Two New Streets Approved For North End

The Planning Board approved two new streets on the north end of town Tuesday to allow for the possible construction of several new homes, including a proposed 8,500 square-foot home on Peaches Point.

The board did not approve the construction of the homes, but left little question that it would allow the proposed three additional homes in a subdivision on the old WESX radio station probably in August. Last month, it approved Symes Associates' plans for the first four houses in the seven-house subdivision.

Symes plans to start building Mound Road and four houses approved earlier "within 30 days," said Jeff Rhuda, Symes' business development manager.

Less certain was approval of the proposed new home on Peaches Point at Eustis Road. Cornelia J. Stutz proposed to subdivide a five-acre lot with beachfront to allow for a new house she plans to live in "the rest of my life," she said.

Stutz needs the planning board's approval for the road and the house. She applied for 27 waivers from town planning bylaws, mostly for the new road.  The construction of the house would require three waivers.

A neighbor, Steven Morrison, objected to the design of the two-story house because it would block part of his view of the ocean. The lot slopes sharply, and the house is designed for the topography of the lot. The house will be at an elevation of 34 feet at the upper end of the property and as low as 13 feet toward the beach.

"My house does not block anybody's views. This house will block my views significantly," Morrison said. He told the board he knew a house would likely be built on the property. "I was just not prepared for this house," he said.

The lot also has extensive wetlands and a coastal bank that is protected by state environmental laws, making the area available for the new house "a tight envelope to build in," said Bob McCann, attorney for Stutz.

Much of the board's discussion focused on the road's design, which has been extensively reviewed by the Marblehead Fire Department to ensure that a fire engine can maneuver in and out of the property in the event of a fire at either the existing house or the proposed house.

Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the board that the proposed road on the Stutz property was not ideal, but said, "it will work."

The board approved the road, but postponed consideration of the waivers for the house construction until it meets again on August 10. It plans to make a visit to the property later this month.

Stutz said she is proposing to subdivide the property and build a second house for herself because her mother is currently paying about $40,000 a year in property taxes. Her parents bought the house after World War II for $8,000, she said.

By subdividing the property, she said she and her mother can share the tax burden.

"I know that the last thing we need in Marblehead is another house. People have asked why I am not just renovating my mother's house and leaving the open space. If I could afford it, I would love it," Stutz said.

On the Symes subdivision at Naugus Head, Rhuda predicted recently that once his company finishes constructing the houses, "the neighbors will be happier." No one appeared to oppose the project that will add seven new homes.

As part of the plan, which has been reviewed and approved by three boards and commissions, Symes will tear down the dilapidated WESX station building and the signal tower that stands on the property. It will build the new road and seven houses, which will be 2,000 to 3,000 square feet in size.  The homes will be listed for sale from $600,000 to $900,000.

Rhuda said he does not expect the board to have any issues with the design of the three additional houses because "we know what they want."