Category Archives: Planning and Development

Planning and Development, Newburyport, MA, urban planning, the design, construction and organization of Newburyport’s urban spaces, architecture and activities.

Newburyport, Preservation Week

I’ve been waiting for stories on Preservation Week sponsored by the Newburyport Preservation Trust in our 2 local newspapers, and today there were stories on the front page of both the Newburyport Daily News and the Newburyport Current. Whew!

I especially liked the story in the Newburyport Daily News, May 4, 2007, by Nick Pinto. Some great quotes by Karen Battles the chair and main organizer of Preservation Week, and Sarah White the president of the Newburyport Preservation Trust.

A big “thank you” to Nick Pinto for this quote:

“According to the National Architectural Trust, since the early 1980s Newburyport has lost one-third of its historic structures to demolition or “insensitive alteration” — changes so drastic they negate the historic value of the building.”

And 2 different points made by Sarah White:

” “For many years, the continuity and sense of place in the city’s neighborhoods was preserved by residents whose ties to the city stretched back generations, White said. “These days, though, everyone is so much more transient, and we have a different relationship to our homes and our hometowns. We need to think about how we can return to that sense of stewardship.” ”

White also goes on to say that it is “important that residents begin a citywide conversation about how to balance the city’s modern vitality with its historic foundations.”

The panel discussion this Sunday, May 6th at 3PM at City Hall, “Historic, Green and Profitable,” as aimed at addressing the balance between “modern vitality and historic foundations.”

And I think Ms White is quite right in her observations that Newburyport, like so many places in the United States, is inhabited by a much more “transient” population, especially in the last 25 years. And people often come and put their “stamp” on the city of Newburyport, MA, many times without a full understanding the city’s history and significance, and then move on.

I have great hopes for the Newburyport Preservation Trust. One of my greatest hopes is that they might inspire that sense of “stewardship” to everyone who lives in Newburyport, MA, whether they inhabit our amazing seaside historic city for a short time or for a long time. Wouldn’t that be wonderful.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Political Timing

Since my involvement as an activist in the fight to save High Street, I’ve become aware that there appears to be a rhythm in public interest in any one particular issue. An ebb and flow if you will.

I can remember when High Street seemed to continually make the front page of the local media outlets. And then there would be a time, when no matter what people did, no one appeared to be interested in the issue at all.

But in its own time, the subject once again made front page news. The interest in the issue seemed to have a life of its own, and there appeared that there could be no way to control it.

This can be both puzzling and frustrating for someone who is advocating for a particular cause.

For the last few weeks the $1.58 million override for the Newburyport schools appears to have been the dominant topic. I would imagine that until the May 22, 2007 special spring election for the Newburyport schools takes place, the $1.58 million override would remain in the forefront of people’s minds. However, even that matter is beginning to faded somewhat from the collective consciousness.

The ordinance concerning the balance of chain stores and smaller entrepreneurial endeavors has appeared to have ignited local attention, at least for the time being.

People who are advocating to save the Wheelwright property have expressed their frustrations to me, that no matter what they might do, they are having very little success at the moment at getting people to pay attention to that issue at all.

I explain that it is all about timing. And part of good political activism is putting one’s ear to the ground and listening for the time when folks would once again be interested in a specific concern.

The same thing appears to apply to the question of a garage. Whether a garage for downtown may or may not be a good idea is almost moot. Folks simply do not seem to be interested in the subject. And since Mayor John Moak was elected in part because people did not want a garage, getting folks to pay attention to that particular matter is proving difficult.

Again it’s a matter of timing. Listening for the right moment. No amount of shouting from the roof tops would make the community listen, not if they are not inclined.

The Newburyport landfill is another example. A nightmare that has been going on for years that effects everyone one way or another in Newburyport, MA. The myriad of problems have not gone away, but the matter has peaks and valleys when it comes down to public attention.

