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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-10 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of January 10, 2019 Present: Chairman John Simons, William Callahan, Denevan O’Connell, Brian Roache, Terrance Holland, CJ Gangi, Tracy Watson, Deborah Feltovic Absent: MaryBeth Soucy-Larkin Chairman John Simons called the meeting to order at 7:00PM in the Board of Selectmen meeting room at Town Hall. The meeting was televised. Funding Projects for Religious Institutions Suzanne Egan, Town Counsel, was present to review the current laws associated with funding projects for religious institutions. The recent case of Caplan vs Town of Acton was referenced in the discussion of how grants must be evaluated under a three factor test. The Anti-Aid Amendment also discussed where public funds cannot be used for a private entity. Ms. Egan suggested that the project is reviewed with the Anti-Aid Amendment in mind to see if this project is more of a historical building not for exclusive religious use. Chairman Simons opened the conversation up to the St. Paul’s Church to discuss. Chairman Simons asked Town Council’s opinion on their proposal. Town Council declined to comment. Representative from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 390 Main Street gave a background of the church being built in 1881 and has been named, according to Massachusetts MACRIS state database, a historical and architectural significant property. The representative states that their church building is open to the public to rent and they hold public meetings very frequently including AA meetings, Girl Scouts meetings and North Andover Middle School students have an after school program there. Exterior restoration is what St. Paul’s Church is looking for at the main historical campus including the French Memorial, Parish Hall building, Church Hall and Rectory. Estimated cost is $182,000. Chairman Simons suggested the application be specific as to what they’re looking for and will then have a discussion on it. Parking Lot Update Tracy Watson discussed three projects Ousler, Academy Rd and Rolling Ridge. Tracy Watson, Deborah Feltovic and Terry Holland spoke about the Academy Rd project and that the parking lot that was proposed was never built. Chairman Simons suggested that Center Realty is to be reached out to have a conversation concerning their obligation. Chairman Simons offered to have the conversation with Center Realty. Town Council suggested that there should be an application and a contract so that each applicant understand what they’re obligated to do with the funds that they receive. Ousler was a project from 2012 that agreed to construct a parking lot. Currently trails are being blocked, landscaping is dumped on trails. Ms. Watson states there are several issues at the property. Chairman Simons suggested to contact Glen Aspeslagh from the Trails Committee to assist in the determination of how to construct the parking lot. Chairman Simons will reach out to John Smolak, attorney, along with Jennifer Hughes in Conservation and Glen Aspeslagh from Trails Committee. Denevan O’Connell suggested a walkthrough of the property in the winter. Ms. Watson discussed the third project at Rolling Ridge. She stated there is an issue relationship wise with this location. Ms. Watson states they built a parking lot for themselves which blocked trails and trees. Chairman Simons suggested that they contact the representative of Rolling Ridge and Chairman Simons offered to contact them himself. Ms. Watson suggested Chairman Simons go with Jennifer Hughes from Conservation to arrange a meeting with Rolling Ridge. Vietnam Memorial at High School Letter Terry Holland asked the committee to draft a letter to support the efforts of Veterans Director. Tracy Watson suggested Laurie Burzlaff to draft the letter. Terry Holland made the motion to draft the letter supporting the effort. Tracy Watson seconded the motion. Motion approved 8-0. Approval of minutes December 13, 2018 William Callahan motioned to approve December 13, 2018 meeting minutes. Brian Roache seconded the motion. Motion approved 7-0. Brian Roache made a motion to adjourn at 8:20PM, seconded by Tracy Watson. Motion approved 8-0.