1998-05-27 SUMMARY OF
WORKSHOP #1
MASTER PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES STATEMENT
HELD ON MAY 27, 1998
City of Beverly Planning Department and Appledote Engineering, Inc.
AppledoN
Engineering Inc.
600 State Street, Suite D
Portsmouth, NH 03801
tel 603.433.8818
fax 603.433.8988
aei@nh .ultranet.com
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
Jane 8, 1998
Tina Cassidy, Planning Director
Goals and Objective Community Group
Jack Mettee, Appledote Engineering, Inc.
Sumznary of Comxnunity Forum Issues
Beverly Master Plan
AEI]1221
Please find attached a summary of the Community Forum held on May 27, 1998. The main
purpose for going through the issues identification process with the public is to be sure that the
work of the participants in the Master Plan process, as well as the planning staff, focus on the
areas that are important to the City and need to be addressed in the next stage of the Master Plan.
I have summarized the results of the forum and distilled them into a set of key issues that are
divided into three groups--primary, secondary and other. I have stated the issues in the form of
questions so that the City can consider possible answers as the process moves forward. These
issues and questions may be revised and modified based upon the results of the Community
Attitude Survey, as well as further public discussion.
As a first step, we went through the worksheets for each of the five groups, transcribed them and
put them into rank order for issues and "likes". These results are attached. We then went
through the lists and looked for common themes that showed up in a number of groups. From
this analysis a set of key issues was derived. The top primary issues included: improved
in~-astructure: more open space protection; more industrial/commercial growth; additional public
access to fresh and salt water; and improved school facilities and curriculum. Among Beverly's
assets that the forum recognized were the City's many cultural opportunities and activities; the
water~-ont; Beverly's open spaces; the residential/neighborhood character of the Cily; the City's
history and historical buildings and mansions; and the "small town" feeling.
(1221-003.doc)
Major Issues
1. What measures should the City undertake to ensure long-term protection and management
of its valuable open spaces?
The subject of open space rated very highly in both the "issues" and "likes" discussions.
Specifically included were woodlands, wildlife, green space, Norwood Pond (mentioned
several times), and wetlands. It will be necessary to clearly define the elements of open
space, what the specific concerns are and the most appropriate approach for long-term
management of these resources.
What is the most suitable approach to achieve a balanced use of the Beverly's waterfront
that recognizes the competing demands for commercial fishing, recreational boating,
marine businesses, public recreation and access, and tourism?
The "waterfront" also ranked very highly ~ both discussions. It would appear to be a highly
regarded asset for the City and one that most people seem to feel needs proper management.
It also appears to be perceived as an asset that includes much of the shoreline of Beverly
(Bass River, etc.). The following ideas were expressed: prepare harbor management plan,
tourism, recreation, public access, and development (develop Morton-Thiokol site versus
Morton-Thiokol for public launch facility; develop with mix of uses).
How can the City afford to update, operate and maintain its inpastructure at satisfactory
levels while still maintaining stable property taxes?
This issue was identified by all groups and seemed to encompass concerns about roadways,
drainage, water and sewer, and streetlights. Improvements to these systems will directly
affect the budget process.
4. How can the City ensure the long-term viability of its cultural assets and opportunities
in eluding both public an d private in stitution s an d p togram s ?
Interestingly, this topic rated highly with all groups as an asset for Beverly. Cabot Street,
Montserrat College of Art, North Shore Melody Tent, public library, an events, establish an
arts center were all mentioned.
How can the City better define its downtown and encourage revitalization of this area?
This issue also ranked near the top for concern. Downtown also received a number of "like"
votes. It may be necessary to further understand what one group identified as "better
defining the downtown". I assumed that this concern was relative to revitalization.
Appledote z
Engineering Inc.
6. How can the City expand its commercial/industrial base in a manner that is consistent
with its current community character?
This issue apparently addresses a concem about the balance of residential and
commercial/industrial growth and the need to have more revenue generating land use to
diversify the tax base. Some identified the level of commercial growth (Cummings Park) and
the lack on significant industrial development as "likes". Also noted was Beverly's pro-
business attitude, the role of the Chamber of Commerce and community banks.
7. How can the City maintain and expand its access to both its fresh and salt water
resources?
Represents a desire to ensure adequate public access to the City's water resources. Water
views were also mentioned.
& How can Beverly maintain the desirability of its residential neighborhoods and protect
them from the impacts of conflicting uses?
