2014-09-11CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Economic and Community Development Council
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: Thursday, September 11, 2014
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Michael Cahill, Neil Douglas, Don Fournier,
Bill Howard, Aaron Clausen, Mike Collins and
Michael O'Brien
MEMBERS ABSENT: Council President Paul Guanci, Charlene St. Jean
OTHERS: Karen Nascembini
RECORDER: Eileen Sacco
Clausen calls the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. He informs the group that Mayor Cahill
will be joining them shortly and suggests that he update them on the DPA process and the
Brimbal Avenue Project
Discussion/Update: Beverly Designated Port Area (DPA)
Clausen reports that the Planning Department submitted the City's Boundary Review
request by the office of Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management in April and the
request was accepted. He explained that the public process has started and a public
hearing was, He noted that the 30 day comment period for CZM ended on June 6, 2014.
He estimated that the process will take 3 -6 months. He estimated that the process could
be completed as early as December 2014 or February 2015.
Douglas asks what the extent of the Beverly review is. Clausen explains that this is not a
visioning process noting that CZM is trying to understand what is going on at the harbor
front. He noted that they are looking at the uses and are scheduling meetings with the
property owners. He explains that the current uses are commercial fishing, boat storage,
limited boat repairs.
Clausen explains that a draft report will be received by the city and a public hearing will
be held to review it and there will be a 30 day comment period following the public
hearing. He also noted that the final report will be received 60 days from the end of the
comment period.
Howard asks if there is any consideration given to Chapter 91 in this process. Clausen
explains that the criteria of the review is to understand the charge of the DPA and the
critical area that will be looked at is the land side, noting that they will break it down into
planning units and consider those individually.
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September 11, 2014
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Clausen notes that the Recreational Marina and the Commercial Marina are not
considered to be in the DPA.
Councilor Latter asked who the decision maker would be. Clausen explains that CZM
staff signs off on the decision and there is no appeal process.
Councilor Latter asks if there is any chance that this could get hung up with a change of
administration at the state level. Clausen explains that the process is statute specific and
is not discretionary and the decision has to be based on the statute so he does not
anticipate any hold up in that regard.
Clausen notes that the more he looks at the DPA he sees nothing worth keeping it as a
DPA.
Douglas agrees noting that it should be eliminated totally noting that reasons for the
decision made in the 50's and 60's for economic development to create jobs in the
waterfront industrial area purposes have changed. Clausen agrees noting that commercial
fishing could be better controlled through local zoning. He also noted that CZM
understands that this is being done in conjunction with local rezoning.
Clausen explained that the local rezoning process kicked off in June and over the last few
months they have met with local stakeholders such as the commercial fishermen, Tuck
Pont Condo Association, Beverly Port Marine, Goat Hill residents, Jubilee Yacht Club
and have received feedback from them. He explains that they are putting that feedback
together to create goals and objectives for the rezoning. He also explained that they are
getting input from the Parking and Traffic Commission,
Clausen reports that the neighbors indicate that they would like to see a mixed use on the
waterfront.
Clausen explains that they will compile the feedback received to provide a framework
plan and the ordinance will be drafted for review in December with the hopes of a final
draft being approved by February 2015. He also notes that in the meantime the city has
an Interim Planning Overlay District in place.
Douglas asks if there is a willingness to create more slips in the harbor. Clausen states
that there is but that would require moving the federal channel.
Douglas notes that residential development would require a creative look at parking and
suggests that it might not be the best use.
Clausen states that some thoughts have been expressed regarding a parking garage within
walking distance noting discussions with the Goldbergs and a possible mixed use project
on the Ventron site that had underground parking under consideration at one time. He
notes that there have been some inquiries about the Ventron site and they plan on
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September 11, 2014
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including the site in the new zoning district. He notes that this would tie the east and
west sides of the Bridge to make it a little cleaner.
Douglas states that we have to think creatively with regards to setbacks and height
requirements noting that the previous requirements resulted in squeezing buildings in
tight spots. He suggests that there needs to be some element of evaluation of proposals
that will result in attractive development.
Clausen agrees noting that the design requirement and zoning regulations will need to
offer some flexibility in design. Clausen suggests that at the next meeting he will review
a draft of the framework of the plan to get feedback from the members of the ECDC.
Mayor Cahill arrived at this time and assumed the chair.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the ECDC meeting held on July 10, 2014 were presented for approval.
Howard moved to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2014 ECDC meeting as presented.
