Meetings

DEC 19, '24

Council heard concerns about special education service delivery and compensatory services and reviewed a PreK–3 Playful Learning Grant application submitted in collaboration with Shay Elementary to embed more play into schedules and recess.

DEC 18, '24

TRC reviewed the redevelopment proposal at 80 Haverhill Rd (historic special permit to renovate the farmhouse and rebuild a barn to create 8 units) and a preconstruction plan for 39-41 Hillside Dr (demolition and replacement with mixed-use building containing 8 residential units over two retail spaces). The Rocky Hill Environmental Impact Report was placed on the Jan 8 TRC agenda and a refiled solar farm plan was referred to the Planning Board with a likely public hearing on Feb 10, 2025.

DEC 10, '24

Council approved Order 2024-149 to acquire 5 Market St. for City Hall and appropriated $3,150,000; the Council also passed ordinance actions on cannabis retail licensing (2024-099 and 2024-132) and confirmed multiple appointments including James Wilson as Interim Director of Inspectional Services.

DEC 10, '24

DEC 9, '24

Approved sign application for 19 Main St.; Planning Board selected Stantec for a stormwater peer review of the historic-preservation redevelopment at 80 Haverhill Rd.; the Board set performance bonds and released the covenant for 14 S Hunt Rd. and accepted erosion-control bond and covenant actions for 39-41 Hillside Drive.

DEC 4, '24

Committee reviewed proposed Outdoor Dining Ordinance amendments—clarifying barriers/corrals, fee requirements (including a $100 application fee due at submittal), direct abutter notification, loading-zone placement, and lighting/electrical provisions—and set a filing/implementation schedule targeting a January filing and implementation by end of February with an application deadline of March 17.

DEC 3, '24

Approved distribution of $12,500 in Cultural Council grants to community arts projects (including Arton the Lawn, the Market Square mosaic workshop, Amesbury Chamber summer music series, and others); council also approved separate funding for a poetry readings series. The Cultural Center renovation was reported as contracted and a launch meeting is scheduled.

DEC 3, '24

Discussion of a request to add a name to the Amesbury Servicemen Memorial Honor Roll at Justin Memorial Park, consideration of a Veterans' Heritage Grant Program, and maintenance needs including flagpoles and a potential memorial tour.

DEC 2, '24

Library Board trustees will review updates to the FY25 Action Plan, review the FY26 Action Plan, and discuss forming a steering committee for the upcoming FY27–29 Strategic Plan.

DEC 2, '24

The Commission issued an Order of Conditions for 58 Pleasant Valley Rd (NOI 002-1340) including waivers and planting/monitoring conditions; issued an ORAD and a COC for 118 Pleasant Valley Rd (ANRAD 002-1341; COC 002-1235); issued an OOC for MassDOT I‑495 drainage maintenance (NOI 002-1342); and declined the Chapter 61A right of first refusal for 22 Woodman Rd.

NOV 27, '24

Public hearing on The Coop Rotisserie’s application to change its liquor license from wine & malt to an all-alcohol license.

NOV 26, '24

Council approved disposal of portions of 9 School St and 5 School St (2024-133) with an amendment limiting surplussed parking to eight spaces; enacted multiple Traffic & Parking ordinance changes (2024-140, 2024-141, 2024-142, 2024-143, 2024-148); and approved the combined tax-classification package (2024-138). A public hearing was held on the proposed acquisition and appropriation for 5 Market St (2024-149).

NOV 25, '24

The Board approved a design sign for River Run Lending at 43 Main St., approved a subdivision modification for 87 South Hampton Rd preserving open pasture and equestrian structures, and converted the 14 S Hunt Rd. erosion surety to a performance bond (held for two growing seasons). The Board also sent positive recommendations to City Council on Bills 2024-144/145/146 (Colonial Drive and Parcel X/open space acceptance) and on Bill 2024-149 (appropriation/borrowing for 5 Market St.), and approved an ordinance amendment to the Subdivision Rules and Regulations (2024-113) to meet EPA/MS4 stormwater requirements.

NOV 21, '24

Discussion of the recent Fall STEM Festival with a debrief of outcomes and planning takeaways; review of the draft School Improvement Plan.

NOV 20, '24

TRC drafted a framework for an Outdoor Dining ordinance — agreeing on application and usage fees, abutter notice (not consent), safety/ADA requirements, and an application deadline — and discussed close-out requirements and a targeted partial CO schedule for 14S Hunt Rd. (Munters).

NOV 19, '24

Committee recommended approval of the FY25 annual tax classification (2024-138) and an increase in exemption amounts (2024-139); recommended a $1,800 transfer for Veterans Services (2024-147); and recommended the mayor be authorized to acquire 5 Market St with a $3,150,000 appropriation (2024-149).

NOV 14, '24

Contract signed to install railings at the Costello Center; consideration of relocating the 2025 Health Fair to Coastal Connections' new site behind the Post Office; Holiday Luncheon set for Dec. 11 (Toys for Tots drive, tickets $10 members/$15 non-members).

NOV 12, '24

Council appointed Amanda Haggstrom to fill the District 3 council seat (2024-121), accepted resignations creating vacancies on the Library Board (2024-134) and Planning Board (2024-135), referred the annual tax classification order (2024-138) and related exemption order (2024-139) to Budget & Finance, and referred a late-filed order to acquire 5 Market St. for City Hall with a $3,150,000 appropriation (2024-149) to multiple committees and set a public hearing.

NOV 7, '24

The commission voted to preferably preserve the principal house at 230 Main St (excluding the detached rear garage), recognized 80 Haverhill Rd as historically significant to enable a Historic Preservation Special Permit, and endorsed Bill 2024-133 to surplus 5 School St and 9 School St for future sale and restoration.

NOV 4, '24

The Conservation Commission issued Certificates of Compliance for 193 Lionsmouth Rd (NOI 002-1260) and 62 Lake Attitash Rd (NOI 002-341), ratified an emergency tree work certification at 118 Pleasant Valley Rd, and appointed Robert Manseau as the Commission’s representative to the Community Preservation Committee.