Category Archives: Zoning

Zoning and city planning that effects the types of building in Newburyport, MA

High End Are Us

Oy Vey.

Chico’s chain store… good story in the Newburyport Daily News, December 3, 2007, by Steven Tait. “982 women’s specialty stores under Chico’s and other names in 48 states… it sells clothing for ‘sophisticated women.’ The store’s products are marketed toward middle-age woman…”

This is from an earlier post on the Newburyport Blog, “…New England Development (NED) is thinking of stuff like the store on Middle and State Streets—’independently owned or small-chain outfits that offer something that complements, not detracts from, the existing retail mix of downtown….'”

Obviously Chico’s doesn’t fit that description.

And someone told me of a “high-end” salon coming to Newburyport, MA. I can’t figure if the salon is up and running, it’s snowing, and I’m too lazy to go out and take a look.

The address for the new salon is 1 Merrimack Street, Newburyport, MA–supposed to have opened November 2007. It’s December 2007. The phone number that was given was not working, and I could not reach anyone at the Boston location, 11 Newbury Street.

The person who told me about this salon said that a haircut would cost $100.

(Disclaimer: I’m probably the only woman in Newburyport, MA who is not a salon person. )

$100 seemed high to me.

I found this review at insiderpages.com

“Dress to Impress!
By Carolyn C.

Runway is a great salon if you are willing to pay approximately $100 for a simple haircut. The salon is extremely trendy with a European feel. The receptionists are extremely friendly and cater to your every need. The clients tend to be dressed to the nines for their hair appointment and that makes the scene a little intimidating.
Although it is extremely expensive, this salon is truly a luxurious treat! Just make sure you are dressed to impress when you go in….”

(There were more reviews along that line.)

On boston.citysearch.com:

“Always a fashion leader, Runway Salon is the only true European salon in Boston. Recently featured on TLC’s “A Makeover Story”…”

High-end is Ok. But only high-end, not so good in my book.

Sigh.

I have no idea (not being a salon person) if this salon would be the sort of business that “complements, not detracts from, the existing retail mix of downtown.”

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

A Win-Win on the Newburyport City Council Floor

The mood on the Newburyport City Council floor on Monday night October 29, 2007 was, I would say, jovial from the get go– the night that the Fruit Street Local Historic District came up for its final vote.

Often when major decisions are made, the mood on the Newburyport City Council floor could sometimes be tense. On the night the vote for the special election for the Newburyport school override, it felt as if the whole place could be on edge.

But not last night. Last night was a whole different story.

During the “Public Comment” period, a lot of folks spoke on behalf of the Fruit Street Local Historic District, and not the usually faces. And sometimes, for me, the “Public Comment” period is not my favorite part to watch. It often feels painful.

But not last night.

The Newburyport City Council seemed to be genuinely moved by the folks that spoke during the “Public Comment” period.

Karen Battles of the Newburyport Preservation Trust had this to say:

“One of the delights of living here is walking through neighborhood after neighborhood of historic homes. Maybe because we are surrounded by it everyday, we don’t grasp how unbelievably rare this is in this day and age. As more and more places become cookie-cutter subdivisions and the same franchise appears every other block, the authentic becomes more and more valuable. We are the currents stewards of Newburyport, we have not only the right, but the obligation to protect our resources.” (Used with permission)

There was also a great deal of laughter and kidding around. This is not always the case.

And when it came to the vote on the Newburyport City Council floor, Newburyport City Councilor James Shanley spoke most eloquently. And you could almost hear people holding their breath as Richard Jones, the Newburyport City Clerk, called the roll.

And when the vote was not only in favor of the Fruit Street Local Historic District, but was unanimous, applause and cheers spontaneously broke out. A lot of jumping up and down with sheer relief and joy.

This is an example of a project that has taken decades to come about. And the actual creation of the Newburyport Fruit Street Local Historic District took a lot of time (2 years), with a great deal of public input and public process. There were no shortcuts here. And, from what I observed, there was also a great deal of dialogue with the Newburyport City Council and the Mayor as well.

And this combination of productive public process and constructive public dialogue made for a win-win situation, instead of public divisiveness that could occur over a variety of issues.

This whole process is an incredible example of how to get positive things accomplished on the municipal level. And again a big congratulations to everyone involved.

And again (see previous post) this Newburyport City Council 2006-2007 has come so far in working together and working for the good of the citizens of Newburyport, MA, and I am so proud of them. And not to repeat myself, but to repeat myself, I cannot fathom why anyone would say that that would not be so.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

The Fruit Street Local Historic District

Tonight, October 29, 2007, the Newburyport City Council passed the Fruit Street Local Historic District unanimously.

Whew.

I am really proud of this Newburyport City Council. This is an historic moment and they can be very, very proud.

It has taken many, many decades for Newburyport to take this very important step towards protecting our historic assets, something that is so vital to the future of Newburyport, MA.

And I take great exception to 2 candidates running for Newburyport City Councilor at Large, saying that this particular Newburyport City Council either “does not work with the mayor,” or “works against the mayor.”