This issue represents part of the overall character of the City, but emphasizes a very strong
identification with the integrity of Beverly's neighborhoods. Livability, good place to raise
family, residential character were all mentioned.
9. What steps can be taken to improve the quality of Beverly's educational system including
the curriculum and facilities?
Although several groups identified the schools as an asset, there was strong concern for
improving both the buildings and curriculum as well as making support equal for all schools.
10. How can the City ensure that the Master Plan recognizes Beverly's history and
historical/architectural resources and provides a strategy for long-term protection and
maintenance of these assets?
Historic resources were identified as an asset, as well as a concern for protection. The City's
history, historical buildings, mansions, architecturally significant buildings, Washington's
Naval Base, Hannah home port, and historical "weightiness" were all noted.
11. How can Beverly retain its "small town "feeling as it grows and changes over the next
decade?
Although Beverly has a population of almost 40,000, people like its small town feeling.
Livability, conveniences to services, walking City, and open public meetings were
mentioned.
Appledore
Engineering Inc.
Secondary Issues
12. What steps should the City take to maintain its current community character and strive
toward an image as a "Garden City"?
Similar to the previous issue, the Forum participants identified a number of characteristics
that give Beverly its character. Included were: community commitment to children,
Homecoming, commitment &citizens to improve community, good City council and Mayor,
Cabot Street in blossom
13. How can Beperly maintain a diverse population both socially and economically ?
It appears that Beverly prides itself on its diverse population and would like to maintain this
diversity. Diversity of housing was also identified, including the need for a homeless shelter.
14. Given Beverly's position on the North Shore and its accessibility via road and railroad,
how can the City maintain or imprope this situation?
Beverly citizens appreciate their location relative to Boston and the region and want to
maintain and improve the highway and railroad systems that will allow the City's locational
advantages to continue.
15. How can the City maintain and improve its public parks and beaches that have been
recognized as beautiful, well-located and subject to heavy use?
The Forum identified City parks as important assets that need to be properly maintained and
used. Lynch Park, Beverly Golf and Tennis we[e noted.
16. How should the City manage growth so that it does not become over-developed?
There was concern about the quantity and quality of growth in the City. There were several
references to updating the zoning map/zoning by-law, particularly to address the Route 128
corridor and give attention to maintaining the City's streetscapes.
17. How can the City continually improve and maintain its public buildings and properties?
Concern was raised about the need to improve, as necessary, and maintain public properties
including the police and fire stations. This concern may also be related to image of the City
and community character. One group raised the issue of timely funding for capital
improvements, presumably to maintain the quality of public properties. There was a
suggestion from one group to "reinvest in existing resources" that needs to be further defined.
l & Witat should Beverly do to accomntodate and intprove vehicular traffic flow and safety
throughout the City?
Traffic issues came up in several groups, although specific problem areas were not generally
identified.
Appledore
Engineering Inc.
Other Issues
· Provide pedestrian and bikeways
· Protect Beverly's water supply
· Need overnight lodging facilities
* Improve City administration including elected boards and commissions
· Provide more active and passive recreation
· Make more information available on City and school budgets
· Timely funding of capital improvements
Appledore
Engineering Inc.
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3FISSI
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ISSUE W/NO VOTES GROUP
1. Preserve historical sites and uses for tourism
2. Provide an tourism center
3. Promote cultural assets
4. Consolidate-link open space
5. City Downtown density residential
6. Eliminate parking meters
7. Improve traffic pattern
8. Expand multi-family housing
9. Larger lot sizes for residential
10. Consider other revenue sourues
11. High dropout rate at Beverly High School
12. Less conflict between age groups
13. Fund youth programs
I4. Enforce sanitary code
l 5. Upgrade water mains
16. Community volunteer services
17. Upgrade commuter rail
18. Increase commuter parking
19. Extend Blue Line to Beverly
20. Purchase Ventton site as public launch facility
21. Improve downtown parking
22. Strengthen Design Review Board
23. Affordable Housing City-wide
A
B C/D
E
A-3
29. Beverly Golf& Tennis
30. Hannah home port
3 l. Homecoming
32. Cabot Street in blossom
33. Cummings Park
34. Many City services
35. Location as gateway
36. Historical weightiness
37. Airport
38. Clean air
39. No industrial siege
40. Diversity of housing stock
41. Influence of Chamber of Commeme
42. Local media
43. Walking city
44. Sports/YMCA
LIKE
A
GROUP
B C/D
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
TOTALVOTES
E F/G
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 1
1 1
1 I
1 1
1 I
B-2