Planning Board allows modification to grade at Circle Storage site at 128 Rear Newbury Street

The Peabody Planning Board voted Aug. 7 to allow a minor modification to the previously approved Circle Storage project at 128 Rear Newbury Street that raises portions of the site grade so the contractor could avoid blasting ledge. Attorney John Kelty told the board that contractors encountered significant ledge while preparing the contractor base and that raising the grade “avoided blasting.” He said the change affected driveway grading and required some additional handicap ramps but that the applicant had obtained a memo from the Department of Public Services dated July 30 approving the proposed grade change. A board member moved to allow the modification as presented; the board approved the change unanimously. Board staff explained the modification and noted the project has been before the planning board over multiple years. The board’s action was limited to permitting the grading change; no changes to the approved building footprints or uses were reported at the meeting. The board recorded the approval and noted the file will be updated to reflect the approved modification.