The intricacies of politics have always intrigued me. And since I’ve been blogging, I have found that the nuances of political complexities are yet more intricate and even more fascinating.

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, Rail Trail

There was so much gloomy news today, that as I sat in my funk, George Cushing, of Frog Pond at the Bartlet Mall, the political consultant for the Newburyport Blog, suggested I concentrate on something happy. Something in the works, something that has funding, something everyone is enthusiastic about.

George Cushing suggested that I blog about the Newburyport Rail Trail, or the Clipper City Rail Trail (its official name).

George Cushing suggesting
I blog on a happy project

So digging through my files, yes, I found the story in the Newburyport Daily News, March 20, 2007 that yes, there was a Public Hearing for the first phase of the Clipper City Rail Trail.

And this is from the MassHighway website:

“The proposed project consists of a one mile path along the former B&M Railroad corridor from Parker Street (at the end of the MBTA Commuter Rail line) to the abutment of the railroad trestle bridge located at the edge of the Merrimack River. This path will consist of a 10′ wide paved surface with connections to local streets. A new pedestrian bridge is proposed at Low Street and the existing railroad Bridge at Merrimac Street will receive a new deck and safety barrier. The path will cross Parker Street and Washington Street at-grade. Proposed improvements at the edge of the river involve modifications to the railroad Bridge abutments and lowering of the rail bed embankment to provide access under Route 1/Gillis Bridge.” (http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/ProjectInfo)

I’m utterly unable to figure out what they are talking about, where the bridge on low street would go, where the path goes exactly… Luckily the Coastal Trail Coalition has a map which you can see if you press here.

According to the MassHighway website, the Estimated cost is $4,162,284. A tidy sum. However, the “project is planned to be funded through the 2007 Transportation Improvement Program for the Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization.” Another words state and federal funds. Whew!

How refreshing is that.

And the years and the work and the number of people involved is huge. So, we as a community owe them a great big “thank you.”

And I am very grateful that there is something so successful for me to blog about today.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

(Editor’s note: Here are two related and very helpful links. The Coastal Trail Coalition and The Essex National Heritage Commission.)

Newburyport, Federal and State Funding

The Newburyport Daily News has the “infamous” model of what could have happened to downtown Newburyport in their lobby. The model is on loan from the Historical Society of Old Newbury.

And the Newburyport Daily News graciously allowed me to photograph it.

Here is the part that would have been the “infamous” strip mall downtown.

NRA.model-1.jpg
Model of what was proposed for Newburyport, MA
Market Square

This portion is of what Market Square would have looked like. A parking lot with an “L” shaped one-storey building in the corner.

Ouch!

It would have prevented Newburyport from ever looking like this:

Market Square, Newburyport MA, 2007
Photograph courtesy of Mary Baker Eaton

Goodness.

And a very big thank you to both the Historical society of Old Newbury and the Newburyport Daily News.

One asks oneself, “what can we learn from this?”

Of course there are so many things to be learned from what almost could have been.

What comes to my mind at this moment in time, is that “things take time.” “Panic” is not a good reason to do anything. A united community helps to create projects that are effective and effect generations. And that there is no way Newburyport, MA could exist as it is today without federal funding.

And of course, I am thinking about our schools. My guess is that it could be possible for a spring override for the Newburyport schools to get voted in, when it is put before the Newburyport City Council yet a second time around.

We are, however, a community that is very much divided about this issue. And in part, I feel a state of “panic” is a driving force. And a state of “panic” often wipes out reason and courtesy.

And maybe most importantly, there is no way, at least in this blogger’s mind, that we could ever restore the cuts that have been made to our Newburyport schools and maintain their integrity without help from the state and federal level. The money simply is not here.

The good news is, that according to an article in the Boston Globe, March 28, 2007, “Lawmakers feeling local pressure for more school aid,” by Lisa Wangsness, Newburyport, MA is far from alone. According to the article there are about 40 communities facing an override this year. “A lot of communities are at the end of their ropes and don’t have many options left.”

