07-07-16 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
BOARDMEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Discussion — 15/17 Leather Lane
Open Space and Recreation Committee
July 7, 2016
Charlie Mann (Chair), Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner,
Barbara King, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller (left at 9:04
p.m.), Bill Squibb
David Brewster (Vice Chair), David Long
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Gregory Sharp
Jane Dooley
Gregory Sharp, 8 Leather Lane, describes how he has lived in the City for a year and a half. He
was recently informed that the owner of 15 and 17 Leather Lane intended to install sewer
connection which would allow possible development of the parcel at 17 Leather Lane. There is
currently a house located on 15 Leather Lane. Mr. Sharp explains that he is involved in a real
estate negotiation with the property owner with two options (1) his buying the 15 Leather Lane
house and 12 acres or (2) his buying 5 acres and a portion of 17 Leather Lane not including
wetlands. He has no updates on price being negotiated with the property owner.
Mr. Sharp states that he is hoping for the Committee's support for CPA application for placing
the parcel in conservation status if he can agree to a price for the parcel with the property owner.
Discussion ensues about how there is back land in the area of interest which ECGA is in
discussion with another property owner where some family members want to preserve parcel and
others want the area developed. There is interest from Leather Lane neighbors relative to private
funding to preserve a portion of the 15/17 parcels. Discussion addresses whether a current
conservation restriction in the area has public access. Leather Lane is currently a private road so
if City CPA funds are sought there has to be a public benefit to preserve a parcel in the area. A
connecting walking trail runs through the 17 Leather Lane property and connects to a right of
way at another property owner's land.
Mr. Sharp suggests that since he does not have a viable purchase option, there is more than one
option on the table that could be acceptable to all parties. He notes that he has a buyer for the
house. Sewer is needed because the septic system likely will not pass Title 5, so a new sewer
connection is being considered because it makes more economic sense. The 15/17 Leather Lane
parcels would trigger OSRD and more than two houses could be considered as part of future
development.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
July 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Mr. Sharp speaks of 7 Leather Lane, a property with unknown owner, and that the proposed
sewer connection would impact the private lane. Mann states that this parcel was submitted to
the City for possible tax title taking and it takes a year(s) for the City to go through that process.
According to Mr. Sharp, the City Engineering Department specified that an easement search
would have to be done. In addition, if this is a sewer lateral, a contractor may not be required to
file a plan. Discussion addresses regulations controlling properties on a private lane relative to
sewer connection. It was unknown if Bryant Ayles, Finance Director, has taken any action on the
unknown owner property list.
Mr. Sharp speaks to the 800 acres at the Pole Swamp Lane area at Beverly and Manchester town
lines. He questions what can be done to preserve the open space in the area. The Committee
mentions how there are a lot of wood lots in the area which could be written into one deed. The
area is fairly landlocked which creates a level of protection. Mr. Sharp mentions the large estates
as most vulnerable to development. Mr. Sharp states that he would consider being an at -large
member for the Committee and will attend one to two meetings before committing to becoming a
member.
Discussion ensues about a regional open space plan and if OSRC could meet with chairmen from
other open space committees in neighboring municipalities relative to preserving open space on
Cape Ann. There was also mention about recent meeting at Seaside Cycle in Manchester about
use of open space for cyclists, equestrians, and cross country skiers and interest in a regional trail
in Cape Ann that interconnects existing trails. This effort could include a meeting with assistance
from MAPC, and ECGA to identify players and next steps for preserving open space. In addition,
discussion was on possibility of purchasing an easement from Juniper Street to Pole Swamp
Lane for public access.
Annroval of Previous Minutes
McCrory moves to approve the June 6, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Miller.
The motion carries 6 -0 -1 with one abstention.
Principal Items of Business
Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities
Discussion ensues about one of the parcels on the list that was pursued by ECGA. Also, the Folly
Hill property which has been marketed for sale. It is not eligible for OSRD due to zoning district.
This parcel could be sold as a whole or in pieces and it is located next to the golf course. There is
a lot of wetland in the parcel. The zoning would allow for 500 units but 350 units is possible with
the wetlands and other constraints.
Mann reports on Parcel 4 -21 site walk with Environmental Planner Amy Maxner and City
Councilor Scott Houseman and how this potential purchase is not a priority for the City although
it is a gateway to Tanzella Hill. The City is getting a second price on the property appraisal.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
July 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities
As a result of the City survey many residents were not aware of trails or where they could go on
open space properties. There are three components for signage: wayfinding signs, trailhead signs,
and kiosks (Greenwood and Greens Hill will be updated). Maria Arcieri, graphic designer
working in the City Engineering Department designed the sign mock -ups after meeting with
Mann and Wynne. Discussion ensues about what color the signs should be including green,
brown, light brown and blue. Also, if numbers should be assigned for trails (i.e., at intersections)
and if this information could be contained on the Open Space website. The Committee notes that
some businesses in the community might contribute to the cost of creating signs and Beverly
Land Trust might help fund some of the signs.
Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities — 122 Cross Lane OSRD Site Plan
Discussion addresses hiking trail public access and location for open space area. The OSRC had
no further comment on this site plan.
Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities
The CPC approved partial funding for Pete's Park renovation, Vittori Park playground structure,
walking trail at Beverly Emergency Management site by the airport, Harbor Management and a
potential Congress Street park.
The Conservation Commission reviewed Greens Hill trail proposal and application will remain
the same with technical details identified and approval sought for plan as is. The Commission
will review the plan again on July 12.
Other Business/Updates Brought Forward by Committee Members /Staff
Sylvan's Bench
Waterfront walkway was dedicated and the Committee will talk to Harbor Management about
funding the Sylvan Menezes wooden bench and bronze plaque (language needs to be defined).
Permission may be required from the state.
Greenwood / Stone Ridge Road resolution
Discussion ensues about where the bicycling community can park after hours to access trails and
respect for private property. A flyer on the matter will be distributed and put on Open Space
Facebook page.
Bass River Walkway
Open Space & Recreation Committee
July 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
A representative from the state is willing to do a site visit. There is a Chapter 91 license
pertaining to Starbucks property. The Committee will research history of trail in the area
proposed for the Bass River walkway.
Executive Session
McCrory moves to go into Executive Session at 8:54 p.m. to review the Executive Session
minutes from June 1, 2016 meeting. Seconded by Squibb. The motion carries by roll call: Charlie
Mann, yes, Marilyn McCrory, yes, David Gardner, yes, Barbara King, yes, Bill Squibb, yes,
Wayne Miller, yes, Elizabeth Dunne, yes.
King moves to accept the June 1, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Gardner. The
motion carries 6 -0.
Gardner moves to leave Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by McCrory. The motion
carries by roll call vote: Charlie Mann, yes, Marilyn McCrory, yes, David Gardner, yes, Barbara
King, yes, Elizabeth Dunne, yes.
The Committee reconvenes in open session at 9:00 p.m.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, McCrory moves to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Seconded by
Dunne. The motion carries 6 -0 since Wayne Miller left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.