Planning Board unanimously grants one-year extension for 8 Centennial Drive site plan

Attorney John Kelty asked the Peabody Planning Board on March 5 to grant a one-year extension of the site-plan approval for 8 Centennial Drive so his client, developer Tishman Spire, could begin demolition and phased construction.

“We would respectfully ask for another year,” Attorney John Kelty said, explaining the project had prior conservation and stormwater reviews and that the developer had coordinated demolition logistics with police and fire. Kelty said the project previously received a closeout memorandum dated April 18, 2024, and that demolition permits would be pursued during the extension period.

The request prompted board questions about the age of the existing building and the phasing of construction. One board member noted the city property card lists the building as constructed in 1982; the applicant and others recalled development tied to federal UDAG funds around 1980. Kelty told the board the project will be built in phases, with buildings C and D constructed first and buildings A and B likely following a year or two later.

Planning staff and board members reminded the applicant that the planning board zoning ordinance allows only a one-year extension of site-plan approvals. Board members also discussed whether demolition and active construction would constitute acting upon the permit and therefore prevent lapse.

When asked about timing, the applicant estimated that occupancy for buildings C and D could be available by the end of 2027, following ongoing weekly coordination with city police and fire officials.

After discussion, a board member moved to grant a one-year extension of the site-plan approval for 8 Centennial Drive; the motion was seconded. The board voted by roll call: Joseph Gagnon, Tom French, Judith Otto, John Ford, Roy Simos, Matthew Jenzalei, Jeff Celiba and Thomas Bettincort each recorded a “yes.” The motion carried unanimously, 8-0.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes for the February 5, 2026 meeting — approved unanimously. - Extension of site-plan approval and permits for 8 Centennial Drive (Tishman Spire) — granted, 8-0.

Other business A board member reported that the Planning Board’s earlier approval for a special permit at 0 Hardy Street (a contractor’s bay) was later denied by the City Council. Planning Board member Roy Simos called the council’s denial “a terrible, terrible denial,” saying the parcel will sit vacant and be an eyesore.

What’s next The extension allows the developer additional time to secure demolition permits and begin phased construction. The board did not set further conditions in this meeting; implementation steps and permit applications will proceed through the usual staff review and permitting channels.