Excuse me.

This is an incredible example of the mayor and the Newburyport City Council working together for what is best for the city of Newburyport, MA.

And this is also an example of people meeting in the middle and building bridges. I am sure “historic preservationist purists” would have liked a much stronger version of the ordinance than what was passed. And I’m sure that “building rights” folks would have liked to have seen no Fruit Street Local Historic District at all.

But this version of a Local Historic District (LHD) is “Local Historic District light.”

Not too strict and not non-existent. But just right.

Its goal is to be stewards of our historic heritage without being anything close to being tyrants. And the committee that worked so hard for over almost 2 years has my deepest “Thank You.”

A job well done and a great deal of credit to all sorts of deserving folks, including the Newburyport Historical Commission, the Newburyport Office of Planning and Development, the Historical Society of Old Newbury and the Newburyport Preservation Trust. As well as the residents of Fruit Street for setting this amazing example for the citizens of Newburyport, MA.

Mary Eaton
Newburyort

Newburyport District Guide and Blog Vapors

The fact that the money recommended by the Community Preservation Act (CPA) for an expert to help the study group, for a possible formation of a Newburyport historic district, only squeaked by the Newburyport City Council (Newburyport Daily News, August 14, 2007) by 6 votes, is enough to almost give this blogger the “vapors.”

Hello.

This is a HUGE job for the study group, looking at all the possibilities for creating a possible historic district for Newburyport.

This is a gigantic job, mandated by state guidelines. It isn’t, “Well maybe we’ll propose this. What do you all think?”

NO, it’s a whole lot more complicated than that.

Think of it as a group of early settlers in Pennsylvania who are being told to get to California, and let everyone know what happens to be in between. And by the way, no one has ever made this journey before, except for a couple of people who really know what they are doing.

But guess what? Those guides, those experts, who have been across this terrain, well, whoops, you don’t get to talk to them, much less let them help you figure out how to arrive, and explain what all the possibilities are that may be out there.

No, go figure it out yourself. Hope you make it beyond the first mile.

Good grief.

If the Newburyport City Council hadn’t passed the money for an expert or a guide at this initial stage of the journey, one of the members of the study group would have had to get a PhD, just to figure out what to do next, it’s that complicated.

Now, I kid a lot about needing a PhD for various stuff, but I’m serious here. Someone really would actually needed to have a PhD to understand what to do next.

I had no idea that the vote was going to be that close. Good grief.

We desperately need to protect our historic assets. What’s left. The The National Architectural Trust says we have lost one third of our historic housing stock since 1984. Believe me, we won’t have many historic assets left, if this “economic emergency” isn’t addressed in some sort of timely fashion. (Making one of the study group get a PhD does not qualify as in a “timely fashion.”)

And the Newburyport City Council almost stopped the whole thing right in its tracks on Monday night, August 13, 2007.

Enough to give this Newburyport Blogger the proverbial possible vapors. Geesh.

Please press here to read one of the entries on the Newburyport District Study Committee.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Hollywood Comes to Town

Boy oh boy, are the frogs ever excited, jumping up and rolling all over the place.

George Cushing of Frog Pond at the Bartlet Mall, the political consultant to the Newburyport Blog is giving the Newburyport Current the big “thumbs-up.”

George Cushing giving
the Newburyport Current the “thumbs-up”

Yes, someone has connected the dots about the revamping of 87 High Street and what this could mean for Newburyport, Massachusetts.

To quote from the Newburyport Current, July 20, 2007, Undercurrents by Donna O’Neil:

“We can see it now, a bus rolls through town offering stops at the homes of Hollywood celebs–Newburyport locations, The guide armed with a megaphone that can be heard for miles squawks, ‘First stop 87 High Street…’

What other celebrities will find our hidden gem…”

Any number of readers of the Newburyport Blog have asked me, “Newburyport has had famous people who have lived here before or live here now, what’s wrong with having Peter Tolan in Newburyport, Massachusetts?”

This is what yours truly does not want. The editor of the Newburyport Blog does not want “revamping” of historic properties in Newburyport, MA (especially on Historic High Street, good grief) by folks who are only going to use the place for brief visits.

The “revamping” of 87 High Street in its present form would raise a few eyebrows anyway. But the fact that the folks who are using such a visible and significant home for a “second residence” is of concern to this blogger.

It could mean that the buyers might NOT become an intricate part of the community (they are probably involved in their home town Montecito CA, already, the city listed on salemdeeds.com as their primary residence).

Very possibly there could be little or no community involvement (aside from paying tons of taxes, which we as residents would applaud). Possibly not having the time to understand the community, its culture and its needs.

Would “second resident” owners of with money of this magnitude become involved in local projects?? Use local banks?? (They didn’t for the mortgage -salemdeeds.com)

It feels a little bit like having a “residential” chain store. Looks flashy, but might not return much to the community in terms of human commitment and local moola.

