Beverly meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Beverly boards weigh new home, parking relief, and FY27 budget as no decisions yet published

Beverly's municipal boards met throughout the week of Aug. 10–20, but none of the meetings have published minutes yet, so no final decisions are on record. The most consequential items on the agenda include a proposed new home at 76–78 Paine Ave., a parking relief request at 4 Linden Ave., and a vote on the city's FY27 Community Preservation budget.

Land use and zoning

The Conservation Commission on Aug. 18 considered a new Notice of Intent for 76 & 78 Paine Ave. to demolish an existing residence and construct a new single-family home with an in-ground pool, terrace, pickleball court, and driveway. The commission also continued hearings on projects at 58 West St., 343 Dodge St., 11 & 13 Bay View Ave., and 22 Kittredge St., and discussed an eelgrass restoration project off Burgess Point at Lynch Park.

The Planning Board on Aug. 18 held a public hearing on Special Permit #206-26 for 4 Linden Ave., which would reduce required parking from 4 to 3 spaces, allow parking within 5 feet of lot lines, and allow two driveways within 30 feet of each other. The board also set future hearings and designated a representative to the Community Preservation Committee.

Upcoming, the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Aug. 26 for a special permit from Conor F. Walsh, Esq., on behalf of 12 Tozer Self Storage Holdings LLC, to allow a principal parking lot use at 12 Tozer Rd. in the R-10 district, establishing the property as mixed use alongside the existing self-storage facility.

Budget and finance

The Community Preservation Committee on Aug. 20 was scheduled to vote on the FY27 CPA Budget Proposal and finalize the application process for CPA Funding Round 14, including preparing for a public hearing on Sept. 10. The committee also reviewed a 50% status report on Independence Park improvements and a status update on the Girdler House Generator project.

The Deficit Reduction Committee on Aug. 18 discussed additional possible actions, heard research reports, assigned new action items, and considered public engagement tools. No specific dollar amounts or proposals were listed.

The Golf & Tennis Commission on Aug. 11 discussed the FY27 budget, reviewed clubhouse off-season projects, and received updates on the golf course and tennis courts. The Community Preservation Committee Round 5 project remains in a holding status with no changes.

Community services

The Airport Commission on Aug. 10 heard a hangar update from FlightLevel Aviation, a noise complaint report, and a proposed amendment to provision 4.1.1 of Airport Rules and Regulations. Presentations from Airport Solutions Group and the Massachusetts Air and Space Museum were also scheduled.

The Harbor Management Authority on Aug. 19 discussed Glover Wharf improvements, including security gates, pier repairs, and customer services, as well as planning for Harbor Fest. The agenda included installing a dinghy bar and additional signage, replacing public pier and walkway balusters, and evaluating vessel fueling logistics.

The Library Board of Trustees on Aug. 13 considered the Assistant Library Director's Contract. The Council on Aging on Aug. 11 presented the FY27 budget and discussed possible new board members. The Veterans Advisory Council on Aug. 20 discussed Warrior Weekend funding, a new bench to match existing ones in the park, and repairs to Vietnam signs (costing $10–12 each).

Coming up

• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Aug. 26, public hearing on special permit for 12 Tozer Rd.
• **Board of Assessors** – Aug. 27, review of outstanding Appellate Tax Board cases.
• **Commission on Disabilities** – Aug. 27, presentation from the MBTA Mobility Center and updates on accessibility initiatives.

Beverly boards weigh parking relief, new home, and airport upgrades

Beverly's boards and commissions held a full slate of meetings over the past two weeks, though none produced final votes — all recent agendas were published without minutes. The most consequential items now on the table are a Planning Board hearing on parking relief and a Conservation Commission review of a new home construction, both scheduled for Aug. 18.

Recent meetings

The Parking & Traffic Commission (Aug. 4) discussed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and potential future locations pending grant funding, reviewed pedestrian and bicycle counts, and elected officers. It also received an update on the annual City Council presentation and noted that construction at 119 Rantoul Street is compliant with its approved traffic management plan.

