1998-02-04Norwoods Pond Blue Ribbon Advisory Commission
Minutes
February 4, 1998 meeting
Members present: Chairman Don Martin, N'eil Douglas, J. Michel Lawlet, Tina
Cassidy, David Lang, Brace Nardella, Bill Frost, Kevin Burke, Joyce McMahon, Virginia
McGlynn. AIso present: Mayor Bill ScanIon.
Mayor ScanIon welcomes the members and explains that the State has committed $5
million forthe design and construction of an overpass over Rome 128, improvements to
the Brimbal Avenue interchange, and the construction of a new access road'to the former
City landfill. The charge of this commission is to look at current and future land uses
north and south of Route 128. Mayor ScanIon also explains the City's mandate to cap the
former dump, and the City's hope to use.excavate from the "Big Dig" to accomplish this
at a savings to the City.
ScanIon also states that this commission will play a major role in developing land use
recommendations for both sides of Route 128 in this vicinity. He would prefer to see the
!and correntiy zoned industrial remain that way, but does not necessarily wish to see
additional industrial land created through rezoning.
Next, chairman Martin welcomes mereben of the commission to the meeting and members
introduce themselves. Commission members discuss the subject of:electing a vice-
chairman for the group, and ultimately decide to table discussion on this issue to the next
meeting. Members decide to conduct meetings on the first Wednesday 0fevery month,
with meetings starting at 7:30 p.m.
General discussion is held on the subject of how best to gather public comment during the
Commission's meetings. It is decided that fifteen minutes will be set aside at the beginfling
of every meeting to take comm~qtt, and to set aside time at the end of every meeting
agenda for the same purpose.
Norwoods Pond Commission
February 4, 1998 meeting
page two
Members express a desire to conduct a site visit to the Norwoods Pond site and other land
in the vicinity to familiarize themselves with the property. Martin suggests a site visit on a
Saturday.
Nardella asks that members be provided with the following information: a map showing
which property the City owns with zoning designation lines, copies of the City Council
orders relative to Norwoods Pond and the recently-acquired Camevale property,
executive summaries from any of the reports prepared on the State's behalf when the idea
of locating North Shore Community College here was still active, and any state plans,
design alternatives, or traffic counts that may be available.
Douglas suggests that the commission attempt to define an area of concentration/study so
that efforts of the group remain focused and on point. Lawlet suggests that members
develop goals and objectives for the commission' s efforts at an upcoming meeting.
Because Lawler lives in the vicinity of Norwoods Pond, Lang asks him if, in general, the
neighbors of the area are supportive of the concept of an overpass. Lawler states that they
are supportive in a general sense.
Members decide to conduct a site visit on Saturday, February 28, 1998 beginning at 9:00
a.m. The site visit will commence at the end of Elnew Avenue. Cassidy says she will send
out a reminder notice to all members. The site visit will be open to the public. Frost
volunteers to bring a video camera on the site visit.
McMahon suggests that this commission review maps submitted to the Economic and
Community Development Council and pending "brownfields" legislation, Lang believes
the commission must also look at the site of the former dump off Brimbl Avenue and
suggests that the land near Burger King, which is currently zoned industrial, be preserved
as industrial land. Douglas asks that the map requested earlier by Nardella also include
information on water and sewer capacities in the area of Norwoods Pond and the dump.
Frost suggests that members consider ideas to preserve the pond.
Audience member Keith Taylor states that he has some information on the Norwoods
Pond campus from the 1980's. The tonnation was provided by the State as part of the
North Shore Community College plans, and offers to provide them to the commission.
Mr. Bill Coughlin suggests that commission members develop a knowledge of the entire
area as part of their efforts.
Norwoods Pond Commission
February 4, 1998 meeting
page three
General discussion is held regarding the extent of developable land within this parcel and
how much is wetlands. Audience member Ron Johnson informs members that there are
four vernal pools on the site certitied by the State, and one additional certification request
is pending. Coughlin suggests that more playing fields are needed in North Beverly.
Martin reiterates that the Commission will conduct a site visit to Norwoods Pond on
Saturday, February 28, 1998 at 9:00 a.m., with the next regular Commission meeting to be
held on Wednesday, March 4, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend both
meetings.
This meeting of the Norwoods Pond Blue Ribbon Advisory Commission is adjourned at
8:30 p.m.