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2008-12-17 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: LOCATION: MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic and Community Development Council MEMBERS ABSENT: December 17, 2008 Beverly Public Library - Fogg Room Chairperson Patricia Grimes, Tina Cassidy, Don Fournier, Ed Cahill, Bill Howard, Frank Killilea Vice Chairman Neil Douglas, Bill O'Hare OTHERS PRESENT: Atty. Mark Glovsky and Atty. Miranda Gooding (Glovsky & Glovsky), Owen McCullough, Dick Cane (Flatley Company) Eileen Sacco RECORDER: Grimes calls the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Approval of Minutes The draft minutes of the September 10, 2008 meeting were presented for approval. Grimes asks if anyone has any changes to suggest. There are none. Fournier: motion to approve the minutes of the ECDC meeting held on September 10, 2008, seconded by Howard. All in favor, the motion carries. Presentation / Discussion on Proposed Elderlv Housin2 Development at Corner of Conant Street and Cherry Hill Drive / Attv. Mark Glovskv Atty. Mark Glovsky addresses the ECDC and notes that Harvest Development submitted a proposal to the ZBA earlier this year and it was withdrawn due to concerns and opposition. He explains that the first proposal was significantly larger in size and they were asked to consider making it smaller before resubmitting it. He explains that there are fewer units parking spaces on site as a result of the reduction in the number of units, and will generate less traffic as well. Glovsky explains that the use is allowed by special permit in the IR Zoning District, and they believe that it is an appropriate use of the site. He states that they feel that a favorable opinion from the ECDC might be weighed heavily by the Mayor and the ZBA. He notes that the zoning designation is IR and subsidized elderly housing is allowed by special permit. Owen McCullough addresses the ECDC and explains that the proposed retirement residence is a 154 suite facility for seniors with 9 duplex cottage units onsite. He explains that the concept is for those who are still ambulatory, but in need of some support. He notes that private rooms afford the advantages of independent living while the services included provide support, security and friendship. He explains that they are proposing private studios and one and two bedroom ECDC meeting minutes Page 1 of5 12-16-08 meeting units. Services provided include daily meals, housekeeping, laundering, private bus transportation and various activities. McCullough notes that the rents will be $2,500-$3,500 per month, and they will be month to month leases, and no money is required up front. He also notes that their target audience is retired school teachers. He also explains that there will be 24 hour on site, live-in management. Fournier notes that there is an assisted living facility down the street. McCullough reviews the layout of the site and notes that there will be a main building with 157 units as well as 9 cottages. The residents of the cottages will get one meal per day and will have cooking facilities in their units. Fournier asks how many staff will be working at the site, noting that the plan calls for 116 parking spaces. Glovsky explains that they estimate that 20% of the residents will actually have cars. McCullough notes that they have seen that residents who do bring their cars when they move into the facility eventually get rid of them and take the van service transportation offered by the facility. Killilea notes that the original proposal was proposed to be built in phases and asks if that is still the case. Glovsky states that there is no phasing being proposed and the entire site will be built out at the same time. He explains the differences between the two proposals and notes that there is a 1Iz acre more green space in this plan. He also explains that the ZBA had a concern about the access to the site and this proposal has two means of access. He notes that this proposal has fewer units and parking spaces and they expect that there will be less traffic, noting that peak traffic times from this facility would probably be mid morning as opposed to early morning commuters. He also stated that he anticipates that the annual tax revenue to the city will be about $100,000 per year. Glovsky explained that there will be indirect benefits to the city from shopping in town etc., and there will be a significant amount spent on contracted services as well. Glovsky addressed the possible issue of conflicting uses and states that they are in the process of getting affidavits from residents and business owners in other facilities that will show that there is no conflict. Cane states that he has been with the Flatley Company for ten years. He reviews the history of the site and explains some of the interest that has been shown in the site in the past. He says that it is hard to get major employers to build new buildings, preferring instead to lease or purchase existing facilities. He also notes that he understands the City's desire to hold industrial areas open for industrial uses, but the market for that is declining. Grimes notes the proximity of the site to the airport and states that she has had some feedback from her constituents. Cane says that there was some silent objection from the airport with the first proposal, noting that typically they prefer a development that will not complain about noise and air traffic. ECDC meeting minutes Page 2 of5 12-16-08 meeting Fournier asks what kind of traffic the site would generate. McCullough explains the peak times for traffic and that there would be six times more traffic generated with an office building on the site. He notes that peak times for retirees is generally mid morning and mid afternoon, so this would be a low traffic generation compared to any other