The South Essex Sewerage Board (Aug. 5) reviewed plans to fill three vacant positions (Temporary Engineering Intern, Operator, Mechanic) and considered professional services agreements with Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management and CDM Smith, Inc. It also discussed an amendment to an AECOM agreement and held an executive session on real property in Peabody.

The Licensing Board (Aug. 6) reviewed a new Chapter 12 on-premise alcohol license application from Pressed Café Beverly, LLC at 900 Cummings Center Suite 100-U, and invited discussion with Prides Pizza by Magner, Inc. regarding license use and recent closure. One-day licenses were considered for Endicott College, Tapped Beer Truck, and The Cabot.

The Design Review Board (Aug. 6) considered sign applications for Graze Craze (103 Cabot Street), Idore Aesthetics & Wellness (146 Cabot Street), and YMCA (7 Reservoir Road).

The Airport Commission held two meetings on Aug. 10. A subcommittee continued discussion on a proposed new mission statement for Beverly Regional Airport. The full commission heard a hangar update from FlightLevel Aviation, a noise complaint report, and a proposed amendment to Airport Rules and Regulations, along with budget and capital improvement updates.

The Golf & Tennis Commission (Aug. 11) discussed the FY27 budget, clubhouse off-season projects, and golf course conditions, including the fairway of Hole #18. The Community Preservation Committee project remains in holding status.

The Council on Aging held two meetings on Aug. 11: a Grant Committee discussed three grant applications, and the Board of Directors reviewed the FY27 budget and possible new board members.

The Library Trustees (Aug. 13) discussed the Assistant Library Director's Contract; all committee reports indicated no items.

Upcoming meetings

Planning Board (Aug. 18) will hold a public hearing on Special Permit #206-26 for 4 Linden Ave, seeking to reduce required parking from 4 to 3 spaces, allow parking within 5 feet of lot lines, and allow two driveways within 30 feet of each other. The board will also set future hearings and designate a representative to the Community Preservation Committee.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 18) will consider a new Notice of Intent for 76 & 78 Paine Avenue to demolish an existing residence and build a new single-family home with pool, terrace, pickleball court, and driveway. It will also continue hearings on several other properties and discuss an eelgrass restoration project off Burgess Point at Lynch Park.

Harbor Management Authority (Aug. 19) will discuss Glover Wharf improvements, including security gates, pier repairs, and signage, as well as Harbor Fest planning (parking, vendors, kids' activities, beer garden).

Community Preservation Committee (Aug. 20) will vote on the FY27 CPA budget proposal and finalize the application process for CPA Funding Round 14, including preparing for a Sept. 10 public hearing. It will also review status reports on Independence Park and the Girdler House Generator project.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission** — Aug. 18, remote
• **Planning Board** — Aug. 18
• **Harbor Management Authority** — Aug. 19
• **Community Preservation Committee** — Aug. 20

All meetings are open to the public; check the city's website for access details.

Beverly boards weigh payroll, licenses, and contracts; decisions pending

Over the past two weeks, Beverly's boards and commissions met on a range of items, from a $1.4 million retiree payroll warrant to a new alcohol license for a café and several engineering contracts. However, minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no official votes or decisions are confirmed. The agendas themselves point to the most consequential matters under consideration.

Retirement Board

The Contributory Retirement Board reviewed a retiree payroll warrant of $1,427,036.96 and a disbursements warrant of $119,393.28. The board also considered a superannuation retirement application for Police Officer John McCarthy, who has 29 years and 6 months of service, a rollover for Speech Therapist Tessa Bostwick (1 year, 9 months), and a transfer for Animal Control Officer Matthew Lipinski (14 years, 3 months). An actuarial valuation for 2025 was also on the agenda.

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board took up a new Chapter 12 on-premise alcohol license application from Pressed Café Beverly, LLC at 900 Cummings Center Suite 100-U. The board also scheduled an invited discussion with Prides Pizza by Magner, Inc. (644 Hale Street) regarding license use and its recent closure. One-day license applications were considered for Endicott College (Aug. 6 and Aug. 27), Tapped Beer Truck (Aug. 21 at Krohne), and The Cabot (Sept. 9).

