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1999-12-06City of Beverly, Massachusetts Public Meeting Minutes BOARD: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: PI,ACE: COMMITFEE MEMBERS PRESENT: ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Open Space and Recreation Committee December 6, 1999 Beverly Senior Center David Gardner, Chairman, Anthony Paluzzi, Charles Raymond, Guido Lauranzano, Claire Thompson, Irathem Tmcy, Robert Buchsbaum, Richard Baker Ellen Flannery, John Hopkins State Representative Michael Cahill Jeannine Dion David Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ADnrovai of Meetin~ Minutes Paluzzi: Motion to approve the October meeting minutes, seconded by Raymond. All members in favor. Motion carried. Paluzzi: Motion to approve the November meeting minutes noting Claire Thompson's absence and change the format of the language to past tense, seconded by Baker. All members in favor. Motion carried. Overview of ComOuter MaDOinlZ Baker stated the map represents a lot of work by Gardner and Boris Lozovek. a CAD computer specialist at the M.W.R.A. Baker stated they took the 1999 assessor map sheets and scanned those using a scanner into digital format, using 300 dpi resolution, which is quite fine. if the sheets were enlarged to the original size the lot numbers would be readable. Baker stated he would like to take those individual sheets or possibly some sections of those sheets that have already been put together manually, and enter it into the computer. Baker stated he change some of the maps to make them match better (make them more readable) and at that point there will be a good map base of the whole city with every lot on it. When everyone provides information regarding specific land uses for specific parcels of land, that data can be added to the maps. Baker stated the next step is for somebody to take the information and go back to the computer files and make mark-ups in a cleaner form and come up with some symbology to identify different types of ownership, and then transtbr that data onto the digital file on the computer. Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes December 6, 1999 Meeting Page 2 Members discuss what information should be included on a map. Gardner stated the committee needs to get all the land into the categories and then identify all the undeveloped parcels, regardless of whether they really have potential for development. Buchsbaum stated that GIS would be able to identify wetlands. Baker the computerized map will note be very sophisticated and will not be integrated with any other data, such as land use or zoning. Baker stated GIS would in the long-term be very useful but we don't have the resources now unless the consultant can help with that task. ' Gardner recommended compiling the basic inventory, inputting the information on the computer including the PDL (private developable land) category as the f~rst cut. Other pieces of information such as corridors or areas that would he of interest to the committee could be reviewed at a later date. Overview of the Natural Resource Values of Beverly Buchsbaum present a summary of the natural resource values of Beverly. Buchshaum Buchsbaum stated he divided the summary into two land habitats: Inland and Coastal and Wildlife Highlights. Inland Areas A. Forests 30% - 50% forested land comprised of mostly oak, hickory and white pine forest. Beverly Common is the largest foresteal area. Some attractive native wildflowers · Even small fragments can he migration stopovers for birds Corridors and connections important to wildlife B. Open Fields Beverly Airport. The remnants of field habitats are typical around airports. Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes December 6, 1999 Meeting Page 3 C. Freshwater Wetlands Wooded (red maple) swamps Cattail marshes Eight certified vernal pools as of 1995 (Beverly Commons, near Endicott College, and vicinity of Beaver and Norwood Ponds) · Pollution attenuation and flood control. D. Lakes and Ponds · Migratory and resident waterfowl habitat Freshwater fish and invertebrates Coastal Areas A. Sandy Beaches Dane Street, Patch, Mingo, West Beaches. B. Rocky Shoreline · Woodbury Point, Curtis Point, Smith Point, Allen Head, West Beach. · Excellent intertidal life with great education potential. C. Salt Marsh · Brackenberry Lane and Chubb Creek are larger sites, but small patches elsewhere. D. Tidal Fiats · Especially in Bass River, Brackenberry Lane areas. Black ducks and various diving ducks during winter. · Clams. Eelgrass Beds Offshore from Lynch Park through West Beach. Habitat for juvenile winter flounder and lots of invertebrates. Site of several stud ies. Wildlife Hi~hli~,hts Mammals - coyote, fisher, deer, fox, beaver, flying squirrels, among others. Birds - migratory and wintering waterfowl, loons and grebes in winter, hawks, warblers during migration, resident woodpeckers and other land birds. Amphibians and reptiles - spotted salamanders, various frogs, snakes, turtles. Fish - Historical smelt run at Chubb Creek, winter flounder, yellowtail flounder, and cod in Beverly Harbor, herring and small "baitfish" common along shoreline. Invertebrates- Butterfly Atlas? Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes December 6, 1999 Meeting Page 4 / Buchsbaum asked ,~a~ for comments on the map. She stated if the information mapped by this group is later combined with other information (GIS maps), the information will provide very useful insight into the City's physical environment. Baker stated it is important to be consistent and not duplicate any efforts. Buchsbaum stated he believes the priority perspective is protecting reasonable chunks of forests, small patches, open fields and also connectedness. Buchsbaum stated that a vernal pool could be protected and put a shopping mall around it. In terms of the shoreline, Buchsbaum stated public access is very important. Gardner asked Bucbebaum to define connectedness. Buchsbaum responded that from a wildlife perspective, 100 foot corridors between forests and other habitat parcels would provide adequate connections between parcels. State Representative Michael Cahill asked if he could offer some comments to the committee. Cahill stated he just came from a City Council