Peabody's Planning Board recommended City Council adopt a rewritten billboard ordinance. Planning director Kurt Belovance said the council removed the section in 2017 and the city solicitor drafted new language.
Peabody's Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variances and denied a third at its April 13 meeting. The board backed a kitchen addition at 10 Margaret Road, replacing a carport, with a side yard of about 8 feet instead of 15.
The Conservation Commission continued the 309 Lowell Street duplex hearing to May 6 on a 7-0 vote. Attorney John R. Kelty presented two duplexes on new lots beside the owners' existing house, with all construction inside the 200-foot riverfront area.
The Planning Board endorsed a lot-line plan for the former Luigi's Restaurant property at 117 Lynnfield Street. Members voted 5-0 in a roll call to endorse the approval-not-required plan prepared by Eastern Land Survey Associates for ETS Linfield Street, LLC.
Peabody's Light Commission rescinded two motions and approved a $55,200 tower painting contract. Commissioners voted 5-0 to award Public Utility Maintenance Incorporated the job of painting four steel towers, plus $7,600 for lead-paint sampling and lab analysis.
Peabody's mayor asked every department for a 5 percent budget reduction. He briefed the Finance Committee, sitting as a Committee of the Whole, on the FY27 outlook. He said health insurance will add $6.2 million, up 11.1 percent after a 14.9 percent jump last year.
The Peabody Planning Board continued a lot-line plan for 117 Linfield Street after the applicant failed to appear. ETS Linfield Street, LLC sought endorsement of a Dec. 8, 2025 plan that would shift about 3,179 square feet to adjacent property owned by Thomas and Emily Holden in an R1B district.
Peabody's Zoning Board of Appeals approved six variances and denied four on Monday.
Peabody's City Council raised the mayor's salary to $146,260 and moved $2.1 million for police and fire. The council approved the 3 percent raise ordinance 8-2, with Councilors Manning-Martin and Corvo opposed.
The PVMHS School Building Committee introduced PMA Consulting as its owner's project manager for the high school project. Mayor Betancourt said the selection committee's decision was unanimous, and the MSBA approved the choice after an OPM panel meeting Monday.