However, there appears to be hope. From what I read in the article, it is possible that suburban communities might finally get the assistance that they so desperately need.

And I imagine that our own State Representatives, Michael Costello and Steven Baddour are doing everything that they possibly can to help relieve Newburyport’s school situation.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, 64-66 Lime Street and Wheelwright Property

For those of you concerned about the demolition of the 2 historic properties at 64-66 Lime Street, c1850 and c1735, that project comes before the Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) tonight.

7PM
Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Newburyport City Hall
Newburyport City Council Chambers

This is the proposed 64-66 Lime Street plot plan, PDF version, courtesy of the Newburyport Preservation Trust.

Also, yesterday I went and photographed the “new” version of the Wheelwright subdivision plans.

The road has been changed. There are still 4 houses. They have been moved further away from the Oak Hill Cemetery, further down the hill towards, what I call, “the wetlands.”

Wh1_.3_07.jpg
Map of the “new” proposed plans for the
Wheelwright Property

Wh.map.1.jpg
Map of the “old” plans, November 2006, for the
Wheelwright Property

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Urban Renewal

Given what I call Newburyport’s often “historic amnesia” I am very grateful to the Newburyport Daily News for their series on Newburyport’s Urban Renewal, “A Port In Progress.”

The series can be found online. According to the Newburyport Daily News, the newspaper would like to “carry “A Port in Progress” over a long haul.”

My hope would be that the Newburyport Daily News would leave this series up permanently, because it is the only thing that I am able to find online about Newburyport’s Urban Renewal.

From an informal conversation, it sounds as if the Newburyport Daily News has been working on this for a long time, not only on the stories, but going through various archives for the photographs about Newburyport’s Urban Renewal as well.

And for me, having those photographs easily available to the public of what Newburyport was like, is priceless.

I moved here in 1981, just after downtown Newburyport had been restored. The rest of Newburyport, MA was beginning to follow. And it was far from the “upscale metropolis” that it is now in 2007.

One of my concerns as I’ve been blogging, is that the people who have moved here “recently” (and that can be defined in so many ways) have no idea of the kind of trauma and then growing pains this small New England seaport city has experienced in the last 4 decades, a very short amount of time.

One look at some of the photographs of the demolition and then agonizing restoration, puts so much of what Newburyport has been through in perspective, almost instantaneously.

So check out this series ” A Port In Progress ” by the Newburyport Daily News. It is a series to be learned from and it is a real service to our community.

A very big “thank you” to the Newburyport Daily News.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, Chocolates and Buy Local

This is why we need these Buy Local folks.

We’ve got a new chocolate shop in town, opened and run by one of our good “newbies.” And yes, and there is a “Buy Local” decal in the store window.

The place is called “Ballotin Chocolates.” And it’s amazing.

It just opened. The proprietess, Ms Lisa Bleicken is a sweetie (no pun intended). And a real talented young lady at that.

Ms Bleicken is a fairly new local and a local architect, contractors etc were used to set this great place up.

And it’s all about chocolate.

I’ve never seen such beautiful chocolates. They look like unbelievable tiny sculptures. And Ms Bleicken had a very hard time convincing me to actually bite into one.

But, my, I was glad I did.

Yum.

Chocolate samples, chocolate cook books, cookies, chocolate children’s books, chocolate creams and soap.

And the whole place looks like it might expand one day to London, Paris, Rome and New York. Classy place.

This is why we need these “Buy Local” folks. A great new entrepreneur in town putting money back into the local economy. Yes, this is a very good thing. Much better than a chocolate chain store, Yikes!

So go check out this new “Buy Local” store out. Great for Mother’s Day, Easter, anniversaries, “thank you’s” and a “just treat yourself because it’s a great idea” day.