meeting in which a discussion proceeded regarding a proposed subdivision offof Essex Street. He stated the committee mentioned the Willow Pond Subdivision earlier. That is a cluster subdivision, which is concentrated houses with open space land. Cahill stated the Dallas property on Essex Street is approximately 20 acres in size. Because the Dallas land had a conservation restriction on it (paid taxes at a lower rate), the city has the right to buy the property and must notify the developer of its intention to do so within a given timeframe. Cahill stated City Council is talking about this topic tonight. Cahill stated that there are 75 to 80 acres ofwetlands in the area - 20 acres could lead to other land being developed. Cahill stated he has talked with all of the Councilors and urged further discussion on this topic. Buchsbaum asked for clarification about the conservation restriction. Cahill responded that this falls under M.G.L. Chapter 61, 61A and 61B and they represent attempts by the legislature to protect land, keep farms operational and provide tax incentives to landowners to keep their land undeveloped. Cahill stated it is a difficult situation. The city has the right of furst refusal because of the reduced tax rate. Cahill stated the City Council is going to take this up and is going to take the statutory 120 days to review the parcel. Gardner asked how much the owner is asking for the parcel of land. Cahill responded $1.17 million. Buchsbaum recommended the Co~mnittee members visit the site. A site visit was scheduled for Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 9:00 a.m. Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes December 6, 1999 Meeting Page 5 Gardner stated he would speak with Tina Cassidy, Planning Director further about this topic. Conservation Commission Overview Gardner asked Pahzzi what kind of information this committee could provide to the Conservation Comnfission that would be of use to them. Paluzzi responded the identification of properties with wetlands on them, linkages, and recreation areas (active or passive). Gardner asked if the Conservation Commission's primary focus is wetlands. Paluzzi responded wetlands and resource areas are the primary focus. Paluzzi stated the Conservation Commission has turned down developers for not having enough room for buffer zones around resource areas and parcels that it felt were not developable because ofwetlands. Applicants can appeal the Conservation Commission's decision to the state. Paluzzi stated that sometimes the Conservation Commission wins appeals but the applicants win more. Gardner asked if the developers agree to less development than they might be emitled to. Palnzzi responded 'yes sometimes' - only one house or two. Gardner asked who identifies a vernal pool Paluzzi responded that anyone could idemify a vernal pool. The information must be sent to the state. The state then reviews the information, visits the site and certifies the vernal pool, if it meets the proper criteria. Gardner stated that state laws have precisely defmed limits to the wetlands and setbacks. Gardner asked who idemi~es the wetlands. Paluzzi responded that a wetland specialist identifies the wetlands. Paluzzi stated the Conservation Commission sometimes calls in its own specialist to verify what the applicams' specialist has flagged. Buchsbaum asked if the Commission has ever been the subject of a lawsuit. Paluzzi responded that there was one lawsuit, however it never made it to court. The judge ordered the applicant to work with the Conservation Commission. Harbor Manal~ement Authority Overview Charlie Raymond reviewed the Harbor Management Authority. Raymond stated one project the Harbor Management Authority is working on is public access (public walkway) in the inner harbor. Chain link fences have been pm up at some points along negotiated walkways and they need to be removed to make it a viable walkway. Raymond stated there is a lot of work to be done. Tracv stated there is a meeting this Thursday regarding properties A. B and C (on a map shown at the meeting) to try to decide if they want to keep the buildings as they are or tear them all down and start fresh. The parcels include the former McDonald's restaurant Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes December 6, 1999 Meeting Page 6 site, the Ferry Way laading, and the Harbormaster's building. Raymond stated he thinks they are looking at opening the space up, from what he has read in the paper. He stated they seem to be leading toward green space and perhaps a small restaurant. Next Meetinll Gardner stated that Flannery will talk about inventory at the next meeting. Gardner stated after the next meeting and before the February meeting he would like to issue a letter to all boards giving them a committee status report. Gardner added this committee can then work any "hot" sites such as the one discussed earlier in the meeting. Gardener stated the major topics of the next meeting will be: · Review inventory Linkages Letter of criteria The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 10, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. Other Business Buchsbaum stated last month the committee talked about having the Audubon Society organize a meeting regarding open space. Buckshum stated there were two ways to approach it. First, get other committees together and second, invite people to Open Space and Recreation Committee meeting. He offered to work on setting something up. Gardner responded that he would like this committee to get a little further along before going forward with that. Tracy asked if anyone has seen an application regarding grants. Gardner stated this is where the Cecil Group comes in. There are so many different programs available, there needs to be some professional guidance on that. Scan Cormran from State Representative Cahill's office stated that Beverly applied for self-help grant money 4-5 years ago and is eligible for self-help grant money during the next round (June, 2000). Gardner stated that Tina Cassidy fi'om the Planning Department can address that question further. Paluzzi: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Tracy. All members in favor, no one opposed. Motion carried. The meeting is adjourned at 9:25 p.m.