2014-11-13CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING NOTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Economic and Community Development Council
DATE /TIME: November 13, 2014 at 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, Conference Room B
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Michael Cahill; City Council President Paul
Guanci; Charlene St. Jean; Aaron Clausen; Richard
Marino, Michael O'Brien; William Howard; Denise
Deschamps.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Fournier; Neiland Douglas; Thomas Grant;
Michael Collins.
Council President Guanci called the meeting to order.
Discussion: Solar development opportunities targeted for seven different City -
owned properties proposed by B1ueWave Capital.
Aaron Clausen distributed a packet of information relative to B1ueWave Capital's
proposal for installations of solar panels on six city -owned properties throughout Beverly
including: Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School; Centerville Elementary School; North
Beverly Elementary School; the high school car port; the high school rooftop; the
Beverly landfill. Following review of the proposal Beverly's Planning Department
looked at four(4) land use types (office, R &D; light industrial; warehouse) relative to the
.landfill site and calculated estimated tax revenue to the city generated by these types of
development on the landfill in comparison to the potential energy savings generated if the
landfill were to host a solar array. When evaluating the potential uses for the landfill
there are a variety of variables that need to be considered including the desirability of the
location given real estate development costs associated with the removal and disposal of
landfill materials and the engineering /construction costs associated with building on a
landfill. The topography of the site may also present some challenges to real estate
development. The Planning Department also estimated one parking space per 250 SF of
office and did not assume a parking garage as it was assumed the market doesn't support
it. Taxes generated from various types of land use (office, R &D; light industrial;
warehouse) range from $33,104- $230,087 annually on the landfill property. The entire
property would not be used for the solar array because of development potential.
Bill Howard mentioned that there are indirect benefits to developing the landfill such as
employees visiting area shops and restaurants. In addition, Phase 2 of the Exit 19
Interchange Improvement project would impact a number of other parcels in the area that
are un/underdeveloped.
Aaron pointed out that there are also negative impacts to development such as increased
traffic. Construction potential on the landfill site is 7 -10 years out due to the potential
timeline for completion of Phase II of the Exit 19 Interchange. Redevelopment of the
landfill site also presents challenges due to environmental remediation that would be
necessary.. The solar array could be sited on the landfill until market conditions render
redevelopment of the property more feasible. There is also the question of whether or not
the site would be suitable as a potential site for a fire /safety station.
Blue Wave's analysis projects that using the entire landfill site for a solar array would
generate $400,000 in energy savings while use of only half of the landfill would generate
$100,000. The differential is due to economies of scale. According to BlueWave, if the
landfill is included as one of the solar array sites, year one of the project would yield
$177,250 in savings at the meter and by year 20 such savings would total $388,250
annually. Without the landfill savings would be $83,498 in the first year and $178,278
in the 20" year.
At the next meeting of the ECDC Aaron will distribute a full proposal from BlueWave.
The question remains as to whether or not the project is still worth doing without
including the landfill. BlueWave is also looking at making improvements to the solar
field at the high school.
Discussion: Identify ways in which the Commission can assist the City in identifying
and prioritizing economic development opportunities.
Aaron Clausen distributed a document authored by Neiland Douglas that proposed ways
in which the ECDC could assist the City of Beverly in identifying economic and
community development opportunities. ECDC members were given the opportunity to
read through the document and then comment on the proposals.
As to the recommendation that the ECDC "provide Mayor with updated Annual report
outlining specific economic and community development goals and programmatic
strategies and initiatives to achieve goals" it was noted that this would be a significant
undertaking requiring a substantial time commitment.
As to the recommendation that the ECDC "develop recommendations for suggested
modifications to [the] City's Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance to reflect an Economic
Development Strategy" it was suggested that this would be very useful effort when the
City updates its master plan.
As to the recommendation that the ECDC "advocate for a city -wide road and traffic study
prioritizing road improvements for inclusion in the Capital Budget and Program" the city
currently employs a road - ranking system. However, the City could carefully reassess the
needs of any roads that might impact a major economic development project.
The City plans to propose several intersection improvement projects be placed on the
Commonwealth's TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) list including the
intersections at: Henry's Market; Balch/McKay Streets; River /Bridge Streets; base of
Beverly /Salem bridge. The City must also work to identify sources of funding for
transportation improvements and will work with Governor -elect Baker to do so.
