HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-03 Historical Commission Minutes
APRIL 29, 2019 MEETING
I. STEVENS ESTATE SALE OR LEASE EXPLANATION
A. Suzanne Egan, Town Attorney, explained the ramifications and restrictions in Article 8 of
the Town Warrant
B. Replies to an RFP for the commercial use of 15 acres including the house and grounds is due
on May 1. 2019.
C. ARTICLE 7 CONCERNS CONSERVATION LAND ON THE ESTATE (130 acres more or
less)
II. PUBLIC OPINION
Forty or more North Andover residents came to the microphone to ask questions and to voice
their own opinion about the role of the Stevens Estate in the future. Many speakers reiterated
the importance Stevens Estate holds for the Town.
The majority of speakers felt that the public had not been informed about changes in a timely
way and that the issue should not be voted on at the May Town Meeting.
COMMENT THE ARTICLES CONCERNING STEVENS ESTATE WERE WITHDRAWN
BY THE SELECTMEN AT THEIR MEETING. A SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WAS
SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 18,2019 . THE STEVENS ESTE ARTICLES WERE ON THE
WARRANT FOR THE JUNE 18 MEETING.
Secretary's note: I did not include all public comments etc in these minutes but I have them
if anyone wants to refer to them. Anne Ericson
JUNE 3, 2019 MEETING
NOT PRESENT: James Wefers
I. ELEGANT BANQUETS PRESENTATION (RFP RESPONSE)
A. The Elegant Banquets spokesman outlined and illustrated possible plans to create a successful
wedding venue at Stevens Estate.
1. Build a ballroom suitable for 300 guests which would be twice the footprint of the Stevens
Mansion.
2. Construct a new kitchen
3. Provide increased parking
B. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AFTER THE PRESENTATION
THERE WAS DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS AS TO WHETHER THE SELECTMEN
WANTED TO SELL OR LEASE THE ESTATE. ( the Elegant Banquets spokesman indicated
that they were okay with a lease agreement. )
Suggestions were made about other ways to protect the Estate...such as s having it become a
property protected by the Trustees of Reservations
II. NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL ACTION REGARDING THE STEVENS ESTATE
A. A MOTION WAS MADE BY C.J. GANGI... regarding action to be taken at the June 18
Town Meeting:
I MOVE THAT WE REQUEST THE SELECTMEN TO WITHDRAW THE TWO ARTICLES
CONCERNING THE STEVENS ESTATE AT THE JUNE 18 MEETING
The motion was seconded and was passed unanimously by the North Andover Historical
Commission
The Chairman of the Historical Commission, Kathleen Szyska , will notify Commission
members if a July meeting is needed.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO YOU ALL!!!