Meetings

AUG 1, '24

Public hearing scheduled for the demolition application at 230 Main St (Sept. 5, 2024). Emergency demolition of unsafe attached additions at 201 Elm St was reported, and the commission noted receipt of an ENF for the proposed 375‑unit Golden Triangle residential development on Elm St that would include demolition of the historically‑listed J.S. True House at 287 Elm.

JUL 29, '24

Approved Site Plan Review for a new Starbucks at 37 Clarks Rd (with conditions) and the Board issued positive recommendations to City Council for three zoning bills: 2024-085 (Water Resource Protection District amendments), 2024-086 (Historic Preservation Special Permit expansion), and 2024-087 (Retail Marijuana Overlay District expansion).

JUL 24, '24

Committee approved a package of management recommendations for Woodsom Farm and the Town Forest — including seasonal no-mow zones to protect grassland-bird breeding (May 15–Aug 15), new rules/regulations and signage, dog-leash measures during breeding season, volunteer-driven trail management, and invasive-species control — and noted a referral on Ordinance 2024-096 (expanded solar-array zoning near Meadowbrook Pond) to be taken up in August ahead of City Council's Sept. 25 second reading.

JUL 23, '24

Council approved multiple National Grid pole petitions (2024-089 Poplar St Ext; 2024-090 Main St & Merrimack St; 2024-091 Union St; 2024-092 118 Market St; 2024-093 120 Market St; 2024-094 Oakland St; 2024-095 Highland St) with safety and siting stipulations; adopted Ordinance 2024-083 establishing a Community Preservation Committee (as amended); and referred zoning measures including 2024-096 (REDD expansion), 2024-098 (MBTA Communities overlay), and 2024-099 (cannabis license limits) for further review with public hearings on Sept 24.

JUL 15, '24

Ordinance 2024-083 to establish a Community Preservation Committee was returned to the full City Council with a positive recommendation by the Ordinance & Administration Subcommittee.

JUL 10, '24

OCED reported an expected ~$300,000 in in‑lieu payments tied to 130 Market St; Disposition Committee updates discussed potential reuse of 59–63 Cynthia Lane (reference 2022-087) and redevelopment options for 21 Pond View Ave; Council ordinance 2024-083 (Community Preservation Committee) was noted as having no Housing Trust seat.

JUL 9, '24

Council unanimously approved Resolution 2024-088 supporting a Massachusetts PARC Grant application for renovations to the Brian Eldridge Memorial Skate Park and approved updated Council Rules 2024-002; three zoning ordinance amendments (2024-085, 2024-086, 2024-087) were referred to the Planning Board and relevant committees with second readings and public hearings scheduled for September 24, 2024.

JUL 8, '24

The Planning Board approved sign permits for Dollar General (198 Main St.) and Casa Maria (37 Main St.), continued review of development applications at Merrimac St. and South Hunt Rd. pending peer-review responses, and requested written DPW confirmation before releasing remaining bond funds for 19 Evans Place (Point Shore).

JUL 1, '24

The Commission approved wetland permits for a seasonal dock at 51 Lake Attitash Rd (contingent on a revised plan), approved drainage improvements along Friend St. & Lindbergh Ave., approved shoreline/landscape work at 28 Birchmeadow Rd with planting plan conditions, issued a Negative Determination for sediment sampling at 7 Noel St (Powwow River), and confirmed a Certificate of Compliance for 193 Lions Mouth Rd.

JUN 25, '24

Council approved zoning changes: Ordinance 2024-065 extending R-40 along Haverhill Road and Ordinance 2024-066 amending the Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth Overlay District; authorized a $6,063,254 appropriation for the AMS Performance Center roof replacement (2024-081); accepted a $298,834 Elder Affairs grant for the Council on Aging EMHOT program (2024-078); and set a dangerous-dog hearing for 11 Willowdale Ct (2024-084).

JUN 25, '24

The committee reviewed a Commonwealth designation of part of the south hill at Woodsom Farm as a Priority Habitat for eastern meadowlarks, which may restrict mowing until after the May 15–Aug 15 breeding window and affect July 4 fireworks plans. Members also discussed the Town Forest/Woodsom Farm management report and noted contracts are being finalized for a trail assessment (Woodsman Inc./Matthew Simth) and a land‑management report for Battis Farm and Powow Hill Conservation Area.

JUN 20, '24

Approved a variance for 5 Winter St to allow setback relief for an addition expanding the kitchen and creating a work‑from‑home area.

JUN 17, '24

Subcommittee voted to forward Ordinance 2024-065 (extend R-40 zoning along Haverhill Road) and Ordinance 2024-066 (amend Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth Overlay District regulations and map) to the full City Council with positive recommendations.

JUN 13, '24

The Commission issued Certificates of Compliance for 212 Lions Mouth Rd (barn & paddock), 20 Pond St (new dwelling), and two actions at 54 Pleasant Valley Rd (home construction and riverbank restoration), and approved a three‑year extension to OOC 002-1288 at 5 Fifth St. Pending NOIs for 28 Birchmeadow Rd, 51 Lake Attitash Rd, Friend St., and 11–13 Newton Rd were continued and several site visits were scheduled for further review.

JUN 13, '24

Board approved staffing and program adjustments: Outreach Coordinator position posted; new van driver David Jellison hired; EMHOT clinician hours increased to 30 hrs/week. Board agreed to send a letter supporting the Merrimac Valley Planning Commission’s downtown sidewalk accessibility assessment.

JUN 12, '24

Public forum scheduled June 18 at 7:00 PM (Costello Transportation Center) on the Library Facilities Master Plan; trustees discussed the FMP process with architect Bruner/Cott and noted a FY25 Library Custodian staffing proposal submitted to the City (decision pending).

JUN 11, '24

Council adopted the FY25 operating budget (2024-001), approving a Total Appropriation of $86,598,257 and key line items including school and library funding; the council also confirmed the reappointment of KP Law, P.C. as City Attorney (2024-077).

JUN 10, '24

The Planning Board sent positive recommendations to City Council for Bill 2024-065 (R-40 zoning extension along Haverhill Road) and Bill 2024-066 (amendments to the Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth Overlay District). The Board also approved a minor earthwork permit modification for 12 South Hunt Rd, modified the covenant for 130 Market St to withhold final COs in lieu of a performance bond, and released the remaining performance bond for 20 Maple St.

JUN 10, '24

Discussion of trustee job description and an elevator pitch, plus a review of common questions trustees are asked. The committee will also consider other new business and miscellaneous items.

JUN 4, '24

Ad Hoc Budget Committee recommended the Mayor's FY25 operating budget order (2024-001) with adjustments including a $30,000 increase for Amesbury Public Schools and a recommended General Fund total of $79,414,528; the committee also set the proposed tax levy to be raised at $77,089,308 (with $2,355,220 from other revenues).