So “thank you” Newburyport Current and Donna O’Neil. And hopefully it could never get to the point where there would be celebrity tour buses and bull horns in Newburyport, MA.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Enacting Smart Growth

An article in the Boston Globe, July 5, 2007 by Kay Lazar and Matt Carroll, talks about the possible “crowed future” and possible “shrinking space” in the suburban communities north of Boston, MA.

Suburban sprawl, due to lousy zoning laws, is predicted to spread like permanent poison ivy across Massachusetts’ North Shore, unless the principals of “smart growth” are adopted.

The possible loss of some 400 acres in, count ’em, 14 communities.

But you know which community is NOT listed among that august list? Yes, you guessed it, Newburyport, MA.

And why? It is because we had a planning director who was highly focused on “smart growth” for Newburyport, MA. And yes indeedy, we have cluster zoning, the zoning that is “smart” because it does its darnest to preserve “open space” and not have any more sprawl like Cherry Hill, that looks like suburban sprawl in places like Wellesley (no offense Cherry Hill or Wellesley).

And this brings me back again, I guess, to the politics and peccadillo thing.

Our former Planning Director, Nick Cracknell.

Many in Newburyport, MA believe Mr. Cracknell has peccadilloes that sprout up like porcupine quills. I believe our current mayor, Mayor John Moak, said to Mr. Cracknell in a location where all sorts for folks overheard, that Mr. Moak had “contempt” for Mr. Cracknell. (Many of us suspected there for a long time that John Moak seemed to feel Mr. Cracknell was chock full of peccadilloes.)

And anyone who has hung out with Mr. Cracknell for a bit, might see a Cracknellean possible peccadillo springing up here or there.

Ah, but when you have an exceptional planning problem solver, does one overlook those pesky possible peccadilloes?

We would be on that list in the Boston Globe and it would be a list of 15 communities not 14 if it had not been for Mr. Cracknell’s whirling energy and determination that Newburyport, MA change is unfortunate zoning ways.

So in looking back, we could owe Mr. Cracknell quite a bit, as a result of his virtuoso, zoning talent.

This brings me to my blogging quandary. When, political-wise, could political peccadilloes be overruled, excused, condoned?

Maybe when a gifted individual comes along that transcends mediocrity, peccadilloes could be overlooked, just as long as they are just idiosyncratic peccadilloes, for the long term greater good of the community of Newburyport, MA.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Local Historic District Study Committee

One of my favorite scenes in the movie “Chicago” is towards the end of the film where Richard Gere is in court, his client “Roxie” is in trouble, and he does this incredible, frenetic tap dance, literally, and to get his client free.

That’s a little bit of how I feel about where we as a city are with the issue of the Local Historic District.

Monday night, June 11, 2007 the Newburyport City Council passed on the first reading the members (including soon to be ex-Newburyport Planning Board member, Doug Locy) appointed by Mayor John Moak, to the Local Historic District study group.

Tapetty, tap, tap.

Whew. Now, the final reading to get through.

Tap, tap.

And there are blasts by “property rights owner” advocates against having their property rights violated.

Tapety, tap, tap, tap.

The Local Historic District study group is just the beginning of a long process towards exploring whether or not to have some, part or parts of Newburyport, MA be designated a Local Historic District.

Tap.

The process of all of this, including who goes on the study group (an architect and a realtor at least) is set in stone by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This is no fly by night process.

Tapety, tap, tap, tap.

To property rights advocates. Get over it.

Tap.

You live in one of the most historically significant small cities in the US of A.

Tap.

The National Architectural Trust has said that Newburyport, MA has lost one third of its historic assets since 1984.

Tap, tap.

If you do not want to be a steward of something a whole lot bigger than you are, an historic city, then go somewhere where historic assets are not endangered.

Tap.

So those of us who care about preserving what is left of our town could have the opportunity of being stewards of this amazing place, whether we’ve lived here all our lives or just arrived here, or something in between.

Tappety, tap.

And no, a Local Historic District does not have to be onerous. It could be Local Historic District light. And the people on the Local Historic District study group are all A+ people, who are supper sensitive to how people feel about this issue.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Chair of Newburyport Planning Board not Reappointed

Mayor John Moak has informed Doug Locy that he would not be reappointed to the Newburyport Planning Board.

Oy Vey.

And Mr. Locy is taking it like the “gent” (gentleman) that he is.

I emailed Doug when I heard the news and Mr. Locy emailed me back the most gracious of emails. He’s words speak far more eloquently than mine ever could.

“I know folks will speculate and search for other reasons behind his decision. But I’m not going there. Our City is indeed very fortunate if there are in fact five qualified candidates ready to volunteer. Membership requires a great deal of time to serve the City properly. We have eight other dedicated and talented Planning Board members who have demonstrated their willingness to make the necessary sacrifice. I’m confident our City will be well served going forward.”

Doug Locy has been on the Planning Board for 15 years, and it certainly was many folks hope that we as a community would have his wisdom, knowledge and calm, civil but resolute leadership to help us through the Waterfront West and the Little River Village permitting processes. Two very crucial projects for the city of Newburyport, MA.

