Peabody planning board recesses and extends public hearings for two properties to May 15

The Peabody Planning Board recessed and later reopened a public hearing May 1, ultimately extending the hearing and granting continuations for two pending matters to the board’s next meeting on May 15, 2025.

The board recessed a public hearing early in the meeting after the proponent for the item failed to appear. A board member moved to “continue the public hearing to the next meeting,” and the board later agreed to extend the public hearing until May 15. The chair made the motion to reopen the hearing and the vote to continue was unanimous.

Separately, the board received written requests from John R. Kelty, Esq., dated May 1, 2025, asking for continuations for two agenda items: a matter identified as 0 Hardy (Hardee) Street, and another at 60 Pulaski Street. The board formally received the correspondence and granted an extension for 60 Pulaski Street until May 15, 2025; the Hardy Street correspondence was received for the record as well.

Drew (city staff) explained that the board received several late submissions related to other items that day and noted he had “reached out to the proponent today” to confirm attendance. The board discussed its late-ad policy and the timing of materials; several members said the volume of late additions and same-day memos made review difficult and urged earlier distribution of documents.

The motions were procedural and did not change any substantive approvals; rather, they postponed formal action to the May 15 meeting so staff and proponents could provide or review outstanding materials.

The board’s actions preserve opportunity for further testimony and for staff to coordinate with the Department of Public Services and other departments before taking substantive votes.