it disturbing that after leaving a message for you that
I have cancelled the meeting because of medical reasons, you held
this meeting without regard to my position as an elected official,
and without the courtesy of notifying the President of the City
Council of your intent.
It seems to me that you are only interested in holding this
meeting to go through the motions of a neighborhood informational
gathering so that you could announce to the Board of Appeals that
the neighbors were fully informed of your project.
This is not the case. I intend to bring this matter and your
methods to the attention of the neighbors who were not informed of
this meeting, to the Ward 6 Councillor whose area that she repre-
sents also abuts the proposed project, and also the Board of
Appeal.
Yours truly,
IY117D 1. O'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
LFO 'L/deb /
Copy: Board of Appeal V
Ward 6 Councillor
Council President
DNS Citp of 9palem, Magoubuatto
Office of the Citp Council
.... Citp iball
VINCENT J. FURFARO WARD COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE PRESIDENT 1989
1989 GEORGEA.NOWAK
DONALD T.BATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
NEIL J.HARRINGTON LEONARD F.OTEARY
GEORGE P.McCABE JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 18 , 1989
RE: PROPOSED CONDOMINIUMS - SALEM/PEABODY
Dear Resident:
As all of you are aware, at a previous meeting of the Board of Appeals
when this matter was presented for the first time, there were various
questions that I raised which had not been answered. It was apparent that
the developer, Harrington & Company, had never shown their plans to any of
the City Departments which would be involved in such a project of this
size. This project, when combined with the project in Peabody, which is
the other half, is one of the largest projects this section of Ward 4 has
ever had. The consequences on traffic, use of utilities, use of facilities
and just general environmental concerns must all be analyzed before any
action can be taken.
No meeting prior to the submission to the Board of Appeals was held
with any of the neighbors . The developer simply filed his plans with the
Board of Appeal, got himself on the agenda, and never bothered to discuss
the matters with the neighbors. This, in effect, put the neighbors and
myself at a disadvantage. After the meeting, I suggested that a neighbor-
hood meeting would have to be held and that the City Planning Department
and other Departments had to be involved before this development could
be considered by the Board of Appeals . In the process of having such a
meeting, I became ill and required an operation. I entered the hospital
and underwent surgery on Monday, January 16 .
Prior to my going into the hospital, I advised the developer, through
his secretary, of my medical problem and suggested that as soon as I was
on my feet that I would schedule another neighborhood meeting at which
time the City Department Heads would be in attendance. The reason all
this input is required is so that all the neighbors can understand how
this development is going to impact the area and they can get objective
answers from the City Engineer, City Planner, Health Agent, and
Building Department.
My concern is for the neighbors in the neighborhood. I am not
concerned for the developer. In past practice, developers come in; they
build their development, and then they are gone and the neighborhood is
left to live with whatever problems are created. I like to avoid these
problems in the beginning by putting everything on the table and letting
the neighbors decide. This is my practice as your Ward Councillor. It is
-2-
also the practice of all Ward Councillors. This simple courtesy was
denied me by the developer. Mr. Harrington went ahead, despite my
request, and had a meeting with some of you. As I understand it,
there were no City Department Heads present. Whatever questions
were raised were answered simply by the developer and his people.
I am getting this information to you so that you do understand
the importance of having a full scale discussion of all of these things,
together with the appropriate City people so that you can get all the
answers to your questions. I am suggesting again to the Board of
Appeal that either Mr. Harrington grant an extension at the next
meeting of 60 days so that this matter can be properly considered, or
that the Board deny the request, or give him leave to withdraw it and
have him file again after going through a full review of the process .
He should have done this before filing with the Board.
I am just very concerned with the developer who, in spite of his
knowledge of my being hospitalized; has gone ahead and tried to get around
the usual process that neighborhood like to go through with an elected
representative. I will keep you advised as to what is going to happen
in the next few days, but in the event that the developer does not
change his mind and request the extension at the next meeting, I will
suggest to the Board of Appeal that the application be denied, or he
be given leave to withdraw.
In any event, any of you that attend that meeting, and I believe
there should be a full representation of the neighborhood at the meeting,
please voice your objections to the tactics that have been used in this
particular matter.