Although Mr. Locy had spoken out in favor of former planning director, Nick Cracknell (who was let go by Mayor Moak), and worked on Donna Holaday’s campaign (Mayor Moak’s opponent in the 2005 election), Mayor John Moak, in today’s Newburyport Current, June 1, 2007, says he does not feel that this is a “political” decision. Dan Bowie and Jeff Roelofs, who have been critical of Mr. Moak in the past, have both been reappointed to the Planning Board. And Mayor John Moak is also going to reappoint Bonnie Sontag, a former Holaday supporter and campaign worker.

I wish that Mayor Moak had made the decision to keep on Mr. Locy. But as Doug Locy pointed out in the email that I was sent, it is the mayor’s “prerogative to cast City boards and commissions with appointments that best reflect his views.”

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Helping to Save Newburyport’s Historic Assets

In all the hoopla over the special election for the override for our schools, a snippet from the Newburyport Daily News sat in my “research” pile unattended.

Or maybe it was just too depressing to even think about it.

Yes, Todd Freemont-Smith of Wills Lane LLC got the go ahead to develop the back of the Wheelwright property. Mr. Freemont-Smith will be putting in a road and 4 houses on the back of this historic High Street land on Newburyport’s “Ridge.”

The article was in the Newburyport Daily News, May 22, 2007.

Sad stuff.

But there have been some good things happening for historic preservation in Newburyport, MA.

A demolition permit was requested for 6 Calswells Court a c 1800 Georgian period house. The owners, after talking with the Newburyport Historical Commission and the members of the Newburyport Preservation Trust, are now restoring this historic asset. Yeh.

A demolition permit was also sought for the house next to the Methodist Church on Purchase Street. That permit has been withdrawn as well, and the home is also being restored.

Fighting for one historic asset at a time in Newburyport, MA.

Probably neither the house on Purchase Street or the house on Calswells Court would have been saved if it were not for the 12 month Newburyport Demolition Delay.

The Demolition Delay has provided an opportunity to have a dialogue with owners of these two historic properties. And once the value and options were understood, both owners opted for historic preservation.

But we need more in Newburyport to protect our historic assets. A Local Historic District would be themost comprehensive way to protect the city’s architecture and streetscapes.

The city of Newburyport, MA actually has a Local Historic District Study Committee, which is a very big deal for Newburyport, MA.

And there is a fundraiser for the Local Historic District Study Committee being provided by the Newburyport Preservation Trust.

Local Historic District Fundraiser

Market Square c 1906

The fundraiser will be held this Saturday, June 2, 2007, from 4-6 PM at the historic house of one of Newburyport’s most illustrious writers, J.P. Marquand.

For more information please see the Events page of the Newburyport Preservation Trust.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Historic Preservation

Could it be possible to transition back to the topic of “historic preservation?” To change the subject from “schools, schools, schools” and a possible running commentary on how we as a community are now going to tear each other to shreds, to a more uniting subject? Wouldn’t that be refreshing.

The frogs say they are sick of hearing about school stuff (and so, by the way, I gather, are many readers of the Newburyport Blog.)

I asked George Cushing, of Frog Pond at the Bartlet Mall, the political consultant to the Newburyport Blog, what could be a more uplifting and unifying subject, that I the editor of the Newburyport Blog might blog about.

George (predictably) suggests the subject of our historic heritage and our historic assets, something, surely all of Newburyport, MA could agree upon.

Ok, George, get real, we’ve come along way in realizing that our historic assets are in trouble to the point where we have a committee that would explore the possibility of maybe, kind of a largish Local Historic District, (which used to be a bad, bad word) might be possible. And “Local Historic District” is getting to be less of a bad, bad word, but I would hardly call it a word that exactly inspires a “love fest,” yet.

George has just given me a “give me a break” look. Whatever.

What about the Preservation Awards from the City of Newburyport, MA? The only preservation award I blogged about was Newburyport City Hall. What about all those other deserving folk? That was way back February 8, 2007. Certainly got waylaid by all this school stuff, right?

Good point George.

Maybe one of the nicest things about the preservation awards, was an emphasis on your not spectacularly obvious historic properties. (Often folks define historic properties by the fact that George Washington or whoever important slept there, so of course the place has to be historic and probably is the only reason it could possibly be historic.)

Probably no one fancy, smancy lived, slept, ate, whatever at 7 Prospect Street, 323 Merrimac Street or 11 Smith Street (all of which got awards), but they still add to the very important historic and economic value of Newburyport, MA.

11 Smith Street
Image courtesy of the City of Newburyport
and Steven Rudolph of the
Newburyport Preservation Trust

Carol Herzog made restorations to 11 Smith Street. The restoration included window replacement and chimney reconstruction as well as “meticulous attention to detail and superb craftsmanship throughout the house.” (Newburyport Historic Commission, February 8, 2007)

Wow! Pretty cool.

