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03-14-18 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Mann opens the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Approval of Previous Minutes Open Space and Recreation Committee March 14, 2018 Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Dunne (Brewster arrived at 7:08 and Dunne arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Wayne Miller, Gregory Sharp, David Alden -St. Pierre, David Gardner Rick Grandoni, Marilyn McCrory Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Todd Callaghan Jane Dooley Alden -St. Pierre moves to approve the January 3, 2018 meeting minutes. Seconded by Gardner. The motion carries 5 -0. Dunne and Brewster had not arrived at time of vote. Principal Items of Business Planning Board OSRD Site Plan Application, Site Plan Review for 20, 30, & 40 Webster Ave Discussion ensues about revised plans for the project. The project engineer is concerned about safety so instead of the chain link fence to be removed, natural landscaping will occur around the detention basin (white pine trees). Also, the shape of the basin will be changed from rectangular. There was also mention about how the land under the detention basis would not be conveyed to ECGA. Discussion addresses where trails would be located associated with the project (i.e., around the detention basin). Another topic reviewed was project detail about use of rip rap versus retaining wall. The Committee recommends having Wynne write a letter reinforcing the positive changes in the revised project plan (i.e., revised detention pond shape and trail connections). OSRD Site Plan Modification Application for 875 Hale Street The developer received a favorable court decision on the appeal and can build either the definitive plan or the OSRD site plan. A modification to the definitive plan was reviewed and approved by the Planning Board to narrow the right of way to bring the houses closer together. No meaningful open space has been defined in that plan. The neighbors reached a settlement Open Space & Recreation Committee March 14, 2018 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 with the developer relative to the OSRD plan, requiring them to try to get this plan approved with larger lot sizes to be developable. Another part of this settlement is a tree easement providing sight lines for the neighbors across the street to the ocean ( <30 foot trees). Driveway access would be provided at the end of either roadway to an approved pork chop lot behind 865 Hale Street. Discussion ensues about public benefit because the original house was going to be saved as outlined on the plan but it was torn down. Wetland is the open space area where no building would occur. The roadway will be less than 24' wide. Harbor / Waterfront Planning Update A grant is in place and consultant is working with the City on a harbor /waterfront plan that extends from the harbor to the Bass River (i.e., public access). A tour of the waterfront has occurred. It was mentioned that the Bowl -O -Mat and River Street Grille are closing on March 20, 2018, which is not related to this project but may generate more interest. The project will consist of three phases over 12 months, the first public meeting on this planning effort is on March 22, 2018 at Beverly High School. Discussion ensues about possibilities for development along Bass River on commercial side. Also, how the walkway could be continued along the harbor. Chapter 91 will require setbacks along the waterfront. Recreational Trails Grant The first report to the state is due on March 15, 2018. Discussion ensues about how aesthetics and language for signage have to be defined. Brown is the background color proposed for use on wayfinding signs. A local consultant is creating three options as to what basic signs would look like for identification purposes. Dogs are not allowed in any park in Beverly except at designated times. This does not include trails. Earth Day Walks Discussion addresses possibility of walks (i.e., Kelleher Pond and Greens Hill trails). Public Information This subcommittee met and Instagram account (@ Beverly Trails) has been created which is linked into ECGA and New England Running Company. There is a link to the Open Space Facebook page. A list of open space properties has been sent to New England Orienteering. Also mentioned was if information should be provided on mapping websites. Priority Parcels / Parcels Map Dunne gives a subcommittee update on priority parcels for preservation (i.e., open space component at Moraine farm, AMG parcel, Folly Hill). Open Space & Recreation Committee March 14, 2018 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 Bass River Walkway The walkway goes from Bridge Street to Greene Street. Gardner reports on research being done by City on legal aspects of walkway, and responsibilities of neighboring businesses to maintain their section of walkway. Other Business & Updates Sylvan's Bench Discussion ensues about OSRC sending a letter to Harbor Management regarding proposal for plaque on a rock in memory of longtime contributing resident Sylvan Menezes. A plaque could be put on the existing bench at the location. Mass. Land Conservation Conference Discussion addresses how Mann will be attending and other Committee members could as well. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Brewster moves to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by Dunne. The motion carries 7 -0. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at City Hall, Y Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.