South Essex Sewerage Board

The Sewerage Board discussed filling three vacant positions (Temporary Engineering Intern, Operator, and Mechanic) and reviewed professional services agreements with the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management for Phase C technical assistance and with CDM Smith, Inc. for Residuals Management Technical Support. An amendment to the AECOM Technical Services agreement for the Wastewater Facilities Management Plan was also on the agenda, along with an executive session on real property off Farm Avenue in Peabody.

Other recent meetings

• **Conservation Commission** (July 28): Public hearings on a notice of intent for 40 Prince Street (raze house, build new house, pool, and seawall), a fiber conduit request at 200 Lothrop Street, an emergency culvert repair certification on Brookwood Road, and enforcement matters for 12 Museum Road, 25 Linden Avenue, and 11 & 13 Bay View Avenue. The commission also approved MSMCP membership dues and June mileage for staff.
• **Deficit Reduction Committee** (July 29): Reviewed a list of deficit reduction actions, discussed additional possible measures, and considered public engagement tools.
• **Airport Commission – Governance Subcommittee** (July 29): Reviewed and voted on its proposed mission, priorities, work plan, and a timeline for implementing Robert’s Rules of Order.
• **Parking & Traffic Commission** (Aug. 4): Elected a Chair and Vice Chair, discussed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and future locations, reviewed pedestrian and bicycle counts, and received a construction update for 119 Rantoul Street (Wendell Holmes LLC), which is under construction and compliant with its approved CMP.
• **Design Review Board** (Aug. 6): Reviewed sign applications for Graze Craze (103 Cabot Street), Idore Aesthetics & Wellness (146 Cabot Street), and YMCA (7 Reservoir Road).

Coming up

• **Airport Commission** (Aug. 10): Two meetings – a subcommittee on Mission and Outreach will continue discussing a proposed new mission statement, and the full commission will hear a hangar update from FlightLevel Aviation, a noise complaint report, and a proposed amendment to Airport Rules and Regulations.
• **Council on Aging** (Aug. 11): The Grant Committee will discuss three grant applications, and the Board of Directors will present the FY27 budget and discuss possible new board members.
• **Beverly Golf & Tennis Club Commission** (Aug. 11): FY27 budget discussions, clubhouse off-season projects, and golf course/tennis court updates.
• **Library Trustees** (Aug. 13): Possible action on the Assistant Library Director’s Contract.
• **Community Preservation Committee** (Aug. 20): Vote on the FY27 CPA budget proposal, finalize the Round 14 application process, and prepare for a Sept. 10 public hearing. Project updates include Independence Park and the Girdler House Generator.

Beverly boards weigh retirement warrants, wireless tower, kratom rules in busy July stretch

Beverly's boards and commissions covered a wide agenda in the second half of July, from a $1.4 million retiree payroll warrant to a proposed 124-foot wireless communications tower. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what each body was scheduled to consider, not confirmed outcomes.

Retirement Board scheduled to vote on $1.4M payroll warrant

The Beverly Contributory Retirement Board met July 30 and was set to vote on a Retiree Payroll Warrant of $1,427,036.96 and a Disbursements Warrant of $119,393.28. The agenda also included approving a superannuation retirement application for John McCarthy, a Police Officer with 29 years and 6 months of service; a rollover for Tessa Bostwick, a Speech Therapist with 1 year and 9 months of service; and a transfer for Matthew Lipinski, an Animal Control Officer with 14 years and 3 months of service. The board was also scheduled to review the 2025 Actuarial Valuation by John Boorack.

Zoning Board to hear Cellco Partnership tower and several variances

The Zoning Board of Appeals met July 22 with a full docket, including a special permit request from Cellco Partnership for a 124-foot wireless communications monopole at 12 Tozer Road in the IR district. Other scheduled items: a variance to demolish a single-family house and construct a two-family house at 4 Linden Ave (R6 district); a special permit to rebuild a detached garage at 140 Essex Street (R10 district); a variance to keep an above-ground pool within a 10-foot setback at 46 Butman Street (R10 district); and a modification of a special permit for a 629-square-foot, two-story addition with deck at 9 Newbury Street (R10 district).

