Zoning board approves replacing commercial building with two-family at 58 Tremont Street, conditions required

The Peabody City Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances allowing demolition of a commercial building and replacement with a two-family dwelling at 58 Tremont Street, but conditioned its vote on the applicant securing necessary Conservation Commission and City Council approvals.

Attorney John Kelty presented the application for Dela Rosa Construction and Design Corp. He said the existing barn/garage-like structure has been used commercially and that the owner intends to relocate commercial activity to a commercial zone and replace the structure with a duplex. The proposal requires several setback and frontage variances in the R-1A district and relief from street-tree requirements.

A nearby resident asked about parking; Kelty said there would be four parking spaces provided: two garage spaces (one per unit) and two driveway spaces. The resident noted parking congestion in the neighborhood; Kelty said the driveways could accommodate additional off-street parking.

Board members said the project requires filings with the Conservation Commission because of a nearby brook and also a special permit or City Council action to replace preexisting nonconforming commercial use with residential use. The board moved to approve the variances conditioned on receiving Conservation Commission and City Council approvals. The board recorded favorable roll-call votes and announced the application approved with those conditions.

The applicant will need to complete the conservation and city council processes before building permits may be issued or the change of use finalized.