04-06-16 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
ADUroval of Previous Minutes
Open Space and Recreation Committee
April 6, 2016
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Barbara King, David
Long, Bill Squibb (arrived at 7:35 p.m.)
Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Dooley
Brewster moves to approve the March 2, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Long.
The motion carries 4 -0 -2 with Mann and King abstaining. Squibb had not arrived yet.
Principal Items of Business
Pole Swamp Lane
Discussion ensues about how Gardner had done a site walk at Pole Swamp Lane with the City
Solicitor and other City officials a month ago relative to complaints from neighbors who can no
longer access Pole Swamp through Juniper Street due to transfer of property at the end of the
street. The Conservation Restriction did not grant public access across the property and the new
owners are not allowing it. Gardner had sent an email to City Councilor Scott Houseman
regarding legal research. A follow -up memo was also sent to the Mayor. Wynne will follow -up
with the City Solicitor.
Discussion addresses how access to Pole Swamp from Beverly Farms could be possible by
staying on the Williams property and coming out on Pole Swamp Lane. There is thought that an
old right of way exists located at old Pole Swamp Lane and there is interest in resurrecting it.
The City Solicitor would like the title search done by a professional. The OSRC discusses
whether or not Leather Lane could be an alternative access. In addition, if OSRC would consider
sending a letter to the Conservation Commission about the high water on the trail due to beaver
activity. The City owns many parcels (wood lots) in the area. The Committee discussed whether
effort should be made to get conservation restrictions beyond Article 97 status for parcels in the
area.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
April 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities
The Sub - Committee has created a list of parcels that would be of interest for a conservation
restriction or purchasing, including those which could be targeted for CPA funds. A meeting
occurred with the Mayor and guidelines were established including script language that the Sub -
Committee members can use during telephone calls.
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update -- Update on Status of Draft
Allison Crosbie has nearly completed the update and is waiting for letters of support from the
Mayor, Planning Board, and City Council before sending updated plan to the state.
2016 Earth Day Events
Discussion was on the schedule for Earth Day events, and response to events posted on the
OSRC's Facebook page. A clean -up is planned for Stop & Shop side of Bass River. The
Committee discusses the expected outcome of the survey of the 27X parcel relative to the City's
property line (in anticipation of future Greens Hill passive recreation use) and 27A.
Gardner leaves the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities
Proposed Zoning Amendments
Wynne updates the Committee on economic development package (i.e., artist live work,
distillery, brewery, and winery, maker space - light industrial co -op space) heard by the City
Council and approved by the Planning Board. Also discussed was the proposed IR Overlay
District change, which is the removal of 8 or so parcels from the overlay district so retail would
not be allowed at the Holton site. One of the property owners has submitted a plan before the
zoning plan has changed. The Planning Board does not support this removal change. The change
would no longer allow new retail business on those lots. The Committee inquired as to whether
or not the current use at the parcel where the motorcycle shop is located (which is grandfathered)
would continue if the property was sold.
Other Business & Updates
The Committee discusses the North Shore summit that occurred at Seaside Cycles with area trail
groups relative to regional planning and if a large proposed commercial development would
impact trails in the Gloucester/Manchester area. A study has been funded. This discussion
reiterated the need for conservation restriction versus Article 97 status for parcels in the area.
The North Shore taskforce of MAPC has discussed if there is a need for a regional trail plan
between Gloucester, Manchester, Beverly and Danvers to Peabody. Discussion ensues about if a
gravel and asphalt bike /walking path could be located to create trail connectivity in vicinity of
Open Space & Recreation Committee
April 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
train station and area commercial properties as well as on Balch Avenue and around the edge of
the high school property. This would require permitting from the Conservation Commission.
Discussion addresses whether or not CPA funds could be used for trail signage. Or if businesses
could be approached to fund trail signage. Work yet to be done on the proposed trail signage is
deciding on a color (i.e., brown similar to state park signage) for wayfinding and trailhead signs.
For the kiosks the maps need to be redone with updated trail information (i.e., Greens Hill and
end of Standley Street). Also, some of the major intersections should be numbered for the trail
maps. Maria Arcieri from the City's Engineering Department would be available to do the
graphic design and could use the existing frog logo. The Committee mentions how the Greens
Hill trail could be done this summer.
Discussion ensues about a project application for CPA funds (i.e., $50,000) for Camp Mitchman
to do a summer food and gardening program with potential for a yearlong program: Garden
School at Mount Mitchman. This project was approved as an eligible CPA activity by the CPC.
The CPC is seeking information from the state CPA organization about Chapter 61 land relative
to this project proposal. Discussion addresses if the City would get value from the project if a
conservation restriction were part of it. Also noted is that no action plan is in place for moving
Beverly's community gardens activity.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Brewster moves to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Seconded by
Dunne. The motion carries 6 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.