You are entitled to be represented by the Ward Councillor and City
Department Heads before you are asked to support a project of this size.
Very truly yours,
4�;ZLEONARD F. O'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
COPY: Board of Appeals
All City Councillors
:rub �P Citp of 6atem, ;01aggaCbU!5ett9
Office of the Citp (Council ^'2
Ctp fall
�MIN6 W WARD COUNCILLORS
VINCENT J. FURFARO
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE 1989
PRESIDENT
1989 GEORGE A.NO WAK
DONALD T.RATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
NEIL J.HARRINGTON LEONARD F.O'LEARY
GEORGE P.McCABE
JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 18 , 1989
Mr. Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Mr. Harrington:
I am writing to you with regards to my concern for the meeting
you held on Tuesday evening in the City Council Chamber.
I find it disturbing that after leaving a message for you that
I have cancelled the meeting because of medical reasons , you held
this meeting without regard to my position as an elected official,
and without the courtesy of notifying the President of the City
Council of your intent.
It seems to me that you are only interested in holding this
meeting to go through the motions of a neighborhood informational
gathering so that you could announce to the Board of Appeals that
the neighbors were fully informed of your project.
This is not the case. I intend to bring this matter and your
methods to the attention of the neighbors who were not informed of
this meeting, to the Ward 6 Councillor whose area that she repre-
sents also abuts the proposed project, and also the Board of
Appeal.
Yours truly,
ERD F. O'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
LFO' L/deb /
Copy: Board of Appeal ✓/
Ward 6 Councillor
Council President
Citp of Oalem, Mags'arbuzetto
n
Office of the QCitp council
�nNa�N
VINCENT J. FURFARO WARD COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE PRESIDENT 1989
1989 GEORGEA.NOWAK
DONALD T.BATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
-
NEIL J.HARRINGTON- LEONARD F.O'LEARY
GEORGE P.McCABE JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 24 , 1989
Mr. Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Michael:
I received your letter relative to the neighborhood meeting on your
project in Ward Four. The basic issue is that a neighborhood meeting on
a project of this size is fundamental.
Neighborhood means exactly that. It does not mean just abutters to
the property, or those who have shown an interest. It means notifying
the neighborhood. That is the way I have conducted myself in connection
with all projects that take place in Ward 4 .
You know that this particular project is much larger than any
other project in that section of the City, and not to get the full input
from City Departments Heads so that the neighbors can understand exactly
what' s going to happen is not acceptable. You should have been aware of
that situation.
My only motive is to do the best I can for the neighbors, none of
whom have high-priced lawyers or high-priced engineers or consultants .
They depend upon me and the City to give them whatever assistance they
can. A neighborhood meeting is essential, and at that meeting, I will
ask the City Planner, City Engineer, City Health Agent, and all other
interested departments to be present to answer the questions that will
be raised. Because I, as representative of the people of Ward 4 , do my
best to protect their interest does not mean, nor should it require,
any inference on your part of any other motivations other than that.
Consider my office a public duty to perform to the best of my ability.
The people who voted for me expect that, and I intend to represent them.
l
w,
-z-
You were wrong in going ahead with the meeting as you did, because it
did not cover all the areas that have to be covered, nor did all of the
people affected have an opportunity to become involved. You should
have been aware of that.
I will ask the Board of Appeals to consider the matter in the light
of my previous letter to them.
Very truly yours,
4 --? 0o
LEONARD F. O'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
LFO 'L/deb
Copy: Board of Appeal
All Councillors
Mayor Salvo
C�`U. o Citp of *alem, Angubugettg
Office of the ctCitp Council
_ citp *aU
�N WARD COUNCILLORS
COUNCILLORS-AT-LARGE VINCENT J. FURFARO 1989
PRESIDENT
1989 GEORGE A.NOWAK
DONALD T.BATES JOSEPHINE R. FUSCO KEVIN R.HARVEY
FRANCES J.GRACE CITY CLERK VINCENT J.FURFARO
NEIL J.HARRINGTON LEONARD F.O'LEARY
GEORGE P.MCCABE JEAN-GUY J.MARTINEAU
SARAH M.HAYES
MARK E.BLAIR
January 18 , 1989
RE: PROPOSED CONDOMINIUMS - SALEM/PEABODY
Dear Resident:
As all of you are aware, at a previous meeting of the Board of Appeals
when this matter was presented for the first time, there were various
questions that I raised which had not been answered. It was apparent that
the developer, Harrington & Company, had never shown their plans to any of
the City Departments which would be involved in such a project of this
size. This project, when combined with the project in Peabody, which is
the other half, is one of the largest projects this section of Ward 4 has
ever had. The consequences on traffic, use of utilities, use of facilities
and just general environmental concerns must all be analyzed before any
action can be taken.
