1-6-21 OSRC minutes - finalCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
January 6, 2021
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Alden -St. Pierre, Elizabeth Dunne, Wayne Miller, Marilyn
McCrory, Todd Callaghan, Gregory Sharp, Alison Dudley
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jenna Pirrotta, Environmental Planner
OTHERS PRESENT: Members of the public: Gary Marshall, Robert Gates, Nick
S.; Change Is Simple: Patrick Belmonte
RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury
1. Call to Order
Mann chairs and opens the meeting at 7:00 p.m., noting that it is a virtual meeting as allowed
during the State of Emergency declared due to the national crisis of COVID -19. Mann confirms
that all members are present and can hear all participants.
2. Members of the Public
a. Gary Marshall, Greens Hill proposed trail
Gary Marshall of 28 Carver Street, discusses adding a trail to the existing trail system at Greens
Hill. He reports that the youth in the neighborhood would like to have other areas to explore.
Alden- St. Pierre and Brewster offer comments to the urban nature of the area. Mann notes that
frequent bootleg trail activity has been occurring lately. Members debate whether adding new
trails in this area is warranted considering the limited space. Miller notes a loop trail would be
preferable here. Members discuss the practices of the public approaching the Committee for
advice, noting the public should discuss activities before initiating them. Members discuss which
purview the area of the proposed trails falls under. Callaghan suggests a site walk and members
agree. The Committee schedules a site walk for Sunday, January 10, 2021 to review the area.
b. Patrick Belmonte, Change Is Simple
Patrick Belmonte, Co- Director of Change Is Simple, introduces himself and explains the
program. It is a multi - disciplinary program that and is a nonprofit co- founded by Belmonte and
his wife. The Belmonte's are both educators and passionate about the environment, ecological
sustainability, global warming, and STEM. The premise of their programing incorporates STEM
into area schools, with a focus on kindergarten to grade 6. They integrate technology with real
world practical applications, at zero cost to the student or the school. Students are able to have
quality training and lifelong skills from the program. Belmonte reviews their staffing and
partnerships with local colleges and universities. Callaghan invites Belmonte to a future Harbor
Fest event, and members note possible beneficial collaboration with the Clean Energy Advisory
Group and Waste Reduction Committee. The Committee is interested in hearing from Belmonte
for future updates.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 6, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
c. Robert Gates — Moraine Farm area
Robert Gates experienced technical difficulties and rejoins the meeting. Gates lives in the area of
Moraine Farm and is before the Committee to advocate for protection of the parcel, as it's
recently been listed for sale in December 2020. He emphasizes the need to protect the parcel
from development and the benefit to the community. Mann discusses the property and notes the
Conservation Restriction that is currently in place. The Committee agrees that the parcel should
be protected and is in favor of obtaining public access. Greenbelt is expressing possible interest
for the property.
3. Approval of Minutes
There are no minutes for review.
4. Principal Items of Business
a. Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report
McCrory provides updates on Community Preservation Committee (CPC) activities and notes
that Wynne presented at the last CPC meeting. Denise Deschamps is confirming with the
Solicitor's Office about whether a new MOU is needed for the Green's Hill trail project, since it
has expired. Full applications for next round of funding are due January 12, 2021. Currently
there is $720,000 in the open space fund account. The Tanzella Hill parcel owner inquired about
the application process. It was noted that a conservation partner would be needed and the correct
process was described to the owner.
b. Planning Board — Representative Report
Miller provides updates regarding Planning Board activities and the City Master Plan. He notes
that there are currently no items before the Planning Board that affect open space. The Master
Plan final review and approval is before City Council and should be signed off at their next
meeting. Miller reports a lot of support in preserving open spaces from the public and several
other committees who provided input on the Master Plan. Miller also reported the plan addresses
the affordable housing crisis and the need to create additional housing without removing trees or
negatively affecting open space.
c. Conservation Commission — Representative Report
Pirrotta notes that the property at 38 Standley Street is before the Conservation Commission for
the approval of delineated wetland boundaries. This is required in advance of a proposed
subdivision, through the Open Space Residential Design process. Alden- St. Pierre is a newly
confirmed member of the Conservation Commission and will provide the relevant updates.
Members review the map and discuss the impact on the area and connecting trails if new
development occurs on that property. Pirrotta notes that no proposed work at the property is
currently before the Conservation Commission, but that the delineation would inform where
potential development could occur.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 6, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
d. Harbor Management Authority Updates — Representative Report
Callaghan reports that HMA is working with a French company to add sensors to boats that
would collect data from the boats using Wi -Fi technology. This is a pilot program which would
be beneficial to waterfront sustainability and preservation. Potential applications would also
facilitate boat slip rentals by identifying when slips are predicted to be vacant.
e. Parcel Updates
i. Green Street update
This topic was addressed in CPC updates. Mann notes that Greenbelt has offered to assist with
project management and coordination with the property owner.
ii. Norwood Pond update
Alden- St. Pierre inquires about an update on the trail easement at the back of the property.
Pirrotta will follow up with the Mayor's office about rescheduling the meeting between Bill
Haney and the Mayor.
iii. Simon Street & Beckford Street parcels
Dudley inquires about the creation of potential pocket parks at vacant lots in the area of Simon
and Beckford Streets. Mann notes he visited the properties. Members review a map of the
properties and discusses the value of creating parks in the area. Dudley notes that parks would be
a positive addition to the area, to increase open space and provide green space for the
neighborhood children. Mann notes it may not be practical for a pocket park on an expensive
buildable lot. McCrory and Miller offer comments that any open space is valuable. Dudley will
follow up with the owner, Beverly Housing Authority, to determine if there are any future plans
for development of the vacant lots. Dunne suggests the need for building neighborhood interest.
Callaghan notes that this may be an opportunity to involve Change is Simple to assist with
underserved neighborhood children.
iv. Ryal Side Parcels
Pirrotta reports that a property owner approached the Planning Department with a possible
donation of several parcels in Ryal Side. Members discuss opportunities for connective trails and
increased open space preservation. The parcels are shown on City GIS as mostly wetlands, with
little potential for development. Callaghan inquires if these parcels are better protected by the
City or in private property hands. Members discuss scheduling a site visit for a time after the
next meeting. Pirrotta will inquire with the owner about permission to walk the property.
5. Other Business
a. Master Plan update
Miller previously discussed Master Plan updates earlier in the meeting.
b. Trail Discussion
Mann discusses an issue at Beverly Commons of excess water along the trail route where Wood
Road meets Route 128. The existing trail runs through a low spot that is wet year- round. Mann
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 6, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
suggests that the trail be re- routed to an area out of the mud. The Committee reviews the area
and discusses the best way to re -route the trail. Dunne notes that the abandoned portion of trail
should be blocked off to prevent access so that the area will be restored. Members concur this is
a practical solution.
Miller moves to relocate the trail to higher ground as discussed. Alden- St. Pierre seconds. The
motion carries 9 -0.
The Committee notes there is not enough time to prepare a submittal before for this year's
application deadline for the MassTrails Grants Program. Members consider preparing materials
or ideas for projects in advance to be prepared for when future funding opportunities arise.
6. Future Agenda Items
The Committee discusses inviting the City Solicitor to a future meeting to discuss the
encroachment policy, and also inviting the City Grants Director to discuss assistance with grants.
7. Adjournment
Miller moves to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 p.m. McCrory seconds. The motion carries 9 -0.
Next Meeting: February 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.