use. Cassidy asks what other approvals they would need from the City. Glovsky states that they need approval from the ZBA, and they will need Site Plan Review from the Planning Board. He also notes that there is a detention basin on site but no wetlands so Conservation Commission approval is not required. Cane adds that there was no residential neighborhood opposition at any of the ZBA hearings held on the first application. Fournier states that people like to walk and he is concerned that there are no sidewalks on Conant Street. McCullough explains that most of the people in other developments the company manages stay within their projects, noting that there are activities, and a salon which are a short walk. He adds that there will be sidewalks within the development to encourage walking within the site. Glovsky explains that the applicants will be filing with the ZBA this week and will have a hearing in January. Cassidy notes that the Airport Commission had concerns about noise activity and the cutting of trees. She states that this proposal calls for rental housing units, and people who invest in homes seem less tolerant of issues. Because renters do not have a personal financial investment in the property in which they live, they typically far more tolerance. She notes that this is a big distinction for her and she would be concerned if the proposal was for condos. Fournier asks if there are any noise abatement measures included in the proposal. McCullough explains that there are materials they can use such as triple pane windows and higher density insulation, and it can be written into the rental agreement that the property is next to an airport. Fournier asks how busy the airport is. Cassidy explains that usage has declined since 9/11 due to stricter regulations etc. Glovsky addresses the ECDC and requests that if the Council supports the project, they would consider sending a letter of support to the Mayor. Fournier states that he thinks that this project is something that is really worth approving. He asks if they would build or whether construction is contingent on financing. McCullough explains that it has been his experience that this company starts construction a month after the permitting is complete. He estimates that if they get the permitting done this winter they would start construction as early as possible in the spring. He adds that it is a financially healthy company. Grimes states that these are very different financial times. ECDC meeting minutes Page 3 of5 12-16-08 meeting Fournier questions what kind of action the ECDC should take if it is something that can get approved and there is a market for it. He suggests that the ECDC should probably take a stand. He notes that he does not think that the City is going to see many opportunities like this in the foreseeable future. Fournier: motion that the ECDC write a letter of recommendation to Mayor Scanlon supporting the proposed project. Howard seconds the motion, no one in opposition. The motion carries. Grimes will draft a letter and circulate it to members for their input and comment prior to sending it out. Cassidy thanks them for their presentation. Update from Plannin2: Director Tina Cassidv on Development Projects and "Development Scorecard" City Planner Tina Cassidy reviews the "Development Scorecard" outlining proposed projects and those under construction in the City. She explains the status of each project. She notes that there is a new addition to the list. The Beverly Housing Authority wants to build four affordable housing units on the lot it owns at the corner of Spring and Essex Streets at Montserrat Depot. Cassidy reports that the MBTA received five proposals for a possible garage site and they have narrowed that list down to two finalists. She states that she expects an announcement on that from the MBTA soon. Cassidy reports that the proposed CVS on Rantoul Street is going through the permitting process now. She explains that there is strong support from Main Streets and the Planning Board to bring the building closer to the street. She notes that the Planning Board public hearing has been continued to January to give CVS time to consider that. She explains that the traffic study for the project has been referred to the Parking and Traffic Commission for their review. Continued Discussion on Draft of Business Development and Marketin2: Plan Grimes asks members how they want to proceed with the draft Business Development and Marketing Plan. Cahill explains that meetings were held this past summer with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Streets and a follow up meeting was to be held. He states that it is a great idea and he would like to see it happen but funding is scarce. Grimes agrees, noting that the City is in tough financial circumstances with a budget crunch and the financial forecasting is not looking good. She notes that there is a potential for a 10% cut to state aid next year. ECDC meeting minutes Page 4 of5 12-16-08 meeting Howard agrees and suggests that some things could be carved out of this. He notes that this is exactly the right time to do this but unfortunately there is no money. He suggests that some of the things could be accomplished by utilizing Salem State and Endicott College students. Next Meetin2: Grimes reported that the next meeting of the ECDC will be held on March 18, 2009. She notes that she gave Tina Cassidy some information from the Municipal Advocate on the web sites and perhaps a discussion could be held at the next meeting. Cassidy will forward the information to members. Grimes asks if there is any further business for the ECDC to discuss this evening. There is none. Fournier: motion to adjourn, seconded by Cahill. All members in favor, no one in opposition. The motion carried. The meeting is adjourned at 7:00 p.m. ECDC meeting minutes Page 5 of5 12-16-08 meeting