Board of Health set to vote on kratom and synthetic cannabinoid restrictions

The Board of Health met July 22 to discuss and vote on amendments to Regulation §400-9C, which would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of kratom products and other unregulated intoxicants and revise fines. The agenda also included a policy proposal on nasal medication administration at children's recreational camps and hearings on two body-art practitioner applications: Renee Mandrake of Good Mojo Tattoos (BAP-26-2) and Arianna Lanzillotti of Garden City Tattoo (BAP-26-1).

Conservation Commission to hear 40 Prince Street demolition and seawall plan

The Conservation Commission met remotely July 28 for a public hearing on a notice of intent at 40 Prince Street to raze a house and construct a new house, pool, and seawall. Other items included a request to install fiber conduits at 200 Lothrop Street, an emergency certification for culvert repair on Brookwood Road, and enforcement matters for 12 Museum Road, 25 Linden Avenue, and 11 & 13 Bay View Avenue. Routine expenditures on the agenda included MSMCP membership dues and June staff mileage.

Historic District Commission reviews Kernwood Bridge replacement

The Historic District Commission met July 22 to conduct a Section 106 review of the Kernwood Bridge replacement over the Danvers River (MassDOT Project #605276). Commissioners were also scheduled to determine the historic significance of 39 Bow Street (39 Bow Street LLC), discuss demolition alternatives for 40 Prince Street and related coastal properties, and review proposed updates to Chapter 168 Historic Buildings and Districts demolition-delay procedures. Administrative approvals noted on the agenda included a Certificate of Non-Applicability for 10 Front Street and Demolition Delay Not Applicable determinations for 382 Elliott Street, 6 Berkeley Ave, 19 Pearl Street Extension, and 76 Paine Ave.

Other meetings: Deficit Reduction, Planning Board, Airport, Disabilities, Economic Development

The Deficit Reduction Committee met July 20 and July 29 to brainstorm revenue and expense-reduction ideas and review a list of possible actions; no decisions were recorded. The Planning Board met July 21 to elect a 2026 Vice-Chairperson, designate a Community Preservation Committee representative, and consider Subdivision Approval Not Required plans. The Airport Commission's Subcommittee on Governance and Internal Policy met July 29 to vote on its mission, priorities, and work plan. The Commission on Disabilities met July 23 to discuss ASL interpretation requests, wheelchair access signage at Beverly beaches, and its Friends Fund. The Economic & Community Development Council met July 23 to review the Economic Development Action Plan and hear updates from Beverly Main Streets and the Travel and Tourism Committee. The Veterans Advisory Committee's July 23 document contained burial and cremation permits rather than a meeting agenda; no business was recorded.

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — Parking & Traffic Commission:** Election of Chair and Vice Chair, discussion of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and pedestrian/bicycle counts, and a construction update for 119 Rantoul Street (Wendell Holmes LLC).
• **Aug. 5 — South Essex Sewerage Board:** Discussion of filling three vacant positions, professional services agreements with the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center and CDM Smith, Inc., and an executive session on real property off Farm Avenue in Peabody.
• **Aug. 6 — Licensing Board:** New Chapter 12 on-premise alcohol license application from Pressed Café Beverly, LLC at 900 Cummings Center Suite 100-U; discussion with Prides Pizza by Magner, Inc. (644 Hale Street) on license use and recent closure; and one-day license applications for Endicott College, Tapped Beer Truck, and The Cabot.

Beverly boards tackle housing aid, harbor upgrades, airport rules; zoning and health votes ahead

Most Beverly boards and commissions that met over the past two weeks have not yet published minutes, so this roundup reflects what was on each agenda rather than confirmed outcomes. The largest dollar item scheduled was the Beverly Housing Authority's authorization of $970,074 in Section 8 and MRVP housing assistance payments for June 2026.

