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CPC Meeting 02-17-2022 Minutes Final-Approved Community Preservation Committee February 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes 1 PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES CITY OF BEVERLY BOARD OR COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee SUBCOMMITTEE: N/A DATE: February 17, 2022 LOCATION: Remote Access Only via Google Meet MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Heather Richter; Vice Chair Derek Beckwith; Nancy Marino; Marilyn McCrory; Thomas Bussone, II; Robert Buchsbaum; Wendy Pearl. MEMBERS ABSENT: Christy Edwards OTHERS PRESENT: Denise Deschamps, Economic Development Planner and CPC staff person; Andrew Leonard, Project Manager, Harborlight Community Partners; Susan Goganian, Executive Director, Historic Beverly; Darlene Wynne, Director, Planning and Development Dept., City of Beverly; Florence Cenci; Natalie Sandoval; Alison Dudley; City Councilor Steven Crowley. RECORDER: Stacia Chamberlain 1. Call to Order Chairperson Richter calls the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Richter reads a statement regarding public participation for this virtual meeting. 2. Welcome and Introduction 3. CPA Budget Update Chairperson Richter invites questions and comments from the members. Beckwith says that he is pleased that the Committee is able to choose projects based on merit and not budget at this point. McCrory asks whether the budget reflecting available CPA funds has been updated. Deschamps replies that Mr. Ayles provided,in narrative form, the funds remaining in each of the CPA fund accounts, factoring in the three projects recommended for funding during the CPC's last meeting which took place on January 20, 2022. Deschamps stated that she shared Ayles's letter with the CPC via email. McCrory requested that, in advance of the next CPC meeting, the CPC receive the excel version of the budget which lists all projects funded,those currently open, fund balances, etc. Deschamps confirms that she will share that request with Mr. Ayles. 4. Continued: Review of CPA Funding Round 9 full applications i. Harborlight Community Partners, Inc.—Request for funding to support construction of new affordable apartments at 106 Sohier Rd (Anchor Point II) 1. Andrew Leonard, representative for Harborlight Community Partners, is on the call. Chairperson Richter invites questions and comments from the members. Richter also invites Leonard to speak. He replies that he had previously been provided with a list of questions from Committee members and offers to provide answers to those questions. First question, explain the reason for limiting the term of affordability to 30 years? 1 Community Preservation Committee February 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes 2 Leonard explains that a 30 year term is typical but it could be as much as 45 years. Leonard then responds to the question regarding a back-up plan if other funding sources do not materialize. [Recording of Mr. Leonard's response the latter question was inaudible. Deschamps contacted Mr. Leonard, post meeting, to ask if he could provide his response to this question via email. Mr. Leonard provided the following response via email: "If state funding does not materialize,we would incorporate what feedback we receive from DHCD and submit at the next opportunity. Most projects go before the state more than once before they receive funding. "If local money does not materialize, we would have to look to trim the budget and or move forward with the project with a `sponsor loan,' wherein HCP lends money to the project with the idea that it will secure the funding later down the road." The Community Preservation Committee members were made aware during their meeting of March 17, 2022 that Mr. Leonard provided an email response to the question posed during the meeting of February 17, 2022, as this section of the recording was inaudible. Deschamps proposed that Leonard's response contained within the email be included in the minutes for February 17, 2022. Members indicated they were comfortable with that process,prior to voting on the minutes, as long as the process was explained within the minutes. Deschamps confirmed an explanation of this process would be inserted into the minutes.] Leonard responds to the next question regarding whether or not outdoor spaces and services at Anchor Point will only be available to residents of Anchor Point. He clarifies that common areas, play areas, splash pad will be marketed towards residents. Once the community center is in place the will be more access available to the general public. Leonard responds to the next question regarding whether or not the Community Preservation Committee's funding schedule will negatively impact the project. Leonard responded by stating that the CPA funding is specifically dedicated to hard construction costs so those funds will not be needed immediately. Leonard was asked to lightly revise the first sentence in Section A of the Project narrative to make it a bit clearer. He did revise the sentence, stating that Anchor Point is currently under construction. It is a 77 unit, multi-phased development of affordable two and three bedroom apartments for families sponsored by Harborlight. Phase I is 38 units and Phase II includes 39 units. The next questions Leonard responded to is related to the project budget, and whether or not there are any specific construction budget line items that CPC funds will be used for. Leonard confirms that CPA funds will be used for hard costs related to the construction. Leonard then responds to the question regarding how important CPA/local funding is to the project's overall application for State funding. He highlights that CPA funding would have a big,positive impact on their ability to secure their larger grant and also enable them to maintain a standard of quality despite rising costs of materials. Leonard then responds to the question of whether or not Anchor Point Phase I is on schedule. Leonard states that, yes,the project is on schedule with the first residents moving in during July, 2022. Leonard