Peabody, Lynnfield Tensions Spike Over Proposed Development

LYNNFIELD, MA -- A proposal to build a 154-unit senior citizen housing development that was considered by Lynnfield Town meeting has spiked tensions between the town and its neighbor, Peabody. The proposed development is on the border of the two municipalities and several Peabody residents abut the project. But because it is in Lynnfield, they have no say as Lynnfield considers the project.

That became even more clear Monday night, when former Peabody Ward 6 Councilor Barry Sinewitz was told he could not ask questions during the meeting because he was not a resident. Sinewitz's Peabody property abuts the Sagamore Spring golf course where the development is being proposed. A few minutes later Lynnfield Police Chief David J. Breen alerted the moderator that Sinewitz remained in the auditorium.

"The residents voted to allow him to remain," Breen said. "I never spoke to Mr. Sinewitz nor directed him to leave. I appreciate the fact that as an abutter, he had concerns about the development. However, these rules have been in place for decades."

Rules or not rules, Breen's move raised the ire of Peabody residents, as evidenced on the backlash on the City of Peabody Community Group on Facebook. One member of that group, Keith Doucette, said the Lynnfield Board of Selectmen also refused to read a letter from Peabody City Council into the record of the meeting.

"They disrespected a Peabody resident who abuts this land. Not to mention he was the Ward 6 councilor only 5 months ago and bent over backwards when Lynnfield sent the Peabody City Council a letter objecting to...zoning Peabody was looking at on RT1," Doucette wrote. "Peabody bent over backwards and changed the zoning location to try and appease Lynnfield. Also I am being told that they will be seeking to use Peabody Water for this project and of course half of Lynnfield already uses PMLP for the power. So why the slap in the face?"

Mashpee-based Bonvie Homes wants to build a 55+ condominium community around the golf course, which will continue top operate. Lynnfield Town Meeting approved a legislative package that rezoned a portion of the property to elderly housing, allowing the development to move forward. Lynnfield expects the complete development to generate $1.8 million per year in property tax revenue, with only 10% to 15% of that going to provide municipal services.

The above video is queued to the portion of the meeting where Sinewitz attempts to speak.

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Photo and video from Lynnfield Town Meeting/YouTube.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).