2008-12-17 (2)
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
LOCATION:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Economic and Community Development Council
MEMBERS ABSENT:
December 17, 2008
Beverly Public Library - Fogg Room
Chairperson Patricia Grimes, Tina Cassidy, Don
Fournier, Ed Cahill, Bill Howard, Frank Killilea
Vice Chairman Neil Douglas, Bill O'Hare
OTHERS PRESENT:
Atty. Mark Glovsky and Atty. Miranda Gooding
(Glovsky & Glovsky), Owen McCullough, Dick
Cane (Flatley Company)
Eileen Sacco
RECORDER:
Grimes calls the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
The draft minutes of the September 10, 2008 meeting were presented for approval. Grimes asks
if anyone has any changes to suggest. There are none.
Fournier:
motion to approve the minutes of the ECDC meeting held on September 10, 2008,
seconded by Howard. All in favor, the motion carries.
Presentation / Discussion on Proposed Elderlv Housin2 Development at Corner of Conant
Street and Cherry Hill Drive / Attv. Mark Glovskv
Atty. Mark Glovsky addresses the ECDC and notes that Harvest Development submitted a
proposal to the ZBA earlier this year and it was withdrawn due to concerns and opposition. He
explains that the first proposal was significantly larger in size and they were asked to consider
making it smaller before resubmitting it. He explains that there are fewer units parking spaces on
site as a result of the reduction in the number of units, and will generate less traffic as well.
Glovsky explains that the use is allowed by special permit in the IR Zoning District, and they
believe that it is an appropriate use of the site. He states that they feel that a favorable opinion
from the ECDC might be weighed heavily by the Mayor and the ZBA. He notes that the zoning
designation is IR and subsidized elderly housing is allowed by special permit.
Owen McCullough addresses the ECDC and explains that the proposed retirement residence is a
154 suite facility for seniors with 9 duplex cottage units onsite. He explains that the concept is
for those who are still ambulatory, but in need of some support. He notes that private rooms
afford the advantages of independent living while the services included provide support, security
and friendship. He explains that they are proposing private studios and one and two bedroom
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units. Services provided include daily meals, housekeeping, laundering, private bus
transportation and various activities.
McCullough notes that the rents will be $2,500-$3,500 per month, and they will be month to
month leases, and no money is required up front. He also notes that their target audience is
retired school teachers. He also explains that there will be 24 hour on site, live-in management.
Fournier notes that there is an assisted living facility down the street.
McCullough reviews the layout of the site and notes that there will be a main building with 157
units as well as 9 cottages. The residents of the cottages will get one meal per day and will have
cooking facilities in their units.
Fournier asks how many staff will be working at the site, noting that the plan calls for 116
parking spaces. Glovsky explains that they estimate that 20% of the residents will actually have
cars. McCullough notes that they have seen that residents who do bring their cars when they
move into the facility eventually get rid of them and take the van service transportation offered
by the facility.
Killilea notes that the original proposal was proposed to be built in phases and asks if that is still
the case. Glovsky states that there is no phasing being proposed and the entire site will be built
out at the same time. He explains the differences between the two proposals and notes that there
is a 1Iz acre more green space in this plan. He also explains that the ZBA had a concern about the
access to the site and this proposal has two means of access. He notes that this proposal has
fewer units and parking spaces and they expect that there will be less traffic, noting that peak
traffic times from this facility would probably be mid morning as opposed to early morning
commuters. He also stated that he anticipates that the annual tax revenue to the city will be
about $100,000 per year.
Glovsky explained that there will be indirect benefits to the city from shopping in town etc., and
there will be a significant amount spent on contracted services as well.
Glovsky addressed the possible issue of conflicting uses and states that they are in the process of
getting affidavits from residents and business owners in other facilities that will show that there
is no conflict.
Cane states that he has been with the Flatley Company for ten years. He reviews the history of
the site and explains some of the interest that has been shown in the site in the past. He says that
it is hard to get major employers to build new buildings, preferring instead to lease or purchase
existing facilities. He also notes that he understands the City's desire to hold industrial areas
open for industrial uses, but the market for that is declining.
Grimes notes the proximity of the site to the airport and states that she has had some feedback
from her constituents. Cane says that there was some silent objection from the airport with the
first proposal, noting that typically they prefer a development that will not complain about noise
and air traffic.
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Fournier asks what kind of traffic the site would generate. McCullough explains the peak times
for traffic and that there would be six times more traffic generated with an office building on the
site. He notes that peak times for retirees is generally mid morning and mid afternoon, so this
would be a low traffic generation compared to any other use.