Housing Authority: $970,074 in rental assistance on agenda

The Beverly Housing Authority met July 16 with several financial items on its agenda. The board was scheduled to authorize payables of $328,434 and payroll of $171,419 for June 30, 2026, and to approve $970,074 in Section 8 and MRVP Housing Assistance payments for June 2026. Members were also set to review and approve a $34,700 engineering design and construction oversight contract for a bathroom fan installation project at Essex and Cedar Street (Project #030140). Old business included research on RAD, updates on Laurel Street, and non-profit organization status.

Harbor Management Authority weighs Glover Wharf upgrades

The Harbor Management Authority met July 15 to discuss Glover Wharf facility upgrades, including platform design options and the hoist pier phase 2. Other infrastructure items included commercial float security gates (CW White add-on), replacement of public pier walkway balusters and railings, and recreational float electricity upgrades. The board also planned for Harbor Fest, covering parking, vendors, kids activities, and a beer garden.

Board of Health holds hearing on kratom and synthetic cannabinoids

The Board of Health met July 15 for a public hearing on amendments to Regulation §400-9C regarding synthetic cannabinoids and kratom products. The agenda also included a potential vote on a nasal medication administration policy for children's recreational camps and an update on Purdue Opioid Settlement Funds. A follow-up meeting on July 22 is scheduled to include a vote on the §400-9C amendments.

Airport Commission reviews operations, fees, noise complaints

The Airport Commission met July 13 to hear a presentation by Airport Solutions Group's Craig Schuster and receive the Airport Manager's Report, including operations, a fee report, and budget summaries for FY26 and FY27. The agenda included a report on noise complaints received since June 8, 2026, subcommittee updates on mission statement and governance, and deliberation on proposed Airport Rules and Regulations. A Mission Statement Subcommittee meeting the same day continued work on a proposed new mission statement and reviewed an airport survey.

Other recent meetings

• **Design Review Board (July 9):** Sign applications for La Condesa (374 Rantoul St.), Away Games (407 Cabot St.), CVS Pharmacy (19 Dodge St.), Modern Elegance (410 Rantoul St.), and Children's Art Classes (409 Cabot St.), plus discussion of the Global Sign Variance at 181 Elliott Street.
• **Beverly Golf & Tennis Club Commission (July 14):** FY26 budget status, Community Preservation Committee Project Round 5 status, clubhouse off-season projects, FY27 projects, and a golf course review of the Fairway of Hole #18.
• **South Essex Sewerage Board (July 8 and July 15):** Warrant approvals, a mechanic helper vacancy, NPDES and SWD permit appeals, Centennial Plan Legislation, and an executive session on the value of real property off Farm Avenue in Peabody.
• **Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board (July 16):** Engineering services agreement for Topsfield Planning Board peer review, North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force participation, revised Supervisor of Operations job description, a Fall 2026 temporary intern, and energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives including a letter of intent.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Deficit Reduction Committee:** Brainstorming session on new revenues or expense reductions.
• **July 21 — Planning Board:** Election of 2026 Vice-Chairperson and subdivision plans not requiring approval.
• **July 22 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Cellco Partnership seeks a special permit for a 124-ft wireless tower at 12 Tozer Road; variances and special permits also scheduled for 4 Linden Ave, 140 Essex Street, 46 Butman Street, and 9 Newbury Street.
• **July 22 — Board of Health:** Vote scheduled on amendments to Regulation §400-9C restricting kratom and synthetic cannabinoids; body art practitioner applications from Good Mojo Tattoos and Garden City Tattoo.
• **July 22 — Historic District Commission:** Section 106 review of the Kernwood Bridge replacement (MassDOT Project #605276) and demolition alternatives for 40 Prince Street.
• **July 23 — Commission on Disabilities:** Updates on wheelchair access signage at Beverly beaches and ASL interpretation requests.
• **July 23 — Economic & Community Development Council:** Economic Development Action Plan priorities and updates from Beverly Main Streets and Travel and Tourism.

