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Neighbors oppose Aborn/Pleasant infill proposals; developers promise porous pavement and infiltration to limit runoff
Summary
Residents strongly protested three contiguous proposals at Aborn and Pleasant streets, saying regular flooding on Strongwater Brook and Fountain Street will worsen. Consultants pledged porous driveways, subsurface infiltration, and off‑site restoration; the commission continued the items to Jan. 14 for further technical calculations and neighborhood follow‑up.
A trio of proposed projects near Strongwater Brook — a new two‑family on a vacant Aborn Street lot, renovation of an existing garage at 21 Pleasant Street into living space, and driveway work at 36 Aborn Street — met strong neighborhood opposition during a Peabody Conservation Commission meeting on Dec. 10.
"Any way of these floodwaters ... coming into Strongwater Brook is going to raise the level of Strongwater, which can no longer handle any more fluctuating water levels," said Lolly Desoto, who identified herself as a long‑time abutter and described repeated basement flooding and property damage.
Consultants Jordan Folds (wetland scientist) and engineer Bridal (Brendan) Pyburn presented plans that include roughly 4,000 square feet of native plant restoration, conversion of proposed driveways to porous pavement and the potential use of subsurface infiltration chambers to capture roof and driveway runoff. Bridal said the measures are designed to reduce the peak runoff rate from the parcels to the brook. "We will give a backup calculation that shows the runoff rate will be decreased coming off of this property," he said.
Neighbors pressed for more: visible pre/post grade documentation, assurances about where removed soils and spoil would be hauled, and stronger guarantees that downstream residents would not see higher peak flows. The commission agreed to continue items for the three parcels (36 Aborn, 0 Aborn, 21 Pleasant) to the Jan. 14 meeting so applicants can supply calculations, revised plans showing porous paving and infiltration details, and to allow a neighborhood follow‑up discussion.
Why it matters: residents described repeated flood events that affect homes and cars, raising equity and safety concerns when vacant or under‑utilized lots are redeveloped in flood‑prone areas. The commission asked for engineering proof that the peak runoff rate will not increase and for plans that show restoration and infiltration features.
What's next: applicants will return with pre/post hydrologic calculations, porous‑pavement details and infiltration design options; the items were continued to Jan. 14 for more technical review and additional neighborhood engagement.
