ECDC Minutess 06-11-15CITY OF BEVERLY
BOARD OR COMMISSION
DATE /TB E:
LOCATION:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Economic and Community Development Council
June 11, 2015
Beverly City Hall, Conference Room B
Aaron Clausen; Michael Collins; Denise Deschamps;
Neiland Douglas; William Howard; Richard Marino.
Paul Guanci; Don Fournier; Thomas Grant; Michael
O'Brien
OTHER: None
Aaron Clausen called the meeting to order.
Potential ECDC Work Items- Several ECDC seats are vacant. They need to be filled because it is
important that the City have their input. The City would like the ECDC's input on its
Community Development (CD) strategy which must be updated. The CD strategy should be
reviewed on an annual basis and revised as necessary.
The City needs to develop a work plan to update its community development strategy. The
ECDC will use the meeting in September to go over the work plan. By then the vacancies of the
ECDC will be filled.
One Water Street Development Update- The RFP for One Water Street will be available on
Wednesday (June 17). The City decided against issuing an RFI because it would elongate the
process. The City cannot sell the property based upon the USHB's requirements. The ground
floor is reserved for water - related activities. The structure could be rebuilt. The second floor
must be for commercial purposes.
Phase 2 of Exit 19Brimbal Avenue Improvements- MassWorks funding would not cover the
entire cost of Phase 2, including design and construction, so other sources of funding need to be
identified. In the past MAPC has voiced concerns about the project. MassDOT is in the process
of writing the LRTP (Long Range Transportation Plan). Development of the LRTP incorporates
a rating system for major infrastructure projects. Factors that impact the rating of a project
includeneed based on the condition of the existing roadway; safety issues; the potential to
generate economic development and existing congestion. Phase 2 of Exit 19Brimbal Avenue
Improvements project was third to last among the universe of projects being rated and so was not
added to the LRTP.
Getting a design completed is critical to the process. Is it possible to solicit private funds to
support design development? Possibly pursue property owners for $2.5 million.
Potential funding options also include I -Cubed (Infrastructure Investment Incentive Program)
and DIF (District Increment Financing).
Rantoul Street /Route IA Project -There will be a preconstruction meeting on June 29. The
contractor has not yet been hired, technically. The utility work will begin in August. If the
utility work is completed on schedule, then next year will strictly be devoted to road work.
Recap of Windover Projects- There is the property next to the post office at 131 Rantoul Street
which is being developed as a residential project with two commercial spaces on the ground
floor. There may be something happening with the Thomas Ford property on Rantoul Street.
Economic Development Department Project Updates -The City is revisiting the sidewalk dining
program it piloted in 2013. Restaurants participating in the program initially included three but
ultimately only one business, Pride's Piccola Napoletana, offered outdoor dining. The Planning
Department, Health Department and Municipal Inspections Department have met with Beverly
Main Streets recently to determine if there were any issues resulting from the pilot. The only
issue that came to light was limited wheelchair access on the sidewalk in front of Pride's Piccola
Napoletana. Narrow sidewalks throughout the downtown area present a challenge to sidewalk
dining due to accessibility requirements.
Beverly Main Streets and the City of Beverly are working together to revitalize Ellis Square in
order to create a venue for outdoor programming that entices people to visit the downtown area.
Local architectural firm, UBLA, is working to finalize a design. The area is being redesigned
and slightly enlarged with the taking of several parking spaces on Church Street. Beverly Main
Streets is in the process of raising $100,000 to dedicate to the project. The City's Community
Preservation Committee has approved a grant of $177,666. The City of Beverly will also allocate
additional funds to cover the cost of paving Church Street. The existing memorial to Viet Nam
veterans will be removed and a call to artists will be issued requesting proposals for a new
design. This has been discussed with local veterans and they are in support of it. The call to
artists will not take place until next year. Beverly Main Streets is drafting a document
formalizing and standardizing the process of issuing a call to artists and will share it with the
City when a draft is ready for review.
The Facade and Sign Improvement Program, co- administered by Beverly Main Streets and the
City of Beverly, recently closed its latest funding round. Funds were awarded in March and
agreements were signed in May with Hallmark Cleaners, A &B Burgers, Flour *ish, and Cabot
Street Books and Cards.
Other- Questions arose and comments were made regarding the parking situation downtown.
The lighting in the parking lot located behind the Dollar Store is inadequate. It may need to
simply be repositioned. The Department of Public Services will look at it.