Loading...
2012-06-06CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: Economic and Community Development Council SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: Wednesday, June 6, 2012 LOCATION: Beverly Public Library — Staff Conference Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chairman Neil Douglas, Tina Cassidy, Charlene St. Jean, Don Fournier, Bill Howard, Mike Collins MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Guanci OTHERS: Mayor William Scanlon RECORDER: Eileen Sacco Douglas calls the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m 1. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the March 7, 2012 meeting were presented for approval. Douglas asks if there are any corrections. There are none. Fournier: motion to approve the minutes of the ECDC meeting held on March 7, 2012 as amended, seconded by Douglas. All members in favor, the motion carries 6 -0. 2. Discussion: Update Brimbal Avenue/Route 128 Overpass Improvement Proiect (stakeholders meetings, progress on proiect funding — Mayor Scanlon Douglas reports that Mayor Scanlon is present this evening to update the ECDC on the progress on the Brimbal Avenue/Route 128 overpass improvement project. Mayor Scanlon addresses the ECDC and reports that there has been a lot of activity on the project but states that despite that he cannot give a definite answer as to if and when it will happen. He reports that a revised design sketch has been done that is different from the last one reviewed by the State, noting that it includes a "roundabout" which is smaller than a rotary and requires careful driving. Mayor Scanlon reports that Cummings would like a signalized intersection and that piece of the design needs further exploration and refinement. Mayor Scanlon reports that he feels that the State's I approach is a good possibility and that the City can make a strong case that the resultant economic development will provide real estate taxes equating to more than 1 '/z times the debt service. He notes that discussions have been held and that this project is only in the conceptual stages at this point. He also explains that they are now counting construction and retail jobs in the equation of project benefits. Mayor Scanlon reports that Beverly Hospital has indicated that they are looking at a $25 million dollar project and maybe more. Fournier asks if that project would still happen if they merge ECDC Meeting Minutes 612112 Meeting Page I of 4 with Lahey Clinic. Mayor Scanlon states that he thinks that the project would be advanced because of the merger, noting that they have a 62 acre campus and there is a lot of room for development. Douglas reports that the last meeting with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation was very positive and he expects that plans will be in a more refined manner. He explains that they wanted updated traffic counts (which have been done and submitted) and he anticipates a near - term MEPA meeting to identify this and proceed with the Environmental Impact Report. Cassidy notes that a draft EIR was done years ago and portions likely need updating. Mayor Scanlon reports that another meeting will be held for the status of MassDOT's project review. Douglas states that he does not expect any significant objections. Mayor Scanlon reports that he, Douglas and Denise Deschamps met with representatives of CPI and they have expressed an interest in staying in the City. He notes that they have 275 employees and there is potential for growth but not in the immediate term. Mayor Scanlon adds that Cell Signaling may be looking for a potential means of egress for their property for parking access for Tozer Road. He explaines that they would like to bring the road up for better access and they are concerned about truck turning to align with a signalized intersection. Mayor Scanlon explains that a second piece of the project involves a land swap between the CEA Group and the State which would involve CEA giving land for the roadway in exchange for a piece of land that would be abandoned at the current interchange ramping system. Mayor Scanlon reports that the Governor was at the Cummings Center last week and he was made aware of Cummings Properties's potential involvement in this project. Mayor Scanlon notes that this is an unusual project because it takes traffic off of local roads. Fournier asks if there has been any negative impact from the recent Salem News article about the project. Mayor Scanlon stated that there has been none. Cassidy notes that this project will not go by any residential properties. Douglas reports that we are fast approaching the need to apply for the State I program and the State has encouraged the application. He states that the process may commence in September. Mayor Scanlon explains that there are two phases the first one being a quick analysis. Douglas suggests that the City should consider farming out the application process to a consultant to be sure that it covers everything that is required. He notes that the City's potential liability needs to be understood and the risks need to be understood as well. He states that he is very encouraged by discussions with State personnel to date. ECDC Meeting Minutes 612112 Meeting Page 2 of 4 Cassidy thanks Douglas for all of his hard work on this project. 3. Update from Planning Director Tina Cassidy on Development Projects and "Development Scorecard" Airport Parcel — Parcel sold to Cicoria Tree Service in March. All permitting in place. Kelleher — Site sold to Flatley to facilitate development of abutting Flatley lot. Cummings — One story parking deck is proposed. 130 Cabot Street — Vacant lot proposed for 1 and 2 bedroom condos. They don't have the required parking for the site but municipal parking lot use is allowed by ordinance and the Franklin Place lot is nearby and can handle the parking. Black Cow — Getting closer — the appeal of the Chapter 91 license was denied. The City and DEP are due to give verbal arguments this month. One last appeal is possible. Fournier notes that the Black Cow in Hamilton has closed supposedly for renovations. Mayor Scanlon reports that Mr. Leone is still very interested in the Beverly location. Omni Proposal_ Cassidy reports that she was contacted by Atty. Tom Alexander who is representing Omni Properties which has an option with Walker Realty Trust to develop a parcel on Essex Street. Omni proposes to build multi family housing if the City is willing to adopt a Chapter 40R District for the site. Cassidy reports that the City would have to do a zoning change to create the zoning to allow the 40R project and if such zoning was adopted, then the project's site plans would be reviewed by the Planning Board under a Site Plan Review process. She notes that the City must be careful to include in the 40R zoning district language any controls it would want, since Chapter 40R requires that the project be allowed "by right ", with only site plan review. Cassidy reports that a public hearing will need to be held on the proposed ordinance changes and if the City adopts such zoning, the draft language would have to be submitted to the State for its approval. Douglas notes that there are potential benefits to the City with the 40R zoning. He cautions however that there are potentially an additional 60 acres of land in other nearby parcels (YMCA and City land) that could also be developed. He suggests that if the City considers creating a 40R district in this location it should consider making the 40R zoning applicable to all 60 acres, not just the Walker Realty site. Cassidy notes that one concern with Omni's project is the potential for increased educational costs arising from new children housed in the development. 5. Next Meeting ECDC Meeting Minutes 612112 Meeting Page 3 of 4 The next meeting of the ECDC will be held on September 5, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. 6. Adiournment Douglas asks if there is any other business for the Board to conduct at this meeting. There is none. Fournier: motion to adjourn, seconded by St. Jean. All members in favor, motion carries 6 -0. The meeting is adjourned at 7:00 p.m. ECDC Meeting Minutes 612112 Meeting Page 4 of 4