Ballotin Chocolates
16 Unicorn Street
(The small street across from the Newburyport Post Office)
Newburyport, MA
978-465-3800
ballotinchocolates.com

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, Meeting on 64-66 Lime Street

As you probably have been made aware, there is a proposal to develop the property at 64 and 66 Lime Street. The plans are to build two single family homes on that site which entails the demolition of the existing house and store.

As the City Councilor representing Ward 2, I have planned a meeting of neighbors, abutters and people interested in discussing the project for:

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

I anticipate sharing the upstairs auditorium with another group or moving the meeting to an office next to the auditorium if space allows.

To date I have heard from people who are opposed to the project as well as from people who have expressed support. It would be appreciated if you could attend so that many different opinions could be heard.

This is an informal meeting and is not intended to be an “official” City Hearing or Meeting. It will be a chance to discuss the project with your neighbors and the community in an informal setting.

The Developer of the project will be present and I will be moderating so that we may have a constructive meeting.

Please call with questions or comments. I look forward to seeing you there.

Gregory Earls
25 Milk Street
978 465-9324

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

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, The Fate of the Kelly School

If they close the Kelly School, I hope the City of Newburyport in its mucho wisdom sells the Kelly School for mucho money. And then I hope the City of Newburyport consults people, like Mark Welch, the President and CEO of the Institution For Savings and Richie Eaton, the President and CEO of The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank (you see this is why we need local banks, etc. because they care about stuff like this) and ask them what to do with all that money.

I mean we are talking a super duper historic asset here. Prime real estate in a prime location.

Invest it? Put it towards a capital improvement fund for the schools or blow it in one wad on whatever.

I ask the frogs if Newburyport Public Schools can do this sort of thing (take the money from an asset and invest it wisely). The frogs have no clue. They say they are a political consultant, aspiring political consultants and a frog activist. This is completely out of their area of expertise. (Does this mean I now am going to have to find yet another frog, this one a financial wiz?)

And if the city in its wisdom, actually did sell the Kelly School, I hope they would put deed restrictions on it, inside and out, so some one couldn’t come along and mangle it.

Although mangling historic stuff appears to be our “wow factor” these days.

I would hate to see the Kelly mangled the way so many of our historic assets are mangled.

There has to be something to preserving the literally thousands of stories that are part of that building. The stories, the history, that give it a “patina” if you will.

One would hope that as a former Kelly School parent, one could, one day, enter that beloved building, and go “yes, and this is what I remember.”

One of the interesting things about the historic photographs from the Library of Congress, was that the insides of the houses were often photographed as well as the outsides, because, obviously, the insides were (still are) important too.

Ok, I’m making major jumps here. But if we’re talking about closing the Kelly School, one at least would hope that we would use that asset wisely and not squander it in a bureaucratic blurpy, botch up.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

Newburyport, The Garage, The Central Waterfront

My friend, Jim Roy, has been after me to write a post about “the garage.” (He says enough with the frogs.)

The garage, the garage, the garage. Deja vu all over again. Or like “Groundhog Day,” the movie where the same thing keeps happening over and over again.

Ok, Newburyport, MA has been promised 5 million towards a garage by the Commonwealth of MA. And if Mr. Karp would like to cough up the other whatever million, and if the garage would go on the “Lombardi” property, which is owned by someone other than Mr. Karp, so Mr. Karp would have to buy it, and if the garage would have a similar plan to what was designed, lo those many years ago (which I always thought was a great design), I’m all for it.

The voters, the last time around voted for Mr. Moak, in part, because they didn’t want to pay tax payer dollars for a garage. But there doesn’t appear to be any chit chat here for tax payers paying for any garage.

Now the Lagasses (Ann Lagasse, who I remember, was on that “garage committee,” and a darned good committee it was too) weren’t going to pony up money (no Mr. Karp at that time) to co-author a garage on that spot (which in my mind is the only good spot for a garage). So why in the world would Mr. Karp?

Hope he does, I’d like it. I’d like it a lot.