No meeting prior to the submission to the Board of Appeals was held
with any of the neighbors . The developer simply filed his plans with the
Board of Appeal, got himself on the agenda, and never bothered to discuss
the matters with the neighbors . This , in effect, put the neighbors and
myself at a disadvantage. After the meeting, I suggested that a neighbor-
hood meeting would have to be held and that the City Planning Department
and other Departments had to be involved before this development could
be considered by the Board of Appeals . In the process of having such a
meeting, I became ill and required an operation. I entered the hospital
and underwent surgery on Monday, January 16 .
Prior to my going into the hospital, I advised the developer, through
his secretary, of my medical problem and suggested that as soon as I was
on my feet that I would schedule another neighborhood meeting at which
time the City Department Heads would be in attendance. The reason all
this input is required is so that all the neighbors can understand how
this development is going to impact the area and they can get objective
answers from the City Engineer, City Planner, Health Agent, and
Building Department.
My concern is for the neighbors in the neighborhood. I am not
concerned for the developer. In past practice, developers come in; they
build their development, and then they are gone and the neighborhood is
left to live with whatever problems are created. I like to avoid these
problems in the beginning by putting everything on the table and letting
the neighbors decide. This is my practice as your Ward Councillor. It is
-z-
also the practice of all Ward Councillors . This simple courtesy was
denied me by the developer. Mr. Harrington went ahead, despite my
request, and had a meeting with some of you. As I understand it,
there were no City Department Heads present. Whatever questions
were raised were answered simply by the developer and his people.
I am getting this information to you so that you do understand
the importance of having a full scale discussion of all of these things ,
together with the appropriate City people so that you can get all the
answers to your questions . I am suggesting again to the Board of
Appeal that either Mr. Harrington grant an extension at the next
meeting of 60 days so that this matter can be properly considered, or
that the Board deny the request, or give him leave to withdraw it and
have him file again after going through a full review of the process .
He should have done this before filing with the Board.
I am just very concerned with the developer who, in spite of his
knowledge of my being hospitalized, has gone ahead and tried to get around
the usual process that neighborhood; like to go through with an elected
representative. I will keep you advised as to what is going to happen
in the next few days, but in the event that the developer does not
change his mind and request the extension at the next meeting, I will
suggest to the Board of Appeal that the application be denied, or he
be given leave to withdraw.
In any event, any of you that attend that meeting, and I believe
there should be a full representation of the neighborhood at the meeting,
please voice your objections to the tactics that have been used in this
particular matter.
You are entitled to be represented by the Ward Councillor and City
Department Heads before you are asked to support a project of this size.
Very truly yours,
O i .
LEONARD F. O'LEARY
COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR
COPY: Board of Appeals
All City Councillors
Memorandum of Understanding
Between
Michael J . Harrington IJV '":; ,,
and
Community Development Department Acting F 'or'e
And On Behalf of the City of Peabody
Re : Zone Change Former Flynn & Sons Property at Main and
Howley Streets Lots 132 , 133 and 134 , Map #86
Date : April 15 , 1988
Reference is made to your memorandum to the Peabody City Council
dated April 11 , 1988, with specific reference to Page 3 of that
document , outlining conditions of a contractual understanding
between myself and the City of Peabody .
In order to aid in the timely resolution of the pending petition
for rezoning which is presently before your Planning Board and
the City Council , I propose to covenant with the City of Peabody
on the following terms and conditions :
1 . That the Community Development Department will have
the right of review and approval of all site and land-
scaping plans before a building permit is issued .