Cassidy asks what other approvals they would need from the City. Glovsky states that they need
approval from the ZBA, and they will need Site Plan Review from the Planning Board. He also
notes that there is a detention basin on site but no wetlands so Conservation Commission
approval is not required.
Cane adds that there was no residential neighborhood opposition at any of the ZBA hearings held
on the first application.
Fournier states that people like to walk and he is concerned that there are no sidewalks on
Conant Street. McCullough explains that most of the people in other developments the company
manages stay within their projects, noting that there are activities, and a salon which are a short
walk. He adds that there will be sidewalks within the development to encourage walking within
the site.
Glovsky explains that the applicants will be filing with the ZBA this week and will have a
hearing in January.
Cassidy notes that the Airport Commission had concerns about noise activity and the cutting of
trees. She states that this proposal calls for rental housing units, and people who invest in homes
seem less tolerant of issues. Because renters do not have a personal financial investment in the
property in which they live, they typically far more tolerance. She notes that this is a big
distinction for her and she would be concerned if the proposal was for condos.
Fournier asks if there are any noise abatement measures included in the proposal. McCullough
explains that there are materials they can use such as triple pane windows and higher density
insulation, and it can be written into the rental agreement that the property is next to an airport.
Fournier asks how busy the airport is. Cassidy explains that usage has declined since 9/11 due to
stricter regulations etc.
Glovsky addresses the ECDC and requests that if the Council supports the project, they would
consider sending a letter of support to the Mayor.
Fournier states that he thinks that this project is something that is really worth approving. He
asks if they would build or whether construction is contingent on financing. McCullough
explains that it has been his experience that this company starts construction a month after the
permitting is complete. He estimates that if they get the permitting done this winter they would
start construction as early as possible in the spring. He adds that it is a financially healthy
company.
Grimes states that these are very different financial times.
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Fournier questions what kind of action the ECDC should take if it is something that can get
approved and there is a market for it. He suggests that the ECDC should probably take a stand.
He notes that he does not think that the City is going to see many opportunities like this in the
foreseeable future.
Fournier:
motion that the ECDC write a letter of recommendation to Mayor Scanlon
supporting the proposed project. Howard seconds the motion, no one in
opposition. The motion carries.
Grimes will draft a letter and circulate it to members for their input and comment prior to
sending it out.
Cassidy thanks them for their presentation.
Update from Plannin2: Director Tina Cassidv on Development Projects and "Development
Scorecard"
City Planner Tina Cassidy reviews the "Development Scorecard" outlining proposed projects
and those under construction in the City. She explains the status of each project.
She notes that there is a new addition to the list. The Beverly Housing Authority wants to build
four affordable housing units on the lot it owns at the corner of Spring and Essex Streets at
Montserrat Depot.
Cassidy reports that the MBTA received five proposals for a possible garage site and they have
narrowed that list down to two finalists. She states that she expects an announcement on that
from the MBTA soon.
Cassidy reports that the proposed CVS on Rantoul Street is going through the permitting process
now. She explains that there is strong support from Main Streets and the Planning Board to
bring the building closer to the street. She notes that the Planning Board public hearing has been
continued to January to give CVS time to consider that. She explains that the traffic study for the
project has been referred to the Parking and Traffic Commission for their review.
Continued Discussion on Draft of Business Development and Marketin2: Plan
Grimes asks members how they want to proceed with the draft Business Development and
Marketing Plan. Cahill explains that meetings were held this past summer with the Chamber of
Commerce and Main Streets and a follow up meeting was to be held. He states that it is a great
idea and he would like to see it happen but funding is scarce.
Grimes agrees, noting that the City is in tough financial circumstances with a budget crunch and
the financial forecasting is not looking good. She notes that there is a potential for a 10% cut to
state aid next year.
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Howard agrees and suggests that some things could be carved out of this. He notes that this is
exactly the right time to do this but unfortunately there is no money. He suggests that some of
the things could be accomplished by utilizing Salem State and Endicott College students.
Next Meetin2:
Grimes reported that the next meeting of the ECDC will be held on March 18, 2009. She notes
that she gave Tina Cassidy some information from the Municipal Advocate on the web sites and
perhaps a discussion could be held at the next meeting. Cassidy will forward the information to
members.
Grimes asks if there is any further business for the ECDC to discuss this evening. There is none.
Fournier:
motion to adjourn, seconded by Cahill. All members in favor, no one in
opposition. The motion carried.
The meeting is adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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