Notes from the City of Beverly Community Preservation CommitteeNotes from the City of Beverly Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
Meeting
Date /Time: August 15, 2019; 7 PM.
Location: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street, 3r floor conference room, Beverly, MA
01915
CPC Participants: Derek Beckwith; Thomas Bussone; John Hall; Nancy Marino; Marilyn
McCrory(Chair); Heather Richter(Vice Chair); Wendy Pearl.
CPC Absent: Robert Buchsbaum; Christy Edwards.
Committee (acting) Denise Deschamps, Economic Development Planner, Planning and
staff: Development Department, City of Beverly.
Guests: Aaron Clausen, Director, Planning and Development Department, City of
Beverly.
Emily Hutchings, Associate Planner, Planning and Development Department,
City of Beverly.
Marilyn McCrory called the meeting to order.
Presentation by Emily Hutchings re the Historic Resources Survey
Guest presenter Emily Hutchings provided an update regarding the completed 'historic resource survey -
part 2. The documents are available on line. Included in this latest survey were Burnside estate, the last
area form completed. It was added to the list of properties to be surveyed after two other properties
were removed from the list because access could not be gained. The owners of Burnside were also very
enthusiastic about participating. Everything has been sent to the Massachusetts Historical Commission
' Note: The historic resources survey was awarded funding by the CPC in 2015 as an out -of -cycle project.
That survey identified and documented approximately 125 resources, representing municipally owned
buildings, churches, landscapes, parks, and several small residential areas according to current MHC
standards by preservation consultants Wendy Frontiero and Pamela Hartford. The Historic Resource
Survey Update I was completed in 2016. The Survey Final Report also identified opportunities for future
survey work based on need and level of risk for destruction. Following this comprehensive survey, the
City issued several Requests for Quotes for surveys of specific properties identified in the
comprehensive survey report as in need of review and as being at risk. Then the City of Beverly
contracted with Wendy Frontiero and Martha Lyon to conduct the present survey (Historic Resources
Survey Update II), which was completed in February 2019. [The surveys of individual properties helped
to identify resources potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and supported
additional preservation planning efforts, including demolition delay, potential designation of local
historic districts, and Great Estate zoning overlays.] Including both survey updates, a total of 10 specific
areas, 22 buildings, 4 burial grounds, 7 parks /landscapes were surveyed with the cooperation of their
owners. Final reports and individual surveys of specific properties may be found on the web page for
the Beverly Historic District Commission: http: / /www.beverlyma.gov /boards- commissions /historics-
district- commission/
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including National Register recommendations for the Prospect Hill area and Burnside estate which are
considered to be eligible along with the [North Shore] indoor tennis club and Guy Norman Garden.
Hutchings asked for questions. Question regarding status of the Beverly Depot train station building.
Beverly Depot is located in a National Register Historic District and is listed individually on the National
Register. The National Register is a part of the federal government so the property has protection
against any potential action by the federal government. Despite listing on the National Register a
building could still be torn down by owner. The local historic district offers a different and stronger level
of protection. Chapter 40C of MGL gives cities and town the authority to establish historic districts
[under certain conditions]. Nothing can be done to the portion of a building within the public view
without local historic district commission approval. There are some exceptions such as paint colors or
storm windows. Siding change or window change would require certificate of appropriateness from
local historic district commission. Nothing can be demolished without local historic district commission
approval. This happened on Water Street. There was an application for a demolition permit in 2014( ?)
The local Historic District Commission determined it was a significant building and refused to issue a
certification of appropriateness so the building could not be demolished. There is a locally designated
Fish Flake Hill Historic District within a much larger nationally designated district. Tom Bussone
mentioned that at one point, a number of years ago, there was a concept of having the Fish Flake Hill
Historic District extend to Hale Street but many neighbors were opposed because of the restrictions that
would be placed on their properties as to paint color, types of windows so the matter did not advance
any further. The Massachusetts General Laws [Chapter 40C, Section 8] provides a list of exterior
architectural features that may be altered or constructed without local Historic District Commission
approval if a property is located within a local historic district.
The Historic District set up by Windover (Construction) is on the National Register. But since no local
historic district was created there are limited local protections.
Did this study inventory all of historic buildings in city of Beverly? This is not the historic preservation
plan. Surveys sent to property owners. Was this survey an outgrowth of the inventory? Yes, this was
an outgrowth of original survey done in 2015 -16. So sounds like this was latest installment from that
original survey.