Beverly boards weigh housing grant, brewery permit, and harbor upgrades in busy stretch

Most Beverly boards and commissions met over the past two weeks on agenda items only, with minutes not yet published — meaning no final votes are confirmed in the public record yet. Here is what each body took up.

Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust was scheduled to consider a request from Harborlight Homes to extend a $160,000 grant for the Turtle Woods Housing Preservation and Decarbonization project. Members were also set to vote on meeting minutes from March 25, 2026. Minutes have not yet been published.

Conservation Commission

The Commission held public hearings on several residential projects, including a proposal to raze a house at 40 Prince Street and build a new home, pool, and repair a seawall. Other hearings covered invasive species treatment and stair reconstruction at 58 West Street, an addition and patio at 15 Wirling Drive, and carport, driveway, and patio construction at 8 Upland Road. The board also planned to discuss a potential delineation policy and approve FY27 MACC membership dues.

Library Trustees

The Beverly Public Library Board of Trustees reviewed the FY2027 budget and a waiver application for State Aid to Libraries. Members received updates on the main library's HVAC system and leaks at the Farms branch. The board discussed possible changes to operational hours and discontinuation of the Morningstar database, and reviewed four policies: Standards of Conduct, Public Internet Use, Security, and Meeting Room Policy.

Open Space & Recreation Committee

The Committee reviewed land-use projects across city wards, including an open space parcel for The Commons at 0 Trask Lane, a Norwood Pond Bridge construction update, kiosks and maps for Hannah School/Solar Farm trails, a trail extension in Sally Milligan to Cross Lane/Boyles Street, and new stairs at Sally Milligan/Pearl St. Extension. Members also planned to appoint a representative to the Community Preservation Committee.

Licensing Board

The License Board considered a new Farmer's Brewery Pouring Permit and Entertainment License for Old Planter's Brewing Co at 232 Rantoul Street. Members also reviewed an alteration of licensed premises, change of manager, and change of DBA for Reds on the Rail at 112-114 Rantoul Street, and discussed license use and recent closure with Prides Pizza (dba Prides Deli & Pizzeria) at 644 Hale Street. Other items included a one-day license for a Tapped Beer Truck event at Krohne on July 17 and a common victualler application for Fresh Brew Café at 289 Rantoul Street.

Water Supply Board / Waste Reduction Committee

The Waste Reduction Committee heard updates from city sustainability and solid waste officials, reviewed a Waste Reduction in Schools recap for the 2025-2026 school year, and received a CHaRM facility status report. Members planned for a Styrofoam collection and LobsterFest on August 5, and voted on approval of minutes from June 4, 2026.

South Essex Sewerage Board

The board met July 8 to approve warrants and consider authorization to file legislation. The agenda was standard administrative business.

Design Review Board

The board considered sign applications for La Condesa at 374 Rantoul St., Away Games at 407 Cabot St., CVS Pharmacy at 19 Dodge St., Modern Elegance at 410 Rantoul St., and Children's Art Classes at 409 Cabot St. Members also discussed the status of the Global Sign Variance at 181 Elliott Street.

Coming up

• **Airport Commission** — July 13: Review of airport operations, fees, FY26 and FY27 budget summaries, a noise complaint report, and deliberation on proposed Airport Rules and Regulations. A Mission Statement Subcommittee meets the same day.
• **Beverly Golf & Tennis Club Commission** — July 14: FY26 budget status, CPC Project Round 5 status, clubhouse off-season projects, and a golf course review of Fairway of Hole #18.
• **Harbor Management Authority** — July 15: Glover Wharf platform design options, Hoist Pier phase 2, public pier railing replacements, and Harbor Fest planning.

Note: All recent meetings listed above were agenda-only items with minutes not yet published, so outcomes and vote tallies are not confirmed in the public record.