So thanks George. It feels good to blog on historic preservation again. I think I’ll go for a walk now and admire all those historic assets that mean so much to the city of Newburyport, MA. And I’m going to take yet another gander at 11 Smith Street which has always been one of my favorites. So a very big thank you to Carol Herzog and to all the other folks that have contributed meaningfully to historic properties in this fair city.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Demolition Application 58-60 Purchase Street

58-60 Purchase Street has come before the Newburyport Historical Commission for a Demolition Permit.

This is the two-family house next to the Methodist Church on Purchase Street. According to the Newburyport GIS map the house was built in 1879.

From what I understand, the applicants were very responsive to the Newburyport Historical Commission’s input last Thursday night, March 15, 2007. What a relief it would be if that receptiveness could continue.

This demolition application along with the proposed demolition of 64-66 Lime Street makes 3 demolition desires in one small area of the South End of Newburyport in the last month alone.

The informal meeting about the 64-66 Lime Street property is today:

7:00 PM
Tuesday
March 20, 2007
Newburyport City Hall

Moderated by Ward 2 City Councilor Gregory Earls.

(Proposed 64-66 Lime Street plot plan. PDF version. Courtesy of the Newburyport Preservation Trust).

And to quote from The National Architectural Trust again:

“Despite placement on the National Register and local efforts to protect the community, demolition, development and period inappropriate alterations and additions have effectively replaced one third of these historic (Newburyport) properties.”

One third of our historic assets lost and counting.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, supportNBPT.org Meeting

Dear Newburyport Citizen,

As an active and concerned member of the Newburyport community, I urge you to join us upstairs at the Grog on Thursday, March 29th, at 7pm to learn more about how you can make a difference in:

– preserving the local character of Newburyport
– supporting locally-owned independent businesses
– preventing chains from taking over the downtown and waterfront

We are supportNBPT.org, an organization dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of locally-owned independent businesses, and advocating for the citizens of Newburyport in order to guide development in our city that will benefit the community. The March 29th meeting will focus on presenting our goals and taking questions from the community. Specifically, we will discuss a formula store ordinance we are drafting to present to city council in April. The ordinance would encourage locally owned businesses, and place limits on the number and extent of formula businesses (“chains”) in the downtown and waterfront areas of our city.

Our objective is to prevent national chains from taking over downtown Newburyport and detracting from the unique character of the city that we all love. Newburyport already has a Starbucks, four Dunkin Donuts (one downtown), a Talbots and more. With an $800 million commercial development project being planned on our waterfront and other possibilities along State and Pleasant streets, supportNBPT.org will be providing a voice for the citizens of Newburyport who value locally-owned, independent businesses.

We are taking a proactive stance to protect our unique downtown character and direct growth towards the benefit of the community, not just large corporations. Please join us, and Spread The Word!!

When: Thu March 29, 7-9pm
Where: Upstairs at the Grog, 13 Middle St, Newburyport
Cost: Free admission, although we welcome donations; cash bar

RSVP: Send e-mail to info@supportnbpt.org. Please indicate the number of people who will be attending.

For more information, go to www.supportNBPT.org.

Best Regards,
The supportNBPT.org Organization

Gene Volovich
Newburyport

Newburyport, Preserving Our Historic Assets

I’ve just read the editorial in the Newburyport Daily News, March 14, 2007 on the beginning of the process of protecting Newburyport’s historic heritage, the appointment of a Historic District Study Committee.

The Historic District Study Committee was appointed by Mayor John Moak and was (as I understand it) unanimously passed by the Newburyport City Council this Monday, March 12, 2007. Good for the Newburyport City Council and good for Mayor John Moak.

By law the Historic District Study Committee has to be diverse. (If you Google “Massachusetts General Law 40C,” you will find it, and you will find out that, yes indeed, this is a long and thoughtful process with gobs of public input.)

The Historic District Study Committee by law has to consist of 3-7 people. The Study Committee has to include an architect, a realtor and a member appointed by the Newburyport Historical Commission.

The idea here, as I understand it, is not to scare everyone into thinking they are going to live in a museum and have no say on their property rights. That’s the old fear laden concept that has kept us from protecting our historic assets lo these many, many years.

The idea here is for the Historic District, if it ever comes about, to be “user friendly” for goodness sakes. (And NOT doing anything silly like dictating paint color, good grief!)

And just for giggles this is from the website of the The National Architectural Trust.

“In Newburyport, Massachusetts, the local government tried unsuccessfully to fund a preservation commission to monitor and protect the second largest single community of Federal style architecture in the United States. This community of 2,600 homes has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Despite placement on the National Register and local efforts to protect the community, demolition, development and period inappropriate alterations and additions have effectively replaced one third of these historic properties.”

You read correctly. According to The National Architectural Trust we have lost one third of our historic properties since 1984.

Think what will be left if we continue that nifty trend.

So, I really, really did not appreciate the editorial in the Newburyport Daily News, March 14, 2007. We can do Historic District “user friendly,” for goodness sakes.

And I don’t think anyone is against energy efficient houses. And somehow I think that the realtor and the architect on the Historic Study Committee will take into consideration people’s property rights.