Update on GAR Hall
Hutchings provided an update on the progress of the GAR Hall exterior restoration. Estimated project
completion date is August 30. If completion date delayed it will be due to additional millwork required.
One window was discovered on east facade previously unknown so millwork required. Also the bay
window appears to be sagging so much that there was difficulty fitting a regular window into the right
hand side of the bay, so the window needed to be adjusted. MOU valid until next year. Hutchings is
preparing preservation restriction to bring to the local and Mass Historic District Commission. Is the
blue CPC sign still there? Yes it is propped against building. It has been moved around during the work.
Can the sign be attached to a stake in front of building? Hutchings will ask about that at the next GAR
Hall team meeting.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of minutes for April, May, and June of 2019. The CPC had seen the April minutes at previous
meeting. One typo in the first paragraph needs to be corrected. Motion to approve April minutes. It
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was noted that there was also a motion in the June meeting to approve the April minutes and they were
approved. There was a motion to approve the April minutes as edited. The vote was unanimous in
favor of approving the April minutes as edited. Denise Deschamps explained that she had not finalized
the draft minutes that were reviewed at the previous meeting because substantial edits were required
for some months so she wanted to make sure she had accurately interpreted the previously proposed
edits before they were finalized.
Considering May minutes. Any further edits or typos? Question about second sentence, second
paragraph. It needs to be revised to clarify that the proposed signage would highlight Beverly's history
and status as a waterfront community. Other edits? Seeing none, motion to approve minutes as
amended. Motion to accept May minutes. Minutes unanimously accepted.
Considering June minutes. Any edits? 4" paragraph, sentence in middle. There is redundancy that
needs to be corrected. Page 3 -Robert Buchsbaum also at city council meeting so add his name. Motion
to accept minutes. Minutes unanimously accepted.
Updates
CP3 report- Deschamps has been working to update the status of all projects in anticipation of
completing the CP3 report. Deschamps has also been in touch with the City's Finance Director, Bryant
Ayles, re this report which is due September 15. Ayles will assist as needed and will be submitting the
other two reports required: CP -1 (The Community Preservation Surcharge Report) and the CP -2 (The
Community Preservation Fund Report). McCrory explained that every local CPC needs to submit an
annual report to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. McCrory asked if the CPC members
subscribed to the Community Preservation Coalition's update emails.
Outreach
Heather Richter reported out on two events she attended and their potential as venues to share
information about the Community Preservation Act and the projects that have been funded. Richter
attended the Ryal Side Fourth of July Parade and an event at Hale Farm.
Richter reported that although the Hale Farm event did not attract a large number of people it would
likely attract people that would be interested to learn more about the CPA and it was an environment
that promoted one on one conversations. Retired City Councilor Maureen Troubetaris attended the
event and expressed her belief that this would be an appropriate opportunity for outreach. In addition,
the property looks beautiful. CPC sign was at the back of the property, so it would be great if it could be
moved into a more prominent position. As for the Ryal Side parade it is basically like a summer party,
lots of fun, not particularly conducive to conversations about the CPA. Reminder that CPA signage needs
to be installed at pavilion at Obear Park. Do we want to have presence at block parties? Had success
there in the past. Beverly Main Streets had expressed some concern in past about allowing a table for
the CPA. Perhaps we could approach them again if they have a Block Party planned for the fall.
Harborfest is on September 9. Could we have a table there? Master Plan Committee will have a table
there. Are there meetings of civic associations or neighborhood groups that CPC members could visit
and at which make a 10 minute presentation? People active in these types of organizations already
engaged so CPC should provide them with the tools they need to present projects. Wards 2, 3, 1 have
active civic associations. Cove or Montserrat? There is Cove Community Center. There is the Farms
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Improvement Society. Centerville? Not as active. Are we aiming for another October public hearing?
Would need to meet with civic associations before public hearing. Ward 2 meets last Tuesday of month.
As an alternative can we just send invitation to October public hearing to various groups? A preference
was expressed that we first attend the meetings of local groups to encourage interest and provide
information and also invite them to the CPA public hearing. At public hearing people can brainstorm
about process. Who can we reach out to that would want to take on projects, such as open space
projects. Mass Audubon? If it is a City property can a group like that help with the project? We have a
lot of waterfront. It shouldn't all be developed. There are many natural assets that could be
considered. Deschamps asked if an appropriate project would be plantings that help to cleanse the
Bass River. Who do we approach about that? The City? Civic association? Would city be interested in
that type pf project? The Greenbelt might be interested if land protection involved. Obear Park is an
example of a great project. But projects involving city -owned assets require a lot of time on the part of
municipal departments to oversee. The City needs to control the number of projects it takes on because
of all of the staff time required. Bussone notes that the CPA would be stronger in the future if there
were more projects that involved groups outside of municipal offices, which were proposing projects.