2 . That I , as developer , agree to place in all deeds
relative to this project , . a disclosure identifying
potential inconveniences which may exist in the area
due to proximate industrial uses .
3 . That I , as developer , will build no more than 197 units
on the site , and will provide t-wo ( 2 ) parking spaces
for each of the units constructed .
4 . That all issues relative to property lines and rights
of way will be resolved to the satisfaction of the
Community Development Department before a building
permit issues .
5 . That I , as developer , agree to proceed with whatever
land use changes are required by the City of Salem on
the basis of this agreement with the City of Peabody .
It is understood by the parties to this agreement , that the purpose
of this Memorandum of Understanding is to :
a ). Recognize and address the concerns expressed in your
memorandum of April 11 , 1988 to the Peabody City Council .
�A
Page 2
Memorandum of Understanding
April 15 , 1988
b ) To provide a format for the commencement of similar
initiatives with respect to the City of Salem as to any
changes required by their existing zoning ordinance ,
and in order to address any other requirements it may
impose in the course of the approval process . . .
c ) To enable myself , as the developer , to undertake
activities with respect to the "clean up " of the site ,
and the demolition of the existing buildings located
thereon .
I think we both agree that the approach taken to date ; namely
treating this site as an entity notwithstanding city boundaries ,
is in the interest of the parties involved and lends itself to a
timely resolution of the remaining issues , and the early commence-
ment of the project which would inure to the benefit of the more
boradly defined community interest .
I want to thank both yourself and your staff for both their
timely availability . and helpfulness with respect to the ongoing
effort , and hope that this agreement will serve as a catalyst
for the resolution of the land use issue presently being addressed .
. Micn-ael J . Harring on
City of Peabody Community
Development Department
By :
Department of Community Development & Planning
City of Peabody
Janaury 24 , 1989
Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Michael:
Re: Housing Development at the Flynn Tannery site on
Howley Street
As per your request, we have evaluated the emergency service
needs of your proposed housing development on Howley Street in
Peabody . As you know, projects in two communities is not
uncommon. For example: Twin Rinks on Route 114 is in both
Peabody and Danvers, King' s Grant Hotel is in both Danvers and
Beverly, and the Ferneroft Tara Hotel is in both Middleton and
Danvers. In these instances both communities work together to
provide emergency services.
Therefore, although the subject project is in both the Cities of
Peabody and Salem, the City of Peabody can have its public
safety departments include this project in their service area.
Police, Fire and Ambulance services are all within a short
distance from the proposed site and access to the property is on
Howley Street in Peabody.
When the project moves forward , we will discuss this situation
with the City of Salem and prepare a mutual aid agreement
relative to this project. Please feel free to contact me if you
need any clarification of this commitment.
Sincerely,
Dennis DiZoglio, Dj a for
PEABODY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
DD:mf
City Hall • 24 Lowell Street • Peabody, Massachusetts 01960 •(508) 532-3000 �,
J.
Department of Community Development & Planning
City of Peabody
Janaury 24 , 1989
Michael Harrington
59 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Dear Michael:
Re: Housing Development at the Flynn Tannery site on
Howley Street
As per your request, we have evaluated the emergency service
needs of your proposed housing development on Howley Street in
Peabody . As you know, projects in two communities is not
uncommon. For example: Twin Rinks on Route 114 is in both
Peabody and Danvers, King' s Grant Hotel is in both Danvers and
Beverly, and the Ferncroft Tara Hotel is in both Middleton and
Danvers. In these instances both communities work together to
provide emergency services.
Therefore, although the subject project is in both the Cities of
Peabody and Salem, the City of Peabody can have its public
safety departments include this project in their service area.
Police, Fire and Ambulance services are all within a short
distance from the proposed site and access to the property is on
Howley Street in Peabody.
When the project moves forward , we will discuss this situation
with the City of Salem and prepare a mutual aid agreement
relative to this project. Please feel free to contact me if you
need any clarification of this commitment.
Sincerely,
Dennis DiZoglio, Dae for
PEABODY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
DD:mf
City Hall 9 24 Lowell Street 0 Peabody, Massachusetts 01960 9 (508) 532-3000