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).
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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.