Meetings

JAN 14, '25

Discussion of applying for or administering the Veterans' Heritage Grant Program, updates and needs for memorial maintenance including flagpoles and a potential tour, and consideration of pursuing Purple Heart City designation.

JAN 14, '25

JAN 13, '25

Planning Board reviewed zoning Bill 2024-096 (REDD amendments) and continued deliberation; the Board found the Meadowbrook solar farm site plan and special permit submission sufficiently complete with conditions, requested scoped stormwater/soils/ecological reviews, authorized staff to identify peer reviewers, and scheduled the Meadowbrook public hearing for February 10, 2025.

JAN 8, '25

Trustees elected officers (Chair Jessica Ducrow; Vice Chair Mak Marstaller; Secretary Laurie Cameron), adopted the revised Library Collection Development Policy (Option 1 formatting), and continued a decision on using Trustee Trust Fund money for project management of the window restoration to the next meeting.

JAN 8, '25

Discussion and comment coordination on the Rocky Hill draft Environmental Impact Report (multi‑neighborhood development with Elm St. access; public comment period noted) and an update on the Meadowbrook 50‑acre solar + battery project (site plan and special permit filed; Planning Board completeness check and public hearing forthcoming).

JAN 7, '25

Jim Wilson was introduced and has assumed the role of Director of Inspectional Services; the Board tentatively set its 2025 meeting schedule to the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM.

JAN 7, '25

Discussion of Open Studios 2025 and Art @ City Hall, including an update on the Chain Bridge collection and plans for the next 12 months; updates on grants including finances and 2025 recipients.

JAN 6, '25

Approved the NOI and waivers for 92 Lake Attitash Rd (replacement single-family dwelling within existing footprint) with monitoring and O&M conditions; ratified Emergency Certifications allowing tree removals at 12 Pinewood Rd (up to 16 trees) and 124 Pleasant Valley Rd (7 dead ash trees).

DEC 19, '24

Public hearings on zoning relief: Michael Silver seeks permits/variances to convert 117 Elm St. from a two-family to a three-family and to alter side setbacks on a pre-existing nonconforming structure; Benjamin Denman seeks a variance for an addition at 9 Osgood Pl. that intensifies a pre-existing nonconforming building.

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.