2008-05-22
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Date:
Board:
Location:
Members Present
May 22, 2008
Historic Commission
Beverly City Hall
William Finch, Chair, James Younger, John Condon
Matthew Lewis
Ralph Turcotte
Kate Newhall
Eileen Sacco
Members Absent:
Others Present
Recorder:
Finch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
265 Essex Street - Demolition of Barn - Essex Park Rehabilitation and N ursini!: Center
Newhall noted that the applicant or their representatives are not here at the present time. Finch
asks that she try and contact them by telephone to see if they plan on attending.
Finch notes in the meantime that the Commission will take the agenda out of order and move on
to the next order of business.
Certificate of Appropriateness
16 Front Street -Certificate of Appropriateness - Demolition of Garai!:e - Finn
Dan Finn addresses the Commission and reports that they are close to completing the renovations
on the property and have determined that the garage would be too costly to renovate. He
explained the work that would have to be done to restore the garage and noted that its current use
is as a dumpster. He also explained that they are proposing more parking for the site when they
demolish the garage.
Finch asked if the smaller building behind the garage is attached. Finn stated that it is and
explained that it was used for pottery and has a cement block setup.
Younger noted that the pictures submitted are clear.
Finch notes that they are increasing parking and asked how they would lay that out. Finn
explained the layout of the parking. Finch noted that if they were to create a parking lot, which
is considered an area that can fit three or more cars, which would be visible from the street, they
would need a certificate from the Commission.
Finch opens the public hearing up for public comment at this time. There was no one present
who wished to comment on this matter.
Younger stated that he feels that the proposal is straightforward.
Younger moved that the property located at 16 Front Street is under the jurisdiction of the
Historic Commission but is not historically significant. Lewis seconds the motion. The motion
carried.
Younger moved to issue a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of the garage at 16
Front Street on the basis that it is not historically significant. Lewis seconds the motion. The
motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Beverly Historic Commission meeting held on April 24, 2008 were presented
for approval. Younger moved approval as amended. Lewis seconded the motion. The motion
carried.
Review of Draft Demolition bv N e2lect Ordinance
The Commission reviewed the draft of the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance. Younger reported
that the Millard Fuller Foundation is an organization that provides grants to elderly people who
live in their homes who do not have the money to fix them up. He noted that if could be a
resource to address the concern that Mr. Turcotte had regarding that issue.
Finch expressed concern about the use of the phrase "intentional demolition" and noted that it
seems like the Commission would have to prove intentional demolition by neglect. He
suggested that the word "intentional" be deleted from the document.
Younger moved to accept the draft Demolition By Neglect Ordinance as amended to delete the
word "intentional" where it appears in the document, seconded by Lewis. The motion carried.
265 Essex Street - Demolition of Barn - Essex Park Rehabilitation and N ursin2 Center
After several attempts to contact the applicant's attorney, the Commission continued with the
public hearing process.
Finch reviewed the regulations for holding a public hearing and noted that the Commission still
has some time after the close of the public hearing to issue a decision. Newhall noted that today
is the 28th day of the 30-day extension granted by the applicant. Finch noted that if the
Commission were to meet to issue a decision they could still hear comments from the parties
who are interested preserving the barn through a vote of the Commission.
Finch noted that the Commission is convening the public hearing that was opened on April 24,
2008.
Finch opened the hearing up for public comment at this time.
Rose Maglio addressed the Commission and expressed her concerns that the building should be
preserved. She noted that there are other buildings in the area that have been maintained and this
building stands out at the curve in the road on Essex Street. She also noted that there are other
properties in the area that have barns.
Maglio noted that the back of the building is gone but the front would be worth preserving and
they should try to do so if they can. She also noted that it would be a great loss to the City of
Beverly.
Younger stated that he would be interested in hearing what John Thompson has to say.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Finch declared the public
hearing closed.
Finch noted that it is a cultural landmark in terms of the visual component to the streetscape of
Essex Street.
Finch recommended that the Commission hold another meeting for the purpose of issuing a
decision.
Younger moved that the Historic District Commission convene on June 5, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. to
issue a decision on 265 Essex Street - Demolition of Barn - Essex Park Rehabilitation and
Nursing Center. Condon seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Next Meetin2
The next meeting of the Beverly Historic District Commission will be held on Thursday, June 5,
2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission this evening, Condon moved to
adjourn the meeting. Younger seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8: 15 p. m.