• Derek Beckwith will find out when the Farms Improvement Society meets next.
• John Hall will found out when Ward 2 Civic Association meets next.
• Richter will find out when the Ryal Side Civic Association meets next.
• McCrory is happy to attend any community meeting, schedule permitting.
Have 10 minute presentation scripted so everyone saying the same thing. Use chart that has already
been created.
Deschamps could create a list, by category, of projects funded by other communities in the last few
years. It may generate some thoughts about potential projects on the part of Committee members.
Deschamps to create simple list of projects that Beverly has funded and put up on City's CPC web page.
Application packet pretty much outlines process. Preservation category has more potential beyond
historic preservation such as protection of beaches, restoration of habitats, and protection against rising
sea levels. Could explore this in more detail. Wendy Pearl will speak with Aaron Clausen in person re
MVP planning.
Dates Associated with Round 7 (2019 -20)
Date for hearing? Review last year's schedule. Marilyn has proposed a Round 7 schedule. Last year's
hearing October 4. Need location. Last year met at Beverly Golf and tennis Club. Could we meet at GAR
Hall? No, largest interior space set up as office space with cubicles, desks, etc. Upstairs not accessible.
Harbor management building meeting room very small. Accessible? Go back to public library?
Deschamps to look at library availability. Dates: October 1, 2, 3? What kind of shape are proposals in at
public hearing? A lot of times just concepts are discussed. Project proponents ask if project might be
eligible and talk about preparing the application. Others are quite prepared and have already started
their application. Should we invite proponents of previously approved pre -apps that didn't move
forward? Moraine Farm conservation restriction? Hastings House? Even invite people /groups that
have only expressed an interest in the past. We need to do something different because we only
received a few applications in the last round. Other members were not as concerned about number of
applications received because some of the projects proposed were very large. However, it was said that
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it would be good to have a diversity of projects. Might need to push public hearing a little later than last
years to allow enough time to get the word out.
Aaron Clausen visited the meeting to discuss potential project applications of which he was aware and
general municipal priorities. He is anticipating an historic preservation project. Further movement on
the Carriage House is possible. Beverly likely coming in with an open space preservation application.
CPC member notes that basketball and tennis courts would be larger projects. Challenges related to
process of taking on projects advocated by residents for city -owned property. If the potential project
involved a city -owned asset is it the City that needs to submit that project to the CPC since they own it.
CPC member concerned that CPC applications have dried up. Chair disagreed with that assessment
stating that process by which projects involving city -owned land /properties has caused those types of
projects to be evaluated by the City prior to them being considered by the CPC. Committee members
would be interested in considering projects that were not proposed by the City. Clausen notes that
there is a lot of need around historic preservation. The CPC has funded preservation plans. Open
space is a challenge Clausen notes that dredging of the Bass River will be completed by February of
2020. Deschamps mentioned that CPC had been discussing possible project to improve health of river.
Is that an eligible project: protecting /preserving habitat? Clausen notes that shellfish bed(s) limited
until get past bridge. Pearl asked if dredging will impact site of "old mill ". Clausen responded that it
would not go that far up the River. Dredging would end at Bass Haven. Clausen mentioned that salt
marsh near Obear Park needs to be rebuilt to make the City more resilient to climate change.
Clausen confirmed that the City does have a Municipal Vulnerability Plan in place. The existence of this
plan will provide the City will opportunities to apply for grants. There is a coastal resiliency grant
through CZM (Mass. Office of Coastal Zone Management). However, this process is lengthy given the
design phase and permitting phase. At some point CPC funds could provide a match. The City would
not likely pursue a grant related to this project until the next round.
Clausen was asked if the City would consider pursuing landmark restrictions on key, iconic buildings such
as The Cabot. It is possible, of course, the owners of the properties would need to be willing to accept
the restrictions.
Clausen notes that in the future CPC funds could be used in connection with the housing trust fund to
create a loan program for low /moderate income households to help them make repairs to the
properties they own. These repairs would need to be of such significance that without being addressed
the home would no longer be habitable. It may be a 0% loan or a loan that is repaid when the property
is sold. Committee member noted that last option could create equity in home. Clausen concluded his
remarks.
