A development team has proposed two new buildings in Centennial Park to attract a variety of commercial tenants. Uses may include retail, a coffee shop, restaurants, arts/crafts work-spaces, and professional space.
Earlier this year, the mayor of Peabody Ted Bettencourt expressed an interest in “re-branding” the business park to attract a wider variety of tenants, positioning Centennial Park to compete with similar parks like the Cummings Center in Beverly. Because of zoning restrictions, retail tenants have not resided in Centennial Park to date. But as part of this effort to re-brand, the City of Peabody has voted to change the zoning ordinance to allow for retail use in the park.
“I’m interested in increasing the types of uses,” Bettencourt said. An allowed business needn’t be strictly industrial in nature, he explained. “There could be other kinds of commercial use.”
The introduction of these new business types would likely appeal to the many professionals who already work in Centennial Park.
The proposed project will go to the Planning Board before it is considered by the City Council.
For more information, read this article published in the Salem News.