So let’s get out of the terrified, fear-ridden, preservation dark ages, and get into the preservation light-filled present.

By law, this is a long and thoughtful process with gobs of public input and has to be passed by two-thirds of the Newburyport City Council.

Let’s not jump to panic ridden conclusions here.

Instead, let’s give all the parties involved in this one a round of applause.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Mangling Our Historic Assets

More mangling of our historic assets. Oy veh.

64-66 Lime Street. We are talking about Stickney’s neighborhood store (c1850), a neighborhood store which I have always loved, but hey they want to sell it.

And we are talking about a very old gambrel (c1735) that also goes with the property that also runs along Milk Street. That’s the one I really care about.

And the developers,  Mark DePiero, president of DePiero LLC, and Steve Coyle, president of MSC Realty Development (Newburyport Daily News, March 8, 2007) would like to demolish them both and put up two, not one, two 2,300 and 2,700 square feet homes.

Yikes.

This in from the Newburyport Preservation Trust:

“To implement their development plan, the proposed buyer(s) will need a Section 6C Special Permit from the Planning Board in order to build 2 new buildings on this lot. The lot size is listed at 4,920 sq feet. According to the Planning Office, the minimum lot size required to build a single-family home in this district is 8,000 sq feet.”

Excuse me.

These folks are also going to need Special Permits/Variances from the Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as being excused by the Newburyport Historical Commission for a Demolition Delay.

Ok, Mark DePiero has good taste. But he does replicas. If there is a vacant lot, Ok, a replica (maybe).

But here, we are talking about tearing down an historic asset, something that makes it economically worthwhile for everybody in Newburyport, MA. The reason people want to live, work, visit and play in this place. And put up a replica for the real existing deal.

This makes me want to scream.

And this is a tiny lot. 4,920 Square Feet. Two large structures on 4,920 Square feet.

Say what?

So I hope (March 27, 2007 is when it is on the docket) that the Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals says “NO, NO, NO, you do not get to destroy Newburyport’s historic assets, the city of Newburyport, MA will not be diminished one more time.”

I hope the Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals says a big fat “no thank you.”

For goodness sakes, restore the historic asset, bring it back to it’s glory. Make us all proud.

So far Mr. DePiero has gotten a bit of a pass. But not after this one folks. Don’t let this one happen. Please. Not when there are so many tangible reasons NOT to let this one take place.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

(Editor’s note: Proposed 64-66 Lime Street plot plan. PDF version. Courtesy of the Newburyport Preservation Trust.)

Newburyport, Moving Things Along

Good editorial by Taylor Armerding in the Newburyport Daily News, February 28, 2007 about amending a law that would speed the process up for the Newburyport Planning Board and the Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals.

“And a proposed minor change in local ordinances looks like a good way to preserve the need for informed decisions while cutting down on frustrating delays…”

“City Councilor James Shanley has proposed allowing board members to miss one meeting and still vote on a matter as long as they read notes, listen to an audiotape or view a videotape of the meeting so they have the same information as those who were present. The member would also have to state in writing that he or she had caught up on all the relevant information…” (Newburyport Daily News, February 28, 2007, by Taylor Armerding)

The original story in the Newburyport Daily News, February 22, 2007 did not mention was that this is not something that Councilor James Shanley (as intelligent as he might be) thought up all by himself.

The Newburyport City Council voted to adopt a change that has already been approved by the State Legislature. The change in the law was approved by the State Legislature May 12, 2006.

Apparently the information on this change to the state law was covered at a workshop, sponsored by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, on Variances and Special Permits.

As I understand it, the change in the law was driven by the fact that many towns and cities are having trouble with having enough members present at meetings, mostly due to the fact that so many people have to travel for work now. (Makes a lot of sense to me.)

And this is for “an adjudicatory hearing.”

And what in the world is “an adjudicatory hearing?” A large word for The Newburyport Blog. Had me scrambling for dictionaries, etc.

Here’s what I came up with:

*To study and settle (a dispute or conflict).
*the act of pronouncing judgment based on the evidence presented.

So the Newburyport City Council did not vote on some “fly by night” whim thought up by a member of the Newburyport City Council.

The Newburyport City Council voted on a change that has already been approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and recommended by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.

Works for me. And obviously worked for the Newburyport City Council. Hope it helps a whole lot.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport, MA

Newburyport, Protecting Our Historic Assets

It warmed the cockles of my little heart to read Stephen Tait’s most excellent article in the Newburyport Daily News, February 26, 2007 on protecting Newburyport’s historic assets. (The article can be read in its entirety [with permission] on the website of Save Our Town.)

To quote from the Newburyport Daily News article, February 26, 2007:

“Newburyport is one of the most historical- and architectural-rich areas in the country,” said Linda Smiley, chairwoman of the Historical Commission. “To fail to recognize that value by not protecting it is not very prudent. It is really what makes us. It drives our economy….”