Beverly City Council set to vote on FY27 budget and $1.5M road resurfacing transfer in busy two-week stretch

Beverly's City Council was scheduled to vote on Mayor Cahill's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and consider a $1.5 million transfer for road resurfacing during a packed stretch of meetings from June 22 through July 2. All items below are drawn from published agendas; minutes had not been posted as of July 6, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Council: Budget and infrastructure spending

The City Council had two meetings on June 22 and a third on June 25. The June 22 agenda listed a public hearing and vote on Mayor Cahill's proposed FY27 budget (Order #151), followed by executive sessions on police and fire collective bargaining and litigation in the case of City of Beverly v. Beverly Police Superior Officers Association. A separate special meeting the same day was set to vote on Order #15 for the FY27 proposed budget.

On June 25, the council was scheduled to hold public hearings on three items: a $1.5 million transfer from the road resurfacing account for work on Lothrop Street and a utility route; a $45,000 transfer for supplemental MEPA permitting for the Lynch Park Climate Resiliency project; and a National Grid petition to install underground electric facilities on River Street, including a 3,000-foot duct bank and nine manholes. The council was also set to consider appointing Brad Willenbrock to the Human Rights Committee and review alcohol waiver requests from The Bubble Bar and The Bottle Shop at Beverly Commons.

Zoning Board: Residential variances and 124-foot cell tower

The Zoning Board of Appeals on June 24 had hearings on five residential requests and one continued hearing for a wireless communications facility. Residential items included variances for a building addition at 78 Old Standley Street, a 20'x20' carport at 340 Old Essex Road, and a detached one-family dwelling at 29 West Street, plus a special permit for an addition at 11 Sunnyvale Street. The continued hearing covered a special permit and height/setback variances for a 124-foot monopole at 12 Tozer Road.

Historic District Commission: Two demolition delay hearings

The commission on June 24 scheduled public hearings on demolition delay application DD-26-3 for 38 Paine Ave and DD-26-5 for Glen Urquhart School at 206 Greenwood Ave. Members were also set to receive updates from the Demolition Delay Ordinance Subcommittee and the Historic Resource Survey Project for the Cabot-Rantoul Residential Neighborhood.

Conservation Commission: Seawall repairs and residential projects

On June 30, the Conservation Commission had public hearings for several properties. At 40 Prince Street, the proposal was to raze a house and build a new home, pool, and repair a seawall. Other hearings covered invasive species treatment and stair reconstruction at 58 West Street, an addition and patio at 15 Wirling Drive, and a carport, driveway, and patio at 8 Upland Road. The commission was also set to approve FY27 MACC membership dues.

Affordable Housing Trust: $160K grant extension request

The Beverly Affordable Housing Trust on June 30 was scheduled to consider a request from Harborlight Homes to extend a $160,000 grant for the Turtle Woods Housing Preservation and Decarbonization project.

Contributory Retirement Board: Retirements and warrants

The board on June 25 was set to vote on an involuntary retirement application for Patrol Officer Nicole Phillips (9 years, 1 month of service) and a buyback discrepancy for Mary Sullivan's creditable service. Seven superannuation retirements were listed, including Firefighter Robert Atherton Jr. (38 years) and Library Custodian Ralph Palmer (22 years). Financial warrants on the agenda totaled $1,411,383.87 for retiree payroll and $155,528.02 for disbursements.

Licensing Board: New brewery permit and cafe application

On July 2, the Licensing Board was scheduled to consider a new Farmer's Brewery Pouring Permit and Entertainment License for Old Planter's Brewing Co at 232 Rantoul Street, an alteration of licensed premises for Reds on the Rail at 112-114 Rantoul Street, and a common victualler application for Fresh Brew Café at 289 Rantoul Street. The board was also set to discuss license use and the recent closure of Prides Pizza at 644 Hale Street.

Other meetings

The Council on Aging (June 23) was set to vote on Senior of the Year and noted the retirement of building manager Ralph "Chip" Palmer effective June 29. The Commission on Disabilities (June 25) planned to review ADA transition plans and Dane Street wheelchair accessibility. The Library Trustees (June 30) were scheduled to review the FY2027 budget, a State Aid waiver application, HVAC issues at the main library, and leaks at the Farms branch. The Open Space & Recreation Committee (July 1) was set to discuss trail extensions, the Norwood Pond Bridge construction update, and an open space parcel at 0 Trask Lane.

