News: Peabody Mayor seeks stronger relationship with Lynn and Salem

This may be a good time to seek regional unity among the cities of Lynn, Peabody and Salem. To create Spring Pond Reservation, in conserving undeveloped land around connecting wetlands, underground waterways, and watersheds of Spring Pond, the City of Peabody water supply.  Time is critical to "Strengthen Salem's wetlands ordinance to protect rare, endangered, and unique flora and fauna." ~ Salem Open Space Plan

Love this comment in the recent news of The Daily Item from the new Mayor of Peabody.... "He (Bettencourt) anticipates forging strong relationships with Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll and Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy. He wants to talk to them about shared community concerns, including traffic congestion and future development."

The Daily Item, Peabody Mayor-elect has ‘work cut out’ in new job, Originally Published on Monday, December 12, 2011, By Thor Jourgensen

Link:  itemlive.com/articles/2011/12/12/news/news02.txt

News: City of Peabody planners and Mass Audubon team on improving trails

The City of Peabody planners and Mass. Audubon have teamed together to work on a plan in connecting and improving existing trails which tie around Spring Pond in South Peabody.  Part of the plan includes adding amenities and improving water quality in public water bodies.  A public meeting will take place to receive commentary.   

Read more here:  

http://peabody.patch.com/articles/city-offers-draft-plan-of-south-peabody-trails-for-public-comment

News: Peabody leaders have concern for big-box project near Spring Pond

Peabody Patch
Peabody keeps a Close Eye on Salem Walmart Expansion
by Dan Baer, March 3, 2011
Link to article:  http://peabody.patch.com/articles/city-keeps-a-close-eye-on-salem-walmart-expansion


In this article, Karen Sawyer of Peabody Community Development, is the only person heard to instantly defend the project in the article.  At the ad-hoc meeting, she mentioned she is "talking with Dunkin", planner of the City of Salem, who is saying everything will be alright.  Karen, may believe everything she hears but others may have a mind of their own.


"If you do not ask the right question, you will not receive the right answer."  As an example:  My first question in the Salem Planning Board Public Hearing on April 1st of last year was:  "Have you contacted the City of Peabody, since this project is close to their drinking supply?"   The reply received:  "Yes, Peabody is aware, and the reservoir is miles away from the site" (making signs with the hands that the project is far away, north somewhere.)"   
(Did I not ask the right question?  Because I did not receive the correct answer.  Turns out the City of Peabody was not aware of the project until a few months later in August.  And this project is on the hills, on or near water surface protection areas (watershed) that surround Spring Pond.)