then responds to the final question which is an update on the rental of Anchor Point. He said that Harborlight has received 277 applications and of those applications that have been reviewed thus far 115 applicants are eligible, keeping in mind there are 38 units. Other questions included how many phases are meant for the building of the units. Costs for rent and numbers of applications based on market research is also discussed. Beckwith asks if an 2 Community Preservation Committee February 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes 3 applicant fails to secure a unit in the first round,how does that affect their consideration for the next set of units. Leonard replies that Anchor Point 11 is considered a new project with its own lottery and so the Fair Housing Law requires that anyone who applied for Anchor Point 1 must submit a new application for Anchor Point 11. Beckwith thanks Leonard for his preparedness and comprehensiveness. McCrory asks if Harborlight would be amenable to committing to an affordability term of 45 years. Leonard states that he is confident that they would be but that he will double-check. McCrory asks Leonard if Harborlight could supply the CPC with an email confirming that they are amenable to a 45 year term of affordability, if that turns out to be the case. Leonard agrees to do so. McCrory thanks Mr. Leonard for his work on this project and for Harborlight's ongoing commitment to affordable housing in Beverly. McCrory moves to approve the application from the Harborlight Community Partners, Inc. for the funding of construction of new affordable apartments at 106 Sohier Rd. in the amount of $400,000, taken from the Community Housing Reserve,with the balance being taken from the Undesignated General Reserve; in the category of Community Housing, for the purpose of Creation. Seconded by Beckwith. Deschamps takes a roll-call vote. The motion carries 7-0. ii. Historic Beverly—Request for funding for continued restoration of Hale Farm Sue Goganian, Director of Historic Beverly,is on the call. She replies that she had previously been provided with a list of questions from Committee members and offers to provide answers to those questions. Goganian responds to the first questions regarding the any impact on the project by the CPC's project funding schedule by stating that the CPC's funding schedule will not negatively impact the project. They will initially be planting trees this spring and will use other sources of funding for this project. As to whether there will be public access to the exterior of the property Goganian explains that the general public has been and will continue to be welcome to walk the grounds of Hale Farm at any time. Goganian then responds to the next question posed, describe the plans and ideas for the "open air" interpretive experience, and how the work to be funded in this CPA funding round will contribute to that/those experiences. She answers how the funding will contribute to outdoor experiences on the property, in that the reconstructed part of the building and the yard will add a sense of place reflecting the multiple identities the property has assumed over the years. The grounds and signage will create an interpretive experience for the public and tell the story, collectively, of what used to exist. Pearl wants to acknowledge the work that Historic Beverly has put into the restoration of this property. McCrory offers her support for the organization and their efforts to steward the City's resources for the public in meaningful and engaging ways. Pearl moves to approve the application from Historic Beverly for the funding for the continued restoration of Hale Farm in the amount of$100,294 dollars for historic preservation. Seconded by Bussone. Deschamps takes a roll-call vote. The motion carries 7-0. iii. Rotary Club of Beverly—Request for funding for the renovation of the gazebo located on Beverly Common Richter confirms that the application has been withdrawn as The Rotary Club of Beverly intends to donate the funds they collected for the reconstruction of the gazebo directly to the City of Beverly for this purpose. Richter thanks The Rotary Club for their donation. 3 Community Preservation Committee February 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes 4 5. City of Beverly—Review of out-of-cycle application requesting CPA funding to support the acquisition, creation,restoration, and preservation of two parcels on Simon Street as recreational space (Gloucester Crossing pocket parks) Darlene Wynne is on the call to answer questions about the pre-application that was submitted by the City of Beverly. Richter invites questions from Committee members. Buchsbaum asks if the funds should come from Recreation or Recreation and Open Space CPA fund reserves [as the application indicates Open Space and Recreation as the CPA project eligible categories]. Wynne replies that the project includes elements of both. McCrory adds that there could be an advantage to applying under both categories since this is an acquisition project because in the future, CPA funds could be used for restoration. Beckwith thanks McCrory for suggesting this possible approach to the Committee. Pearl states that there will need to be a permanent restriction put in place for either of these categories. Wynne replies that the City is interested in placing a restriction on the property. McCrory asks Wynne whether the City of Beverly's Conservation Commission could hold the Conservation Restriction in the event that the Essex County Greenbelt would not. Wynne says they would consider other ways to restrict the property if the Greenbelt could not. Buchsbaum offers that there are indeed other entities to hold the conservation restriction. Bussone offers that the Housing Authority could put a restriction in the deed in the event that the Greenbelt could not hold the Conservation Restriction. Wynne replies that this is an option to explore. Richter invites members of the public to speak. Natalie Sandoval, a resident of the Gloucester Crossing neighborhood, is on the call and asks about public access to the spaces. Wynne replies