Meetings

SEP 24, '24

Discussion of an ATB (Appellate Tax Board) case decision and a meeting with ATB case homeowners regarding property values, and review of Chapterland applications.

SEP 23, '24

The Board approved site-specific decisions including the site plan and special permits (and three waivers) for 2 and 13 Merrimac St.; authorized a peer review by Stantec for stormwater on 31 Newton Rd.; and discussed Bill 2024-096 (REDD zoning amendment), pausing action and directing staff to draft stronger performance standards before the next meeting.

SEP 18, '24

The subcommittee continued consideration of Ordinance 2024-096 (expanding the Renewable Energy Development Overlay District) after extensive public opposition citing runoff and Lake Attitash impacts, and forwarded positive recommendations on multiple zoning measures and orders — 2024-085, 2024-086 (including proposed amendments), 2024-087, 2024-097 (easement at 130 Market St), and 2024-098 (MBTA Communities Act overlay) — to the full City Council.

SEP 12, '24

Agenda includes introduction/update of School Council members, review of the 2024–2025 School Council meeting dates, clarification of council roles and quorum requirements, and review of Grades 1–2 DIBELS assessment data.

SEP 12, '24

Discussion of Age Friendly Task Force work, updates on the Costello Center and upcoming fall/winter programming, and reports from the Friends of the Council on Aging (FCOA).

SEP 10, '24

Council will consider mayoral appointments and several first-reading administrative and ordinance measures including AO 2024-04 reorganizing the DPW Sewer Division; amendments to the Community Preservation Committee, Fire Safety fees, Subdivision Rules for MS4 compliance, and animal/dangerous dog hearing authority; and multiple budget transfer orders affecting mayoral and sewer budgets.

SEP 10, '24

Discussion of the 28th annual Open Studios (including finances, sponsorship, publicity, and volunteers), updates on public art projects including Pride Stairs and a mural at Amesbury Industrial, and programming at Art @ City Hall. The Poet Laureate will present a report and Grants leadership and recipient project updates will be addressed.

SEP 9, '24

Planning Board voted to send a positive recommendation to City Council for Bill 2024-098 (MBTA Communities overlay for the Golden Triangle) and for Bill 2024-099 (limits on retail marijuana licenses); the Board also appointed an MVPC representative and approved a $6,000 bond release for 19 Evans Place.

SEP 5, '24

Public hearing on a demolition application for 230 Main Street.

SEP 3, '24

Conditional approval of the waterfront redevelopment NOI for 2 and 13 Merrimac St (with waivers and special conditions); approval of NOI and retaining-wall waiver at 5 Albion St (with erosion-control condition); withdrawal of NOI for 13 Newton Rd; Certificates of Compliance issued for 11 West Whitehall Rd and 425 Main St; Commission endorses Town Forest management recommendations and will send a letter of support to City Council.

AUG 22, '24

Approved a Special Permit/Finding for an addition at 18 Woodlawn St (potential setback encroachment), contingent on a legal opinion from Kopelman & Paige.

AUG 21, '24

Council approved three mayoral appointments: Robert Manseau to the Conservation Commission (term to 2/28/2027), Kerry Hamel Pope reappointed to the Amesbury Housing Trust (term to 4/30/2026), and Adeline Matton to the Board of Registrars (term to 2/28/2025).

AUG 13, '24

Public hearing on a dangerous-dog case at 2 Hillside Ave: Council adopted the Animal Control Officer’s recommendation, amended to require the dog be muzzled when outside any physically enclosed space and able to access public property.

AUG 13, '24

AUG 12, '24

The Board approved signage for River Run Lending (43 Main St) and Bubble Bar (39 Main St), approved the 12 South Hunt Rd. athletic field site plan with conditions, sent a positive recommendation on Bill 2024-097 (easement at 130 Market St), and continued deliberation on the Renewable Energy Development Overlay amendment (Bill 2024-096) after extensive public concern about a proposed South Hunt Rd. solar project.

AUG 12, '24

AUG 8, '24

Board approved interim hire of Sue Dysart as part-time Outreach Coordinator beginning 9/3; clinician Cindy Chapper moved to full-time and Cathy Spell was hired as receptionist. The COA reported plans to expand CONEKT:Amesbury broadcasts and to purchase tablets and schedule paid tech trainings.

AUG 6, '24

Board approved $800 for a 4‑pack ad package, selected grant topics (arts education, festivals/community, performing arts, place making), committed a $200 deposit toward the $5,000 Open Studios trolley rental, and approved up to $1,200 for concrete paint to install a Pride Flag on the stairs behind Casa Maria.

AUG 6, '24

Technical Review Committee received an update on the marina redevelopment at 2 Merrimac St and 13 Merrimac St, including a revised site plan with 99 parking spaces, stormwater revisions, a committed crosswalk, and a construction schedule targeting a May 2026 opening.

AUG 5, '24

Continuances were granted for Notices of Intent including 7 Old Merrill and 2 & 13 Merrimac St.; the Commission reviewed a new NOI for 5 Albion St. (retaining wall) and continued review of 31 Newton Rd. (single-family home with stormwater management issues). A proposal to remove trees at Batchelder Park for a scenic view (reduced removal number and mitigation plan) was discussed and tabled for public notification.