Latter seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Discussion: Update on the Route 128 / Brimbal Avenue interchange improvement
rp olect
Mayor Cahill reported that during the last couple of months they have been busy
submitting information to MEPA. He states that we have presumptive approval of DEP
and Department of Transportation permits. He notes that everything is on track for Phase
I. He explained that the waiver for the EIR needs to be extended and notes that Rod
Emery met with MEPA last week. He explains that they have agreed to withdraw the
prior filing and refile it next week.
Mayor Cahill reviews the timetable for the project noting that once the project goes out to
bid the grant will be released. He notes that he expects construction to start in the spring.
Douglas asks what the status of the design is. Mike Collins reports that the design is at
75% has been submitted to the Department of Transportation. He noted that they are
proposing to use pedestrian crossing signals that stop traffic when activated.
Douglas expresses his concern about pedestrians trying to cross four lanes on traffic near
the Rocky Post. Collins explains that proposed lights with the new design should work
very well and be effective. Mayor Cahill agrees noting that they have reviewed the
design and taken the concerns raised at meetings into consideration. He also explains
that the round abouts are meant to be traffic calming and will slow the traffic down
considerably.
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September 11, 2014
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Mayor Cahill reports that the CEA Group proposal has been received and will go to the
Planning Board at their meeting next week and a public hearing will be scheduled.
Douglas states that he would not be opposed to sufficient signalization to stop all traffic
regulating the four lanes of traffic to cross at the roundabout. Mayor Cahill explains that
there will be protected places for pedestrians to stand when crossing the lanes.
?? (woman) addressed the ECDC and states that she would like to see pedestrian bike
lanes noting that there are some but none that go up to the Monserrat area. Collins
explains that they are working on a regional bike path routes and they are actively
pursuing those links when there is money available.
Mayor Cahill explains that the eventual Phase II of the project will include roundabouts
at Otis Street and Sohier Road. He also notes that the projected increases in traffic
include the build out of Beverly Hospital and the proposed Whole Foods.
Douglas notes that safety was a major concern of those that spoke at the meeting at the
Senior Center and it is a worry for him also.
Latter states that the proposed development by CEA and the Brimbal Avenue project will
result in a better situation than the signal that was proposed prior to this.
Howard asks if any progress has been made regarding the train stations. Mayor Cahill
reports that they met with the MBTA and the key is technology. Cahill explains that a
new platform needs to be built at Monserrat noting that when the train stops the engine is
in the roadway presently. He also explains that they are starting to look at road
improvements as well noting that they are looking at a right turn lane at Dodge Street.
Mayor Cahill also notes that CEA has been asked to provide a traffic study that includes
all ends of the area. Clausen added that the Planning Board is expected to hire a third
party review of the traffic study. Collins agrees noting that if the developer is creating a
problem they are expected to fix it.
Update on Rantoul Street Construction Proiect
Mayor Cahill reported that they had hoped that the project would be out to bid last spring
and now they are hoping to get it done by the end of the federal fiscal year which is at the
end of this month. He notes that the project is about to be advertised with the hopes that
the construction will start at the beginning of the spring construction season.
Latter asks if there could be a delay in the project due to the change in administration at
the State level. Mayor Cahill states that he does not think that will happen noting that the
Secretary of Transportation has expressed confidence in the current time table. Clausen
agrees noting that the project is federally funded and the staff will be less affected by
political winds.
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September 11, 2014
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Development Scorecard Review
Clausen updated the ECDC members on active projects throughout the city.
Mayor Cahill reported that a study of the utilization of the municipal parking areas is
being conducted and they are also researching a pilot program for parking passes for
residents and businesses.
Mayor Cahill reported that the MBTA garage is now open and notes that there are 117
spaces near the depot. He explains that the MBTA is pushing for the city to get rid of
them to push people into the new garage but he is not inclined to do so at this time,
hoping that they will come up with some incentive for the city to do that. He notes
however that they do not seem receptive to that at this time.
Douglas agrees that metered and paid parking has an impact on locations with regards to
economic development.
New or Other Business
Update Proposed ECDC Ordinance Amendment
Mayor Cahill reported that the ECDC Ordinance is presently being reviewed by the City
Council Committee of Ordinances and Legal Affairs and he expects that it will be
referred out for a vote of the City Council at the September 15, 2014 Council meeting.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the ECDC will be on October 9, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. at Beverly City
Hall in Conference Room B.
Adiournment
Fournier: motion to adjourn, seconded by Douglas. The motion carries.
The meeting is adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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September 11, 2014
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