“It is really a discussion about how to protect the city’s historic assets, which really provides the city with its economic backbone,” she (Smiley) said…”

“Given the historical significance of Newburyport, which is regarded as one of the top places in the country for historical homes, especially Federalist style, it comes as a surprise to some that there are no safeguards already in place, Smiley said…”

“Nancy Colbert, the city’s planning director and expert in historical preservation, said such districts are used to protect the assets of cities such as Newburyport.

“Local historic districts are one of the strongest tools available to a municipality in regard to protection,” she said….”

“Colbert said there have been other attempts to create a district, but they were opposed by those who do not want such regulations on their homes. She said this time around will be an opportunity to educate people on the benefits, adding that it will be essential to make the district appropriate and user-friendly…”

“Doug Locy, chairman of the Planning Board, did say the commission would not likely be for extensive rules…”

“Smiley, Colbert and Locy said a recent emergence of grass-roots groups in the city that are calling for more historic protections and the historic district forming for Fruit Street helped spawn momentum for the larger, citywide project…” (Newburyport Daily News, February 26, 2007, by Steven Tait)

I’m loving this. I can’t tell you how much I’m loving this.

The proposal, starting off very slowly with a “study group,” has been sent “to committee.” At this point I do not know how the Newburyport City Council would respond long-term, but, for goodness sakes, what an opportunity.

And to read that a discussion about protecting our historic assets taking place on the Newburyport City Council floor, well, that just makes me smile from ear to ear.

That the Newburyport Historic Commission, Newburyport’s Planning Director and the chair of the Newburyport Planning Board all would like “user-friendly” protection. Very smart. Very smart indeed.

May the Newburyport City Council take advantage of this opportunity and engage in protecting our historic assets, the base of our economic vitality, ensuring a vibrant economic future, to leave as a legacy for Newburyport, MA.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, MA, New England Development

From reading the Newburyport Daily News last week it sounded like a nifty New England Development, Karpian “love-fest.” Chuck Lagasse, Ann Lagasse, George Hilton, the mayor. It sounded like everybody’s just “yummy.” Everyone frolicking around except for the one person Newburyport, MA would very much like to see up close and personal, Mr. Stephen Karp.

I got to say that since Stephen Karp has never made a public appearance in Newburyport, MA (Newburyport Daily News, February 16, 2007), that no matter what Mr. Karp might say at this point, it is my opinion that the populace of Newburyport, MA might be skeptical, to say the least. (Is this an vast understatement? Yes.)

I do not believe that the issue is, that the residents of Newburyport, MA might lack “patience” in regards to a huge waterfront development by Mr. Karp, that could or could not radically and permanently damage Newburyport, MA. I think that the issue is a matter of trust, or to clarify, unearned trust by Mr. Stephen Karp himself.

After the series of articles in the Newburyport Daily News, I wanted to call up our mayor or Mr. Hilton (who just sold his Marina to Mr. Karp for lots and lots of money) and say, “is this really a love-fest??”

I’ve been told many times that I should call people like our mayor and George Hilton for comments. But I gotta tell you, I would feel a little silly (not in the good sense “silly,” but in the silly sense “silly”) calling up and saying, “hi, this is Mary Baker Eaton from the Newburyport Political Blog, would you be willing to make a comment? Is this really a love-fest or what?”

However, having made the acquaintance of both Sarah White (Newburyport Preservation Trust) and Allyson Lawless (Buy Local), I did get in touch with both of these young ladies who were quoted in the Newburyport Daily News article, February 16, 2007, and asked, “is this really a love-fest or what? Is everybody as “yummy” as everyone sounds?”

And to give both young ladies mucho credit, neither one of them thought I was totally “whacked.” (They both like frogs. ) (And hey, I am getting the “you are totally whacked” thing because of the frogs, and maybe other stuff as well, I don’t know.)

And in the article in the Newburyport Daily News, February 16, 2007, it was pointed out by Ms Lawless that all we have to go on is what Mr. Karp has done for his other projects and developments. And yes, both young ladies are “concerned,” not “hysterical,” not “fearful” but “concerned.”

And whether or not what New England Development does is “tasteful” or not, did not appear to be the issue. Whether or not what New England Development does or does not do is “appropriate” or “inappropriate” for our New England seacoast city, is very much the issue indeed.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Development along Route 1

Thank goodness for the indepth article, along with photographs, written by Ulrika Gerth in the Newburyport Current, February 16, 2007, on the proposed development in Newbury along Route 1.

The article not only talks about the complexities that Newbury faces, but also puts it in context of the Little River Transit Village and Newbury’s threat from 40B projects.

Whether this is a good development for Newbury and Newburyport or not still remains to be seen, but good solid facts help the public to make an informed decision.

* This possible project has entailed “years of planning.”

* Newbury has been threatened with a shopping mall in that area and a 40B project.

* The proposed plan is for development on 14 acres not 72 acres. The remaining 58 acres would be under a “conservation restriction.”

* This would help protect Newbury from 40B developments as hopefully the numbers for affordable housing would be raised from 3% to more like 10%.

* Newburyport has to Ok the water and sewer for any project like this is to happen. And from what I can make out, we have by no means said “yes.”

