Peabody Mill Overlay District

At their January 26th the Peabody City Council discussed a proposal recommended by the Peabody Planning Board that the City Council adopt an expanded definition of a mill overlay district. Under the proposal, the following uses would be allowed by-right in the mill overlay district:

• Mixed-use establishments that already lawfully exist
• Retail establishments (excluding automobile-related businesses) up to 4,500 square ft
• Bakeries, restaurants, and other food or beverage serving establishments up to 3,000 square ft
• Banks, indoor ATMs, and financial institutions
• Personal service establishments
• Indoor recreation and museums

The proposal would define a mill building as “a building constructed prior to 1940 which at one time were used for manufacturing or industry,” and a mill overlay district would be defined as “an area which includes but is not limited to at least three or more mill buildings and all properties immediately abutting a defined mill building.”

Demolition would require a special permit as would retail establishments greater than 4,500 square ft, and food or beverage establishments greater than 3,000 square ft. Residential development was not listed as a proposed use as the city cited the 40B process as a successful avenue for residential development in the mill overlay district.

Updates will be posted on the NSR blog.