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Neighbors and commissioners press developer on riverfront duplex plan; hearing continued for site visit
Summary
The commission continued a contested plan for two duplexes at 309 L Street after questions about riverfront buffer impacts, cumulative effects, and stormwater calculations; a site visit was scheduled for April 23 and the item was continued to the May meeting.
The Peabody Conservation Commission continued its review of a notice of intent for 309 L Street after extensive questioning from commissioners and neighbors about riverfront and BVW impacts, alternatives analysis and drainage.
Attorney John R. Kelty presented for property owners Cosmo and Zoe Evangelites, saying the project proposes two duplexes on newly created lots and noting an administrative issue: a Commonwealth check had not cleared and a D-number was not yet issued. Engineer Chris Melo described riverfront and BVW flagging, 100-foot and 200-foot riverfront buffers, infiltration trenches, and a plan to remove invasive species near the resource area. Melo acknowledged an error in the original stormwater calculation (the existing house had been omitted), said he would amend the filing to reflect five units (which triggers stormwater management requirements), and described erosion control and planting measures.
Commissioners repeatedly pushed the applicant to demonstrate a less intrusive alternative, suggesting converting the existing house to two-family or changing lot lines so new construction avoids the riverfront and BVW. Several commissioners said the plan risked cumulative adverse impacts and raised flood/runoff concerns. Public commenters, including a former conservation-commission member and nearby residents, echoed those concerns and urged a wildlife habitat study and clearer stormwater details.
The commission scheduled a site visit for Thursday, April 23 (4:00 p.m.) and voted to continue the item to the May 6 meeting to allow the applicant to provide corrected stormwater calculations, clarified plans and responses to Department of Public Services comments (including a recommended manhole on L Street). The continuation passed by roll call.
