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2006-06-14 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: Economic and Community Development Council SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: June 14, 2006 LOCATION: Sohier Room, Beverly Public Library MEMBERS PRESENT: Tina Cassidy, Carla Cox, Frank Killilea, Pat Grimes, Neil Douglas, Don Fournier, Don Stacey MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill O’Hare RECORDER: Tina Cassidy The meeting commenced at 7:00 p.m. Cox opens the meeting by greeting the members and explains that the first part of the meeting will be devoted to a presentation of a build-out analysis of four parcels of waterfront property conducted by Vine Associates. Cassidy introduces Susan St. Pierre from Vine Associates who reviews the various build-out scenarios and methodologies. She explains that the study covered four parcels; the Beverly Port Marina site on Water Street, the former Ventron property on Congress Street, Moynihan Lumber on River Street, and the Boston Gas site on River Street. The study modeled what development on each of the parcels might look like given a specific set of zoning requirements. Vine used two different sets of building and area requirements supplied by the Planning Department that were based on the most current discussions of potential zoning setback and height requirements. The study also studied parking underneath potential structures and parking on the surface, comparing the differences in the building(s) that result. St. Pierre summarizes the report’s bases and findings, and then shows some three dimensional computer modeling to illustrate the findings. The study did not attempt to design buildings appropriate to the particular lots or neighborhoods; the graphics are intended to give a visual clue as to how much development/floor space could be built on a particular site. At the conclusion of the presentation, Cox asks for comments. Douglas makes two observations – that the City should avoid “block” buildings, encouraging more attractive buildings that are aesthetically pleasing, and states that the zoning the City eventually puts in place for the two waterfront districts needs to encourage creativity in the design process. Cox states that from a design perspective the study shows the City what it does not want in terms of building facades and site design. St. Pierre explains that the study will be finalized within the next several days and copies will be delivered to the Planning Department. Cox states that the next business item is review and approval of the Committee’s April 12, 2006 meeting. She asks if there are any corrections to make to the minutes. Cassidy: motion to approve the draft minutes of the May 10, 2006 meeting, seconded by Fournier. All members in favor, motion carries. Next on the agenda is new or other business. Members briefly discuss the proposed zoning change which would rezone the former Ventron site to a modified waterfront district that would enable the owners to build approximately 80 residential housing units on the four acre site. The owners have submitted a request for a zoning change to the City Council, and the City Council and Planning Board will continue the public hearing on the request in September. Cassidy offers to provide members with a copy of a letter from Ms. Colleen Bruce which outlines some of the concerns of the neighborhood and residents of the immediate area. She will check with Ms. Bruce and forward the letter to members if there is no objection to doing so. The Committee discusses whether it would be appropriate to send a letter of comment on the zoning change request to the City Council and Planning Board for consideration. Douglas offers to draft a letter for the Committee’s review. Next, Cassidy provides a brief update on the work related to a reconstructed interchange at Route 128 and Brimbal Avenue. She states that the Commonwealth has earmarked just under $1 million to develop an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on possible designs for an improved interchange. Work is underway, under the auspices of the consulting firm hired to complete the process (Edwards & Kelcey). In its entirety, the EIR process will take between 12 and 18 months to complete. Cassidy promises to send Fournier copies of the five or so conceptual design plans on which the EIR will be based. Next, members discuss the need for a page on the City’s web site devoted to economic development related issues and information. Cassidy will explore a list of potential web site elements and consult with the City’s Information Technology Director and report back to the Committee. Next, the Committee reviewed a study recently completed on behalf of the Harbor Management Authority which evaluated the feasibility of dredging the Bass River. Members concluded that the extreme costs of dredging and disposal exceeded the likely benefits to the community. Cox asks if there is any other business for the Committee to conduct. Fournier: motion to adjourn, seconded by Grimes. All members in favor, motion carries. The meeting is adjourned at 8:45 p.m.