with details of how they envision the use of the space, including seating,play structures, and a handicap-accessible play structure. Wynne confirms that the pocket parks will be open to the general public. Ms. Sandoval also asks whether they considered repairing an existing play structure at Holcroft Park instead. Wynne replies that they are trying to maximize the current acquisition and it will be geared toward younger children. Nancy Marino assures Ms. Sandoval that these parks would be open to the public and be used for active and passive recreation. Steven Crowley, Ward 3 City Councilor, speaks to the project, their target audience, and how the properties will serve the public. Alison Dudley, of 7 Beckford Street, wishes to thank the Committee for taking on this project for the benefit of the community. Florence Cenci, of 27 Grant Street, offers her support for the project, as she has small children who could benefit from the play space. Marino takes the opportunity with Councilor Crowley and Wynne, to request that they work in tandem to look at public access points to Holcroft Park, as the current access points are dangerous, with either no sidewalks or sidewalks in extreme disrepair.. McCrory moves that the Gloucester Crossing pocket parks project at Simon Street is eligible for CPA funding in the category of Open Space and Recreation, for the purpose of Acquisition. Seconded by Bussone. Deschamps takes a roll-call vote. The motion carries 7-0. Before the Committee determines if the project is eligible for out-of-cycle funding, Richter asks Wynne about the deadline to close on the purchase of the properties. Wynne replies that there may be some flexibility, but per the deadline [included in the Project Schedule Form], there is reason to move with some speed. Buchsbaum says that there is clearly eligibility as an out-of-cycle application because the Beverly Housing Authority did not issue a bid until well after the CPC launched its funding round. Pearl adds that this is a critical moment to acquire this property for non-development and supports the City's and Wynne's efforts to make the acquisition. Beckwith thanks Wynne for having provided a very thorough application for the Committee's review. Wynne thanks the Committee and acknowledges the work of Associate 4 Community Preservation Committee February 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes 5 Planner, Chelsea Zakas, in helping to write the application. Buchsbaum thanks the Housing Authority for its work on this project as well. Beckwith moves that the CPC project meets the criteria as an out-of-cycle project, as discussed. Seconded by McCrory. Deschamps takes a roll-call vote. The motion carries 7-0. Members then move on to discuss the full application. Richter invites questions and comments from Committee members. McCrory voices her support as a member of the Open Space and Recreation Committee. She states that these parks are an excellent acquisition, as they are located in a section of Beverly that lacks green spaces. Beckwith asks whether the Committee is comfortable voting on project eligibility without hammering out the language in the MOU. Members indicated that they were comfortable in doing so. Beckwith says that he is encouraged by the letters of support and public support for this project, which gives him more confidence in the acquisition. Ms. Cenci asks Beckwith about his meaning of the Conservation Restriction; Beckwith offers clarification. Beckwith moves that the CPC approve the application for the Gloucester Crossing pocket parks project at Simon Street, in the amount of$200,000.00 in the categories of Open Space and Recreation, for the purpose of Acquisition in each of these categories, and for the funds to be drawn from the CPA Undesignated Fund Reserve. Seconded by Marino. Deschamps takes a roll-call vote. The motion carries 7-0. 6. Status of Open CPA-funded Proiects Deschamps provides an update on the status of open projects, highlighting those projects with a memorandum of understanding expiring in the near future. Deschamps mentions the Beverly Golf and Tennis Commission may request an MOU extension, however,they are nearing the end of the project. Deschamps also mentions that the YMCA of the North Shore's affordable housing project at 245 Cabot Street is nearing completion and a final report and invoice is expected shortly. The MOU for the Wentworth Drive Tot lot will likely need an extension. Marino says that it's encouraging that the subcontractors can begin the bid process for the Golf and Tennis Club. McCrory asks about the expiration of some projects; in particular, the Beverly Farms cemetery perimeter fence. Deschamps mentions that the Farms MOU was extended so it will expire in January of 2023. Richter asks about the Housing Assistance Program and whether they should extend the project but reduce the funding set aside for it. Beckwith reminds Richter that the CPC had previously agreed to keep the original funding for the project intact and consider whether or not they should extend the MOU after he provides an update at the next CPC meeting. 7. Approval of Minutes i. Minutes from January 20,2022 Members offer recommended edits to the draft meeting minutes. McCrory moves to approve the minutes of January 20, 2022 as amended. Seconded by Beckwith. Deschamps takes a roll-call vote. The motion carries 6-0, with Bussone absent at this point in the meeting. 8. CPC Members are invited to share items of interest Richter asks for an update on the status of the Committee vacancy. Deschamps reports that the City Council has proposed that Danielle Spang, Esq.be appointed to the at-large vacancy, as it appears on their agenda for their February 22, 2022 meeting. 5 Community Preservation Committee February 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes 6 9. Adiournment Marino moves to adjourn at 8:30 pm. Seconded by Beckwith. Deschamps takes a roll-call vote. The motion carries 6-0, with Bussone absent at this point in the meeting. The next regular meeting of the Community Preservation Committee will be held virtually on Thursday, March 17, 2022, via Google Meet. 6