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Developer seeks extension for Hardy Street site; debate centers on curb cuts, sidewalk placement and liability
Summary
Attorney for Hardy and Monroe LLC requested a continuance to July 17 and described negotiations with the city over sidewalk placement, curb cuts and an easement the city would accept and maintain; board granted an extension to July 17.
Attorney John Kelty, representing Hardy and Monroe LLC, asked the Peabody Planning Board June 5 to continue review of a proposed six‑bay contractor garage project at 0 Hardy Street so the applicant and City staff could resolve curb cut, sidewalk and access details.
Kelty said the parties discussed installing a 4‑foot sidewalk plus a granite curb on the applicant's land instead of a full 5‑foot sidewalk in the city layout. He described a subsequent conversation with the Department of Public Services and said Will Pollitt, the department director, told him that the city solicitor suggested the city "would agree to accept liability, in the future for use of the sidewalk and that they would maintain the sidewalk going forward." Kelty said his client remains concerned about future maintenance, liability and the loss of maneuvering space and parking if the sidewalk is placed on private property.
Board members and other speakers raised several access concerns. Multiple members questioned whether two 20‑foot curb cuts would provide sufficient access for six bays and suggested alternatives including three 20‑foot cuts, steeper aprons, or striping to improve maneuverability. One board member noted a narrow pinched area of about 16 feet 6 inches near garage bays that could complicate access if a five‑foot sidewalk were installed next to the curb.
City staff said the Department of Public Services, the police department (Captain Richards) and community development opposed a completely curbless, open parking lot abutting the roadway because of safety and truck overhang concerns. Staff reiterated that the sidewalk requirement is part of the city ordinance and that the planning board has limited relief options; they said staff is trying to work with the applicant on the least restrictive solution that meets ordinance requirements and ensures safe truck and pedestrian movements.
Kelty requested a continuance to July 17 to allow the parties to refine plans and easement language; the board voted unanimously to grant the extension. The action was recorded as an extension request granted to 2025‑07‑17.
