HDC Minutes 12-09-21 Historic District Commission
December 9,2021 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
not understand the selection for the resources as shown on the data sheet. Pearl asks why the
periods of significance ends at 1972, beyond the fact that the date is 50 years prior to the present,
and wonders if there was another date that made more sense. Pearl also asks about the legal issue
of the city owning the property. Hutchings states that in spite of there being questions of who
owns the property,the City is still permitted to submit the National Register nomination, which
may be approved regardless of ownership. She states that the Beverly Solicitor's Office
recommends the next step of addressing ownership is a title examination. Hutchings reviews the
research she continues to do on the burial ground, including whether there was a time when the
City took control of multiple cemeteries under state law. Hutchings confirms that Betsy
Friedberg, the National Register Director at the Massachusetts Historical Commission,
confirmed the City is allowed to submit a National Registration nomination without confirmation
of their ownership, due to a public notice process. The Commission discusses whether the City
could take the burial ground via adverse possession.
Pearl suggests the National Register nomination should include an archeological statement.
Hutching states she will bring all questions and comments back to consultant Wendy Frontiero,
and convey her responses. Hutchings provides a brief update on the MPPF grant, and states that
if the City is not able to confirm ownership of the burial ground, they would have to wait and
apply for a future cycle of the grant. In this case,the City would request an extension to the
project completion deadline from the CPC.
4. Approval of minutes
a. October 28,2021
Motion: LaMont moves to approve the minutes as amended. Leahy seconds. The motion
carries 6-0.
b. November 8,2021
Motion: LaMont moves to approve the minutes as presented. Leahy seconds. The motion
carries 5-0-1. Finch abstains.
5. New/Other Business
a. Hutchings reviews the 2022 meeting schedule, and notes there is a potential
scheduling conflict for the January 27, 2022 meeting, as it is possible the Planning
Department may hold a public meeting to review the Accessory Dwelling Unit
Ordinance at that time. Hutchings asks if the Commission would like to move
their January meeting to enable them to attend the Accessory Dwelling Unit
Ordinance meeting, should it be scheduled on that date. The Commission agrees
to change their January meeting date to January 26, 2022.
6. Adiournment
Motion: Leahy moves to adjourn. Howard seconds. The motion carries 6-0.
Meeting adjourned 8:57 pm.Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday 1.26.22.