Lowe's Project Reveals Salem/Lynn Friction

A public hearing on the proposed Lowe's/Wal-Mart project on Highland Avenue heated up when Lynn and Salem residents were asked to restrict their comments to the issue of traffic.

The Kennedy Development Group, Inc., is looking to expand Wal-Mart and Meineke stores and add a Lowe's Home Improvement Store to its Highland Avenue site. Improvements to Camp Lion, and the addition of a municipal water tank are also under consideration in the plan.

Project Engineer Kevin Plourde and Salem's hired consultant, Kenneth Petraglia of Beta Group Inc., addressed plans and modifications to deal with heavy congestion in the area.

When questioned, Plourde said he estimated an additional 1,000 to 2,000 cars would travel through the area each day if the project is approved.

When Chairman Charles Puleo said public comments should only address traffic, Andrew Carr of Salem expressed frustration with the fact he had waited "three hours" to "hear that traffic on Highland is bad."

"I already knew that," he said. "I think I as well as some others here want to voice something else."

While supporters said the project would create jobs, those against the project said they were concerned about traffic, property values, environmental issues and drainage.

Lynn's Ward 2 Councilor William R. Trahant Jr. read a letter from fourth-grade students in Lynn, who expressed concern the project would "destroy the homes of hundreds of animals."

"No disrespect to my colleague in Lynn, but maybe that fourth-grade letter should have been written to the developers who developed next-door to that site; but that's another story," said Salem's Ward 3 Councilor Jean Pelletier. 

According to Pelletier, who expressed support for the project and believes the project could help alleviate the traffic problem, said the Planning Board and other officials "do everything good in this city."

"Let them [Lynn] try to stop us," he said.

"We will," a member of the public shouted in response.

Lynn Councilor-at-Large Daniel Cahill said the project "should be regional." According to Cahill, Lynn's property values in the area will drop if the project goes through. "It's a Lynn issue; it's a Salem issue.  It's not just going to go away," he said.

Salem Councilor-at-Large Joan Lovely said she supports the project and hopes to "work with both sides" to resolve the issue.

Kevin Mahar of Lynn said engineers and consultants "tap-danced all over the place," when speaking about the traffic issue. 

"You know that saying 'Lynn, Lynn...?' they'll be saying Salem, the witch city because Highland Avenue will be like Halloween all year," Mahar said.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., the Planning Board voted to continue the issue to its next meeting.