As for the proposal that the City "review all major economic and community
development projects submitted to the City for permits to develop and utilize property
with recommendations to appropriate Boards for support, modification or disapproval
based upon economic and community development strategy" the City does currently
review all such projects. The City formed a Project Review Team consisting of relevant
staff which meets monthly
As for the proposal to "develop and maintain a file of all major funded Federal and State
programs providing resources, assistance, incentives for economic development utilizing
when appropriate ECDC offices and membership for advice /and recommendations" it
was agreed that this would be helpful.
As to the proposal that the ECDC "maintain current quarterly file of basic economic
trends" the City does currently provided some data on its economic development web
page and it would like to make more available quarterly with its development scorecard.
The City would like to know if the data we are currently providing on the website would
help a business to make a decision to move to Beverly. Deschamps asked members of
the ECDC to visit the economic development web page and provide feedback.
As to the proposal that ECDC members "communicate with property owners as the
Mayor and leadership may suggest and to assist property owners and developers to meet
marketing and permitting objectives" ECDC members are open to meeting with members
of the business community. ECDC member Neiland Douglas has met with members of
the business community in the past.
The Mayor expressed interest in having ECDC members help to project the mix of
businesses that will be in Beverly in five years if we don't engage in any recruitment. The
ECDC could also identify types of businesses that the City should be attracting to
Beverly in the future and strategies for attracting these businesses.
Bill Howard asked if Phase II of the Exit 19 InterchangeBrimbal Avenue Improvement
Project will be completed in order to make room for additional businesses. It is
challenging to drive the right type of business to a community. Beverly is missing the
right retail mix downtown. What is the best way to promote Beverly? Should a complete
package be completed for distribution to media outlets?
Developers are still frustrated by Beverly's permitting process. The project underway at
130 Cabot Street, built by right, took two years to secure approvals. It is important that
Beverly's various municipal processes, including the permitting process, be more
efficient than those of other nearby communities. The permitting process can be
cumbersome and time - consuming. A complete revision of the permitting process may be
necessary. An important first step that has already been taken by the administration is
improving communication between the developer and various department heads. Can the
Project Review Team reduce the ping -pong effect. Instead of having businesses or
developers bounce back and forth between Committees as they seek permits and
approvals can the process be revised to include sequential meetings or joint meetings?
Currently, many committees and councils weigh into the process because staff capacity is
limited. The redevelopment of the McKay School will provide a test case for the project
review team. The City may need to consider overall permitting reform.
Bill Howard asked, on the average, how long it takes to navigate the permitting process.
Aaron Clausen responded that it varies depending upon the nature and complexity of
project. The City of Lowell moved all of inspectional services into one building so that,
at least, all permits could be obtained in the same building.
An important communication tool is the City's website. It has been improved but funds
are not currently available for a complete redo. Charlene St. Jean cautioned that the City
should check on the hosting fee to make sure that the City is not being overcharged.
It is important we identify and prioritize existing challenges to development, beyond
permitting, such as but not limited to infrastructure and zoning.
Bill Howard asked if it would be helpful if the ECDC could be the eyes and ears of the
Mayor. ECDC members could informally ask business owners how it is going. The
Mayor and City should tell the ECDC what they need from the ECDC.
Other:
Downtown Parking Ban During Snow Emergencies Richard Marino asked that the City
revisit its parking ban policy for the downtown area. Because the parking ban may be in
effect up to 48 hours this impacts both customers and employees. Customers may cancel
reservations on the first day of a snow ban and be reluctant to reschedule for the next
evening because the snow ban may still be in effect. In addition, restaurant employees
have no place nearby to park. Could the parking ban begin at 11 PM instead of 8 PM in
the downtown area? Could the larger plows be targeted for the downtown area in the
event of snow build -up due to postponing parking ban till later hour? Aaron Clausen will
speak with Kevin Harutunian, Chief of Staff, regarding the matter.
Denise Deschamps shared the City's brochure "Start Your Business Here in Beverly!"
with the members of the ECDC.
Agenda for next meeting Items to be included on the next agenda: (1) BlueWave
proposal for review by ECDC; (2) City will suggest ways in which the ECDC might best
assist the City; (3) Development Scorecard; (4) ECDC members will highlight items of
import in the EDSAT report; (5) Report on meeting with CoStar.