ZBA Denies Emerson Street Deck Variance 0-5

Zoning Board of Appeals · Meeting of October 19, 2026

PEABODY — The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals voted 0-5 to deny a variance for a deck expansion and sunroom at 21 Emerson Street. Applicant Ariel Brazaban sought setbacks of 5.2 feet and 4 feet against required minimums of 20 and 15 feet. Neighbor Stephanie Najjar told the board the project was "a major encroachment on our privacy, safety, property value," while abutter Joe Najjar cited danger to "grandkids playing there." The same board unanimously approved three other variances, 5-0 each: a deck extension at 35 Martinic Avenue, a conditioned roof addition at 30 Coleman Street to stop snow and ice buildup, and a two-story addition at 15 Willis Road justified by the property's dual street frontage.

A fifth case, 17 Murdoch Drive, was continued to November 16.

In the full story:

• 17 Murdoch Drive: Continuance granted without hearing
• 21 Emerson Street: Deck and sunroom variance denied
• 35 Martinic Avenue: Deck extension approved
• 30 Coleman Street: Snow-and-ice roof variance approved with conditions
• 15 Willis Road: Two-story addition approved on dual-frontage hardship
• Minutes and adjournment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,043 words

Source: the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of October 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.