Subdivision board approves lot combination and demolition at 117 Lynfield Street

The Peabody subdivision board unanimously approved an ANR plan to combine lot two at 117 Lynfield Street with adjacent land owned by Thomas and Emily Holden and to demolish the existing building that formerly housed Luigi’s Restaurant.

The applicant, speaking for the family that bought Luigi’s Restaurant at 117 Lynfield Street, described a planned 10‑foot fence/lot‑line adjustment that would shift a side yard onto the neighboring parcel to make the remaining lot conforming. "My family just bought Luigi's Restaurant on Lynfield Street," the applicant said, adding that the lot had been split decades ago and that the change would not affect frontage on 17 (Lynfield).

Why it matters: The plan combines parcels, resolves a sideline setback issue and clears the way for demolition of the building once the restaurant special permit is transferred. The applicant and staff said the building is prepared for demolition but the building inspector advised that demolition should wait until after the special permit is transferred to avoid permitting gaps.

During discussion a board member asked whether a drive‑thru had ever operated at the site; participants noted a slip lane and outlines of old garage doors and recounted that trucks had previously been loaded from the property. The applicant and other speakers also described historical uses, including Holden’s Dairy Bar and a former milk‑bottling plant.

A board member moved to approve the ANR plan of land prepared by Eastern Land Survey Associates (104 L Street, PB Mass) for ETSS Lynfield Street LLC, identifying the land as F as in Frank 6869, with lot two to be combined with adjacent land of Thomas and Emily Holden and with Building 117 Lynfield Street on lot one to be demolished. The motion was seconded and the clerk called the roll.

Board members Tom French, Dr. Judy, John Ford, Jeff Seliva and Mr. Thomas all answered "Yes," and the chair declared the motion carried. The board instructed that the chair sign the endorsed copy for registry recording and that the board’s office will provide the applicants a copy of the motion sheet next week.

The board noted no other matters and concluded that portion of the meeting with a unanimous procedural motion.