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2000-07-12 City of Beverly Public Meeting Minutes BOARD: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: PLACE: MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: RECORDER: Open Space and Recreation Committee July 12, 2000 Beverly Public Library David Gardner, Charles Raymond, Cynthia Modugno, Robert Buchsbaum, Anthony Paluzzi, Ellen Flannery, Kathern Tracy, Guido Lauranzano, William Squibb Claire Thompson, Richard Baker City Planner Tim Cassidy Karen Bradley Gardner calls the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. First, he asks if memhers have any suggested changes to the draft minutes of the committee's June 5, 2000 regular meeting. There are no suggested changes. Laurauzauo: motion to approve the minutes of the committee's June 5, 2000 meeting, seconded by Tracy. All members in favor, motion carries. Next, Gardner asks Cassidy to provide an update on development of the open space and recreation plan. Cassidy explains that the draft comments on Cecil Plan have not been accomplished but she hopes to complete her review within the next few weeks. Cassidy also informs the members that the Santin property has been acquired by the City for $750,000 and is still waiting word on the grant application for $250,000 to help offset some of the City's costs. She explains that this is the first open space acquisition (besides the McDonalds's property) since 1987, which was when the Philips estate on the Wenham line was purchased. Cassidy also explains that a second appraisal is under way for the Crosby property and is due in mid-August. Owners have been informed of the City's interest in acquiring the site if an agreement can be reached on the purchase price. Next, Gardner explains a map, which is a rough measure of the open space lands in the city. He asks for input on lands of value that are not already on the map which members think should be acquired or controlled through conservation easements. He would like to get input on the priorities of these lands. Gardner farther explains the map as a compilation of all the assessor's maps and that the Open Space and Recreation Committee is trying to ensure the preservation of open space, both for active and passive recreation. He also adds the Committee is trying to ensure some access to all neighborhoods across the city to open space. He explains that the green areas on the map are public owned parcels; i.e. school department, public, Conservation Commission land, and public Open Space and Recreation Committee minutes July 12, 2000 Page two utilities. The blue areas designate ali areas that members have identified as potentially developable land. Cassidy asks if all the blue parcels are vacant. Gardner explains that they are not, and the Committee is looking for opportunities to approach people to secure open space on certain areas that are occupied. A Beverly residem points out areas such as Waring School, YMCA and Norwood Pond. Gardner explains the possibility of linking land from Waring School to conservation land. He also discusses the potential to develop public space behind industrial buildings along River Street. Gardner asks if there are any questions. A Beverly resident asks if there is a definition of the term open space. Gardner and Cassidy explain that no one definition exists. Beverly resident Renee Mary asks about pocket parks. A Beverly resident asks about the dark green areas on the map. Gardner explains that they are City owned parcels with no building on them. Another resident asks whether there is tension between City rnanaged parks and pocket parks. Gardner does not know. The City wants to control where parks are located in the City and spend City dollars on those concentrated areas. Cassidy explains that the City wants to better manage their resources in concentrated areas. Councilor John Murray explains that before the Planning Board can approve or disapprove any future tot lot they must have approval from the Parks and Recreation. Arthur Powell explains that the Parks and Recreation Department bases all decisions on the location of the parcel. Scott Houseman, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals states that some mechanism should be put into place for open space approval. Gardner agrees that some type of system should be formalized. Houseman asks whether the Bass River Watershed area would [be] an area where the Committee hopes to acquire property. Gardner replies that it has not been a consideration, but the Committee has discussed a linkage of property for a walkway along the waterfront. He also states that the Tanzella property across that river could be a possibility down the line. Gardner asks John Frates for an update on the status of the Harbor Plan. Mr. Frates states that they are in the process of trying to get a grant to implememt acquisition of property from Ventron all the way up to Marciano's. Cassidy explains the completion of the Harbor Plan. The Master Plan Steering consultants met with the Harbor Authority last fall, and the Harbor Authority will be taking action to complete Open Space and Recreation Committee minutes July 12, 2000 meeting Page three the Harbor Plan, which will include