Coming up

The South Essex Sewerage Board meets July 8 to approve warrants and consider authorization to file legislation. No other meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Beverly Boards Take Up FY27 Budget, $1.5M Road Transfer, and New Brewery Permit

Beverly municipal boards in late June took up the mayor's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, a $1.5 million road resurfacing transfer, and a host of development and licensing requests. Minutes from most sessions were not yet published, but agendas detailed the following actions.

Budget and Finance

The City Council held a public hearing June 22 on Order #151 to approve Mayor Cahill’s proposed FY27 budget and entered executive session for police and fire union negotiations and litigation against the Beverly Police Superior Officers Association. A special meeting on June 23 was scheduled solely to vote on Order #15 for the budget. Outcomes were not immediately available.

On June 25, the council scheduled public hearings on a $1,500,000 transfer from the road resurfacing account to repave Lothrop Street and a utility route, and a $45,000 transfer for supplemental Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act permitting for the Lynch Park Climate Resiliency project. The council also weighed a National Grid petition to install 3,000 feet of underground electric conduit and nine manholes on River Street.

The Affordable Housing Trust on June 30 was set to decide on a time extension for a $160,000 grant to Harborlight Homes for the Turtle Woods Housing Preservation and Decarbonization project.

The Contributory Retirement Board on June 25 voted on an involuntary retirement application for Patrol Officer Nicole Phillips, a buyback discrepancy for Mary Sullivan, and seven superannuation retirements including Firefighter Robert Atherton Jr. (38 years) and Library Custodian Ralph Palmer (22 years). The board also approved a retiree payroll warrant of $1,411,383.87 and a disbursements warrant of $155,528.02.

Land Use and Development

The Zoning Board of Appeals on June 24 reviewed five residential variance and special permit requests and a continued hearing for a 124-foot wireless monopole at 12 Tozer Road, which requires height and setback variances.

The Conservation Commission on June 30 scheduled public hearings for a project at 40 Prince Street to raze a house and build a new home with a pool and seawall repair, and for work at 58 West Street, 15 Wirling Drive, and 8 Upland Road.

The Historic District Commission on June 24 held demolition delay hearings for 38 Paine Ave (DD-26-3) and the Glen Urquhart School at 206 Greenwood Ave (DD-26-5).

The Open Space and Recreation Committee on July 1 discussed trail extensions from Sally Milligan to Cross Lane/Boyles Street, new stairs at Sally Milligan/Pearl Street Extension, and a bridge construction update for Norwood Pond.

Licenses and Alcohol

The Licensing Board on July 2 was scheduled to consider a new Farmer’s Brewery Pouring Permit and entertainment license for Old Planter’s Brewing Co. at 232 Rantoul Street. The board also planned to discuss an alteration of licensed premises and change of manager for Reds on the Rail at 112-114 Rantoul Street, a one-day license for a Tapped Beer Truck event July 17, and a common victualler application for Fresh Brew Café at 289 Rantoul Street. Separately, members expected to discuss the license usage and recent closure of Prides Pizza (dba Prides Deli & Pizzeria) at 644 Hale Street.

The City Council on June 25 also considered alcohol waiver requests from The Bubble Bar and The Bottle Shop for Beverley Commons.

Other Board Actions

The Council on Aging selected the Senior of the Year and noted the retirement of building manager Ralph “Chip” Palmer. The Stormwater Management Advisory Committee reviewed program updates and budget. The South Essex Sewerage Board voted on accepting a Gap IV Energy Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and agreements with Resource & Energy Consulting, LLC, plus activated carbon bids and filling a chief operator vacancy. Library trustees examined the FY27 budget, a state aid waiver, HVAC issues, and meeting room policies. The Veterans Advisory Committee planned a July 4 cookout and coordinated installation of a traveling memorial wall.

Coming Up

The South Essex Sewerage Board meets July 8 to approve warrants and consider filing legislation. No other public meetings were listed in the upcoming two weeks.