The CPC resumed discussion regarding dates associated with new funding Round (7). After considering
several options CPC selected October 10 as public hearing date. CPC needs to confirm room available at
library. Other possible venues are gym at First Baptist Church, space at Harborlight, Senior Center.
Need to make sure press release goes out. CPC can use individual social media to spread word.
Committee can't create an event on Facebook. Can the City? The master plan committee has its own
website. Can we use cable TV to get the word out? Can we ask the City to post a notice on their
Facebook page? Can we have a banner on the City website, on any of its Twitter accounts? Deschamps
will follow up.
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Pre - applications will be due November 8. Beverly's Historic District Commission will need to determine
historic significance of any projects in that category. So the HDC would likely make those
determinations during its September 26 mtg. Deadline would likely be September 19. Question if
applicants need to receive determination by HDC BEFORE they submit pre - application. Pearl responded
that it [determination] would be required because the project would not be eligible for funding unless it
were determined by the HDC to be significant. It was noted that Deschamps will need to update
materials to make sure they refer to Round 7 and the appropriate dates and then upload them to
website. The launch of Round 7 needs to be announced. Deschamps asked how soon the launch should
be announced prior to October 10. McCrory noted that schedule for public notice needed to be
confirmed and then there could also be a press release. Marilyn to look at previous materials used.
Committee member notes that use of social media critical in spreading word about Round 7.
Other important dates:
• November 21 -CPC meets to review pre -apps and determine eligibility.
• Dec 6 -by then Deschamps will get notices out re pre -app eligibility and inviting full applications
• December 19 -CPC meeting during which applicants may ask questions of CPC
• January 10 at Noon -keep that date for full apps due
• Period for comment by the general public (Full applications posted on line)
• January 16 -CPC meets to begin review process - develop list of questions for applicants
Deschamps will make revisions to schedule based on this conversation and will share with McCrory and
Richter to check accuracy. Then she will share with entire CPC.
CPC Universe of Previously Funded Projects
Deschamps provided CPC members with an updated list of CPC - funded projects. Committee member
asked if we had a breakdown of projects by Ward and if projects could be plotted on a map. Deschamps
stated that she could provide both
Bryant Ayles will bring budget to the CPC in September.
Pearl stated she would prefer not to have paper copies of all materials. In the future Deschamps will
provide paper copies to those CPC members who request them.
Webinar Summary
Deschamps along with CPC members Derek Beckwith and Heather Richter attended webinar organized
by the Massachusetts Community Preservation Coalition. Deschamps provided a brief written summary
of webinar highlights. Webinar confirmed that increase in fees charged by the MA Registry of Deeds will
yield (additional) funding for community preservation projects in cities /towns that have adopted the
CPA. The new Registry fee will result in an approximately $36 million increase in available CPA funding
from the Commonwealth. Communities can expect to see an increase in the funds they receive in 2020
at which time 10 months' worth of increased Registry fees will be distributed amongst the "CPA"
communities. The Town of Abington was used an example of the impact of potential increase in CPA
funding. The November 2018 distribution for Abington would be $51,335 (or 13.8% reimbursement
from Commonwealth's CPA trust fund). Following increase in revenue due to Registry fees Abington
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would receive $122,631 (or estimated percentage reimbursement of 33 %). There is additional
information on the CPA website.
The second piece of equation is the possible of funds available from the Commonwealth's surplus funds.
Potentially, the Commonwealth will have $20 million in surplus from the previous fiscal years' budget. A
supplemental budget bill will be passed in September or October of this year that identifies how those
surplus dollars will be used and the State has until October 31 to spend those surplus dollars. If the
state does not spend all of its surplus dollars any remaining dollars are referred to as the Consolidated
Net Surplus (CNS). The CNS would be available to the CPA AND the Commonwealth's Life Sciences
Program and it is the latter that has priority. The first $10 million (not more than $10M) is set aside for
the Life Sciences Program and the remaining (not more than $20M) dollars go to CPC. There have been
mixed results in the past in receiving funds from the Consolidated Net Surplus.
Other Items
The Committee did not have a chance to review wording of signage for Powderhouse that acknowledges
several funding sources.
There are existing graphics created by John Hall that could be used at various events in the future.
Deschamps to look for giant poster.
Engraving of seat wall at Vietnam Veteran Memorial Plaza at One Ellis Square expected to take place in
the next couple of weeks, weather - depending.
Agenda for the next CPC meeting will include the CPC budget and planning for the hearing and outreach.
The next CPC meeting will take place on September 19.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn, seconded, and accepted unanimously.
Time of adjournment, 8:10 PM.
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