the properties along the Bass River. Cassidy notes that some properties that have been identified as potential acquisitions are now tax paying entities and bring tax revenue to the City. These properties are what help fund open space acquisitions in other places. Houseman states that he is working with Green Neighborhoods in an effort to develop a model open space by-law. This will create incentives for developers and contractors to determine open space and determine where house lots could be put. If implemented, valuable open space would be identified and preserved. Houseman explains that presently open space is not required and therefore is not preserved. He makes reference to the Cavendish Square subdivision where there is no open space. If a new bylaw were put into place, open space would exist in all areas of development. Councilor John Murray states that the Vaughn property on Thissell and Common Lane is privately owned. He states that a land forum could be a possible way to find out about any future development plans from the present property owner. Next, Gardner calls for a 15-minute recess to allow members and the public to review the map. Gardner reconvenes meeting at 8:20 p.m. He asks is there are any thoughts or questions. Beverly resident Donald Preston states that 50 years down the road he would like to see landowners give access rights along the whole waterfront. A Beverly resident asks if there is any way to enforce a new developmem model on the Dallas property. Planning Board member John Thomson states that aside from the list of waivers for this subdivision, there is not anything at this time that would allow the City to require open space. Buchsbaum states that conservation restrictions would be a good idea in terms of controlling the development of land 50 years from now. The committee then reviews the subcommittee reports. Regional: Cindy Moduguo and Robert Buchshaum. They attended a regional network open space meeting in June with Essex County Greenbelt Association. There is a great potential for linkages between communities. They will proceed to contact neighboring communities over the next month. Cassidy suggests the subcommittee check with the Planning Department for open space and recreation plans and maps from surrounding communities. Master Plan and Zoning: Ellen FIannery, Tony Paluzzi, and Bill Squibb. The Committee has just conducted research to date. Gardner would like to meet with Paluzzi for further discussion and review of Hopkington Master Plan and Subdivision regulations. Open Space and Recreation Committee minutes July 12, 2000 meeting Page four Trails: Charles Raymond and Guido Lauranzano. This Committee is in the process of collecting small sectional maps and walking the areas to identify trails. There is a grant available for identifying and maintaining trails. They will begin working on the grant and estimated cost figures next week to meet the grant submission deadline of July 28, 2000. Raymond states that a long-term goal would he a Trail Map for Beverly. Trees: Kathern Tracy and Claire Thomspon. They are working on visual enhancements (see attachment on Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust). They have gathered information from other communities and will review. City Council President Tim Flaherty states that the City Arborist Phil Klimowicz would be a good source of information regarding tree planting and saving programs. Councilor John Murray states that Montreal is a great example of a tree program and an example of planning 50 years ahead. Tracy explains that they are still collecting information. Inventory:. Richard Baker and David Gardner. By the end of the month they expect to have an inventory of potentially developable parcels of interest to the Open Space and Recreation Committee. Gardner asks the Committees for topics for completion for the end of the year. Modngno asks if the Landowner forum will take place in September and asks who is organizing that. Gardner states that it will take place and is being organized by the Planning Department and Essex County Greenbelt Association. Flannery states that the Committee has an ambitious agenda. Buchsbaum would like to form an Appreciation Walk for sometime in October for the public to visit some open space sites. The subject will be discussed at September meeting. Gardner states that based on the foregoing, the agenda items for the next meeting will be: · Follow-up reports from various subcommittees · Land forum preparation work · Setting up open space walk · Information for Master Plan Advisory Committee The next meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2000. Representative Cahill asks when the Landowner forum will take place. Gardner and Cassidy will be working with Essex County Greenbelt Association to schedule that meeting for September. Cahill states that that meeting should take place before the next Open Space and Recreation Meeting. Open Space and Recreation Committee minutes July 12, 2000 meeting Page five Gardner asks if there are any other matters for members to discuss at this meeting. There are Paluzzi: motion to adjourn, seconded by Flannery. All member in favor, motion carries. The meeting is adjourned at 8:55 p.m.