04-04-18 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 7:05 p.m.
Open Space and Recreation Committee
April 4, 2018
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair arrived
at 7:20 p.m.), Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Rick
Grandoni, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller, Gregory
Sharp, David Alden -St. Pierre
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Dooley
There were no members of the public in attendance to address the Committee.
Approval of Previous Minutes
March 14, 2018 meeting minutes were not available at the time the April meeting occurred.
Principal Items of Business
Planning Board
OSRD Site Plan Modification Application for 875 Hale Street
Miller and Wynne present update to the modification application. The Planning Board approved
the OSRD Site Plan modification, including wetland buffer area, but not the wetland area, in
open space calculation. A waiver was granted due to 46% of the site being dedicated open space,
rather than the 50% required. Where initially the Planning Board considered 50% of open space
for this OSRD could only be located on the buildable area, they have reviewed OSRD plans
differently over time and allowed slope and other wetland resource areas to be included in count
of dedicated open space. Wynne provides an overall update on the project that the developer won
a court case which allowed them to build either the Conventional Subdivision or the OSRD Site
Plan. She noted that abutter letters had been received supporting the OSRD rather than definitive
subdivision plan. A settlement agreement with abutters required the applicant to make an effort
to get the OSRD plan approved with a modification for larger lot sizes.
Wynne will develop a list of OSRDs in the City for the Committee to review.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
April 4, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Environmental Notification Form (ENF) — Dunham Ridge LLC, 50 Dunham Road
Cummings Properties has submitted an ENF to the MA Environmental Policy Act (MEPA)
Office for review of their existing and proposed development at 50 Dunham Road. Wynne
summarizes responsibilities (possibly an EIR) associated with ENF regarding Dunham Road
parcel (triggered by parking and traffic). A site visit was held and a follow -up meeting with the
City scheduled for this week. This development could have some impact on Norwood Pond. Any
comments from the Committee could be included in a letter to the Planning Board to be
submitted on April 10.
Committee discussed the trigger for receiving the funds ($50,000) toward Norwood Pond.
Wynne explained it was a condition of a Conservation Commission order and an occupancy
permit still is the trigger for payment. Wynne will check which building it applies to and send a
copy of the Order.
Community Preservation Committee
The CPC is evaluating five applications of which two were approved: GAR Hall and Hardy St.
housing (being done by Harborlight Community Partners).
Subcommittee Report
Recreational Trails Grant
A subcommittee meeting occurred. Discussion ensues about how many communities in the
Commonwealth are updating colors on wayfinding/trail marking signage. Colors, language (City
solicitor will need to weigh in) and other details need to be determined for the City's similar
signage outlined in the grant application. The Committee addresses how public could be notified
of right to travel over private property in certain parts of Beverly to access City land. Miller will
make trail maps for the OSRC review.
Earth Day Walks
A few individuals contacted will or may not be available to assist with Earth Day walks.
Brewster offers to do bird walks at Long Hill.
Public Information
The Committee has 200 followers to its Open Space Facebook page. Discussion addresses if
posts from related organization's pages could be referenced.
Priority Parcels / Parcels Map
This subcommittee has not met since the last report to the OSRC. McCrory asks if a site walk
can be scheduled for Folly Hill. Mann mentions a walk was already held. The OSRC reviews a
parcels map with intent to update relative to priority parcels.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
April 4, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Bass River Walkway
Gardner has not heard response from Assistant City Solicitor regarding the obligations of
property owners to complete and maintain a walkway. Wynne mentions that a project approved
by the Planning Board was never built. Discussion ensues about four parcels and how there has
been turnover in ownership with a couple of parcels. Gardner will follow -up with Solicitor's
Office.
Other Business & Updates
Greens Hill Trail Next Steps
The trail is being used but a legal settlement is needed regarding adverse possession suit related
to abutting driveway /stonewall to allow sign to be posted and trail officially opened.
Sylvan's Bench
Dunne agrees to follow up on proposal for plaque in memory of longtime contributing resident
Sylvan Menezes. A plaque could be put on an existing bench or rock.
Encroachment policy discussion
The Committee will re- review a draft encroachment policy.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Dunne moves to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Seconded by
Brewster. The motion carries 9 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at City Hall, Y Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.