* Planning for the Little River Transit Village on our end is very much in the works.

* This project has a long way to go.

* The development “would dramatically change the Route 1 gateway to Newburyport.” The photographs in the Newburyport Current show that what is there now is not exactly “scenic.” There is not enough information yet to know if people would feel that this development would or would not be acceptable.

* It could “potentially attract more business along Route 1.” I’m assuming that means more business South along Route 1, not the planned Little River Transit Village. And if that would be the case the pastoral feeling leading to Newburyport could be diminished. Although from what I can make out, the area South of this proposal is not slated for zoning changes (I am unclear on this point).

* Change and growth are inevitable. My impression is that Newbury’s Town Planner, Judy Tymon, and the Newbury Planning Board appear to be doing everything they can to try and make that growth be as responsible as possible.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Newbury Development on Route 1

I’m going to pass on what I’ve learned about the proposed development by Newbury on Route 1 as I learn more about it.

* Newbury’s financial situation has been described to me as being “desperate” and “in peril.”

* Newbury has almost no income from commercial or industrial business to help support expenses.

* Taxes are almost solely from property taxes.

* Newbury has a large percentage of older folks. A raise in property tax could mean that older folks might have to move.

* Newbury’s Finance Committee and Planning Board are two intelligent and thoughtful groups.

* The town has 3% Affordable Housing. They desperately would like to get that figure to go up towards 10% to qualify for more state help.

* Newbury has been threatened previously with 2 very undesirable projects. I think the town has been threatened with a “40B, landfill transfer center” as well as a “140,000 square-foot shopping center” on this same property. (I need to double and triple check those 2 exact items).
[Editors note: the information on those 2 items has been double checked.]

* Newbury feels that it could work with this developer, Beacon Community Development and is encouraged.

* There was a great deal of positive and receptive feedback from the people who attended the meeting with the developer last week.

* With a cooperative developer, the town of Newbury feels that it is possible to have a positive experience and outcome.

* This is a 40R project, which is different from a 40B project which is different from an Overlay District. From what I understand so far (and I am on a steep learning curve here) an Overlay District gives more control to the town, but a 40R gives more state help, however, less control. There is such a thing as a friendly 40R or even friendly 40B where the town and developer work together.

* Something will be built on that property. The town of Newbury is hoping for the best possible outcome.

* This would be part of the Little River Transit Village proposed project.

* This would not prevent Newburyport from going ahead with its plans for the Little River Transit Village. As I understand it (and again, I am on a steep learning curve here) the reason for the Little River Transit Village for Newburyport is to control growth and to minimize inappropriate growth in other areas of Newburyport, MA.

* The acreage that could be built on is 14 acres not 72 acres. I gather the parcel itself is 72 acres. As I understand it the hope is to preserve open space.

Usually I do not do this sort of post. I know legally I am considered a “publisher” and I’ve tried to put down in this post what I have discovered in my research this weekend, which has been a help to me.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Development, Newbury, Route 1

This is a slightly less hysterical post of the “MAYDAY” post that was in my blogging head yesterday.

It is in response to the article on the front page of the Newburyport Daily News, February 9, 2007 with the headline “Historic proposal presented.” (Possibly somewhat of an ambiguous headline.)

Facts mentioned in the article that made my blood pressure go up.

* 72 acres of land just south of the railroad station in Newbury for major development.

* 90,000 square-feet of retail space and 248 homes.

* “The 220 rental apartments would be clustered in 24 buildings, the 28 townhouse condiminiums in four other structures.”

* Beacon Community Development.

* 35,000 square-foot grocery store.

* “…rival, if not eclipse, the “Waterside West” development that Newburyport city officials envision developer Stephen Karp could propose on the city’s downtown waterfront.”

* “The project would be about two miles from downtown Newburyport.”

* “The retail part of the development would be about two-thirds the size of Port Plaza, on Storey Avenue.”

* “…it was likely that one or possibly two traffic signals would be needed, at Route 1 and the new main street and a few hundred feet farther south at the Route 1-HanoverStreet-Middle Road junction.”

* “Beacon would be working with Newburyport to provide water and sewer service to the village.”

* “The goal is that this would be fiscally neutral for the town… ”

This is was what the article did not say.

The “development” will be on about 20 (I think) acres of land. Still a heck of a lot of land.

This is “technically” part of the Little River Transit Village. “Technically.” In reading the stuff on the Little River Transit Village, it doesn’t sound like the “development” is in the spirit of that planning document. (This is where I need a major education from the readers of the Newburyport Political Blog. I will admit to being on a huge learning curve when it comes to the Little River Transit Village stuff.)

This is not “new” or out of the blue, but has been in the works for at least a year. (Boy, have I ever been under a rock. I’ll have to turn my eyes towards the Newbury part of the papers from here on in.)

And on the Town of Newbury website, yes indeed, this area is slated for development. Who knew? Not moi, I can tell you.

I have tons of questions about this project. But Wow. Good grief. Yikes! Excuse me? And come again?

Mary Eaton
Newburyport