HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-04 Community Preservation Committee Minutes
Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of March 4, 2021
Present: Chairman Brian Roache, Vice Chair John Simons, John Mabon, William Callahan, Tracy Watson,
Terrance Holland (arrived 7:15PM), Rick Green
Non-CPC Member Present: Daniel Beckley- Staff Planner, Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues, Jean Enright,
Peter Boynton, Stan Limpert, Andrew Shapiro, Michael Smolak, James LaFond and Joseph Pelich
Absent: CJ Gangi
Chairman Brian Roache called the meeting to order at 7:03PM via conference call. The meeting was televised.
Mr. Roache read a statement before the meeting started (referencing the opening statement off of the Agenda)
“Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law,
G.L.c 30A, Section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of
people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Finance Committee will be conducted
via remote participation to the greatest extent possible”.
Discussion of the Annual Report
Mr. Roache asked the Committee to review the draft of the Annual Report before the next meeting.
Discussion on Community Preservation Committee Project Applications
- Housing Consultant- Ms. Rodrigues was present and gave presentation on the Housing Consultant
project. Ms. Rodrigues stated this will be a multiple year project. Mr. Simons asked to have a better
process to track 40B when a project comes up for sale to continue to offer it as affordable. Ms. Watson
stated it would be best to have the consultant advise with 40B. Mr. Mabon asked Ms. Rodrigues to
summarize the goals of the consultant and what are the sources of savings. Ms. Rodrigues stated the
following:
Find out the delta, need to be 10% of affordable housing
Plan ahead of time the locations of affordable housing that is most suitable
Going to a regional housing consultant will be a savings rather than staffing a full time housing
consultant.
Mr. Mabon asked for an expectation of when North Andover will achieve the 10% requirement. Ms.
Rodrigues stated it depends what comes down the line. Mr. Callahan asked to what extent is the housing
production plan serve as a blueprint. Ms. Rodrigues stated it’s a huge help. Mr. Callahan asked to what
extent is the Housing Authority part of the effort. Ms. Rodrigues stated they can help to develop
individual units. Ms. Watson stated whatever the Housing Authority builds is considered affordable.
- Gateway Improvements for Historic Causeway and Stone Arch Trail- Ms. Enright and Mr. Boynton
were present and gave presentation. Mr. Boynton explained that the project envisions the following:
Clean out invasive species of plants
Replant where appropriate with native species
Resurface and grade the area
Create an entry experience to help to control trash and animal droppings
Kiosk signage to be added at entry
Mr. Green asked what the on-going maintenance will be. Ms. Enright stated she will speak with DPW
and FONAT about the maintenance. Mr. Boynton stated that using the correct native species and
railroad ties will decrease the need for constant maintenance. Mr. Roache received a question from Mr.
Gangi and asked if any stonework would be proposed. Ms. Enright stated not at this time.
- North Andover Rail Trail Phase I Design- Mr. Shapiro was present and gave presentation. Mr.
Roache stated that two public comment emails were received in favor of this project. Mr. Simons asked
about the land going over private property if there were any easements. Mr. Shapiro stated there are for
utility easements and would have to apply to National Grid. Mr. Simons asked where it will go long
term. Mr. Shapiro stated to go to Blueridge Rd line. Ms. Enright stated Phase II would go to Blueridge
Rd. Mr. Green asked about the consultant fee. Mr. Shapiro stated they have not retained a consultant.
Mr. Green asked if there were any issues with approvals from Conservation. Mr. Shapiro asked Mr.
Beckley. Mr. Beckley stated Conservation wasn’t concerned with Phase I. Mr. Mabon stated to map out
a bike path which is different than a rail trail. Mr. Roache received an email from Mr. Gangi who asked
to note historic marks along the rail trails with signage.
- Bradstreet School Memorial- Mr. Limpert was present and gave presentation. Mr. Roache asked about
the current breakdown of the cost difference. Mr. Limpert stated he would send it before the next
meeting.
- Smolak Farms Passive Recreation Trails- Mr. Smolak was present and gave presentation. Mr. Simons
asked where the trails would be. Mr. Smolak stated there is a map in the packet that indicate where the
trails would be. Mr. Simons asked who would be let through on the trails and when. Mr. Smolak stated
no motorized vehicles and daylight usage only, no after dark entry, there will be signage indication
hours. Mr. Mabon encouraged Mr. Smolak to feature signage at location to address all of the features on
the property. Mr. Holland asked if one would need to leave the trails to go to the features. Mr. Smolak
stated no. Mr. Roache asked Mr. Simons if Mr. Smolak needs to go through a permitting project. Mr.
Simons stated not likely unless it is near wetlands. Mr. Roache stated FONAT sent a letter of support.
Mr. Smolak added that Greenbelt did as well.
- Ridgewood Cemetery Historic Landscape Phase 9 and Second Burial Ground- Mr. LaFond and Mr.
Pelich were present and gave presentation. Mr. Roache asked if there are any possibilities for a parking
lot. Mr. Pelich stated there is a line item in the budget for a parking area. Mr. LaFond stated it will be a
50’x115’ for the parking area located at the vacant area in the front of the cemetery. Mr. Roache asked
what would happen if remains are found in a section, what is the process. Mr. LaFond stated it would be
unusual to find remains in this area but if something is found it will be researched.
Approval of February 11, 2021 Minutes
MOTION: Ms. Watson motioned to approve minutes from February 11, 2021, seconded by Mr. Green. Roll
Call: Callahan- yes, Roache- yes, Holland- yes, Simons- yes, Green- yes, Mabon- yes, Watson- yes. Motion
passed 7-0.
Adjournment
MOTION: Mr. Green made a motion to adjourn at 8:49 PM, seconded by Ms. Watson. Roll Call: Callahan-
yes, Roache- yes, Watson- yes, Holland- yes, Simons- yes, Green- yes, Mabon- yes. Motion passed 7-0.
Respectively Submitted,
Jillian A. Brothers
Executive Assistant