1999-12-09BEVERLY HARBOR MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
MINUTES
December 9, 1999
PRESENT: G. Whitney, R. Badessa, P. Allen, D. Neuman,
A. Burns, C. Raymond, J. Murray
GUESTS:
Representatives of Fort Point Associates,
Planning Director, T. Cassidy, and approximately
30 interested citizens.
G. Whitney called the meeting to order, and gave some
background. He explained that this a regular meeting, but
will be devoted to a presentation of the status of the
consultants waterfront study.
He explained that the City acquired McDonald's about 3
years ago. At the time it was thought that it could be
used as a restaurant. The first summer it was rented out
for a seafood restaurant, but was not very successful. The
second year it was advertised, but there was no response.
Then it was decided to apply to the Seaport Advisory
Council for a grant to study the use and improvement of
property. The application was successful.
Early in the summer we received a $45,000.00 grant to
evaluate the 3 parcels of land. The scope is limited to
the 3 properties. Certain things must be done. Other
things may be done. A year ago we solicited a bid to rent
all 3 properties, but there were no qualifying bids. There
are 2 aspects, the landside and the waterside. For the
last 3 or 4 months we have been working with the
consultants. The study is now at the 50% status. These
results will be presented by the consultants.
G. Whitney then turned the meeting over to Susan St. Pierre
of Fort Point Associates. She explained how they
proceeded. Several alternatives of the waterside were
considered. She explained that under the bridge was not
included, although they feel that parkinq needs to be
there.
She spoke of some of the constraints.
Strong current
McDonald's grants restrictions
Location of pier
Can't berth large vessels at the pier
Dave Vine---spoke of some of the conditions.
The Davit is in fair condition
The wiring is poor
Commercial Marina Seawall is in good condition
Gangways are short and not handicapped accessible
Floats are marginal
The main pier is in good condition
The Dolphins are shallow to bedrock
Ferryway - 2 walls good
Floats fair to poor
Gangway - short
Glover - building on piles which need work
Wall - fair to poor condition
Floats good
Gangway is short & no handicap rails.
Recommended moving the davit and moving the commercial
floats. The pier in the middle minimizes the options.
There were 3 versions presented, but the preferred version
was the first, which would be to enhance the Ferryway.
This would be done with or without an ornamental pool; a
restaurant and information center on the McDonald site. On
the west, a harbor-master garage and workshop. Emergency
service through the Ferryway. By taking away the Glover
building 4 berths would be gained.
This version would have 81 parking spaces.
J. Murray spoke of the consultants missing the significance
of Washington's Naval Base.
E. Kinzie was concerned about parking.
J. Murray had many more questions.
N. Zoll asked about the pier being used for vessels for
deep water. He was answered that the dolphins need to be
replaced, there is enough water.
E. Rowand asked about the traffic flow from under the
bridge.
T. Cassidy answered that the City is considering a roadway
from Cox Ct. out to Cabot near the Big Buck.
Someone asked about the money spent for McDonald's, why
tear it down. G. Whitney answered because we can't seem to
rent it and most economical solution is to replace it.
W. Finch stated that there was no discussion on providing
slips for transient boats.
F. Whitney stated that we need to look at this again.
D. Neuman stated that he believes to bring people down a
big draw is a restaurant and accommodations for transients.
Rossi asked about bait lockers. His answer was they are
planned for under the bridge.
J. Reed asked about the cost.
Without a restaurant and no exhibit. Construct 1 building
for all and a bait locker would cost $1,400,000.00 for
version 1. Waterside $482,000.00. Rough order of
magnitude.
S. Kinzie asked about income. How much return on
investment.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Twiss