2015-08-26Beverly Historic District Commission
Minutes — August 28, 2015
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Board: Historic District Commission
Date: August 26, 2015
Location: Beverly City Hall, City Council Chambers, 191 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA.
Members Present William Finch, Chair, Vice Chair James Younger, Martin Lian,
and Suzanne LaMont
Members Absent: Wendy Pearl
Others Present: Allison Crosbie, Staff Planner
Recorder: Eileen Sacco
Finch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Certificate of Appropriateness — 43 Front Street — John Kennedy
Justin Sullivan, the applicant and previous owner, and John Kennedy, the new owner, are present
for the applicant.
Finch explains that the applicant is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for the widening
of some parking spaces on the site. He explains that they are requesting to remove some fencing
along the side of the property.
Finch explains that he would be considered a third abutter to the property and explains the
location of his property. He also notes that he does not feel that his participation in this matter is
a conflict. Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Sullivan agreed.
Justin Sullivan addresses the Commission and explains that they are proposing to remove a
portion of the fence to provide suitable parking spaces on the property.
Finch notes that the request mentions the removal of a lilac bush and an old stump. He suggests
that if the new owner of the property (Mr. Kennedy) may want to keep the lilac bush if possible
noting that they should be able to cut it in half or move it.
Finch states that he is very concerned about not putting the fence back, noting that it clearly
defines the front yard and it makes the property attractive.
Mr. Kennedy states that the fence is in pretty bad shape and he is not sure it is worth saving a
section of it. Finch suggests that they could put in a new fence noting that he feels that it is
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Beverly Historic District Commission
Minutes — August 28, 2015
important in defining the property. He notes that the abutter is concerned for a number of
reasons and suggests that they could file an appeal.
Younger suggests that they could retain a corner of the fence to come in 4 -5 feet rather that
leaving it empty.
Sullivan suggests it may be a problem when opening doors.
Younger suggests that they could relocate the fence or there could be a compromise and remove
the fence from the corner of the house to the gate.
Finch stated that he would like to see more fence in the area.
Sullivan reported that the pine boards are in good shape. He also explained that they will be
grading the proposed parking and pave it with stone similar to the paving at 41 Front Street.
Finch states that at the very least he would like to see them extend the fence to hide the garbage
cans on the property. Sullivan and Kennedy agree that could be accomplished.
Finch suggests that the relocation of the fence off the corner of the house to the gate, and leave
the gate open would be appropriate. He suggested that the opening should be no more than 6
feet.
Younger: Motion to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 43 Front Street and that the
Commission approves that the fence will be relocated and aligned with the corner of the house
and extend to the fence facing the street, leave an opening of no more than 6 feet, and a portion
of the existing lilac shrub shall be retained. LaMont seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
There were no minutes approved this evening.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Beverly Historic Commission this evening,
Lian moved to adjourn the meeting. Younger seconds the motion. The motion carries (4 -0).
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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