The other thing I hear floating around, is no more Open Waterfront, but historically sensitive building on that Newburyport Redevelopment Authority property. Oy veh. Yet another idea. Here we go yet one more time.

Yes, let’s postpone this whole Waterfront shebang another 50 maybe another 100 years. It can only add to the Waterfront Saga.

And I’m excited about the designs coming in for an open Central Waterfront. Although, I recall, this has already been done before.

It was after Mr. Foster was finally defeated that I remember a design for those dirt parking lots in the front hall of Newburyport City Hall. Deja vu all over again.

Why are we so passionate about this last piece of Newburyport Redevelopment land? It’s as if we can’t let go of that last little bit.

So, I’m not putting any bets anywhere on this one. And I still don’t think that the Waterfront Opus is going to be resolved in my lifetime. Although, of course, I’d like it a lot if it actually was.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

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, Influence of Infill

I was invited to a very nice gathering at the Newburyport Preservation Trust for its members and friends. The Newburyport Preservation Trust– a fledgling non-profit organization, with gobs of potential, with at last I knew, 120 members and growing.

My, a lot of new faces. And Historic Preservation can be so boring.

So why, I asked myself, this sudden interest and enthusiasm. Multi-determined, I’m sure.

A lot of “wakeup calls” from “infill” in literally backyards. There’s nothing like an objectionable project next door to make one suddenly become mucho interested in “zoning,” which is usually a major snooze factor.

Or to have an “infill” project next door, maybe not literally next door, but in one’s town, next door, a la the proposed Wheelwright property development. That seems to have gotten people very interested in what they might do to “save our town.”

And, much to my delight, the mayor of Newburyport, MA was not only invited, but showed up to this gathering of people interested in preserving our historic assets, the basis of our economic success now, and our economic strength in the future.

Good for Mayor John Moak. I really and truly was really pleased (all silliness on my part aside).

There were a number of Newburyport City Councilors there as well.

And the meet and greet turned out to be a tonic for civic burn-out, as well as just being plain old downright fun.

So good for the Newburyport Preservation Trust. Keep up the good work. And may the Newburyport Preservation Trust fulfill the potential that so many of us think that it could have.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

(Editor’s note: The Newburyport Preservation Trust was formed in 2005 as a non-profit organization. It’s mission is to inform, educate and advocate for the enhancement and preservation of Newburyport’s unique historic character and architectural legacy.)

Newburyport, Historic Assets, Newburyport City Hall

Something delightful to blog about. The Preservation Awards given out by the Newburyport Historical Commission on February 8, 2007.

Newburyport City Hall
Photograph courtesy of Mary Baker Eaton

The first Preservation Award was given to Newburyport City Hall for “Restoration and repair of building exterior, including replacement of historic brownstone and wooden architectural elements.”

A plaque was awarded with many names including Mayor John Moak, the Newburyport City Council, former Mayor Mary Anne Clancy and our State Representatives, Steven Baddour and Michael Costello.

Here is the text from the Newburyport Historical Commission, Linda Smiley, Commission Chair.

“We are especially pleased to present this restoration award to the City of Newburyport for an outstanding job on the exterior of our historic City Hall. The restoration and repair of historic brownstone and wooden architectural elements is outstanding. I’d like to point out that a blend of historically authentic as well as modern materials were used. Lime mortar to match the original was used on the brickwork. Our compliments to the craftsmen(masons) who completed this work as well as the architects, designers, conservators and planners. It was clearly a team effort and the results are wonderful. We now have a City Hall that we can all be proud of and for that we thank the City. We would especially like to thank Geordie Vining for his excellent work as project manager. Geordie held the restoration team together and made it happen despite the thousands of minor and major obstacles that presented themselves. Geordie has our highest respect and should be applauded for the fine job he did.”

Newburyport City Hall– A preservation success story.

City Hall, Newburyport, MA; from a c. 1910 postcard
Image is in the public domain

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