Beverly City Council approves four grants, sets demolition hearing for blighted property

BEVERLY — August 24, 2020 — Beverly City Council approves four grants totaling more than $265,000 at special remote session. The council, presided over by Council President Paul Guanci, unanimously approved a $187,500 state climate action plan grant shared with Salem, a $165,909 federal grant for fire department radio equipment, a $5,000 public poetry installation on Cabot Street, and a $7,500 library health programming grant. The council also voted to set a September 8 public hearing on a $150,000 reserve fund transfer to demolish the long-blighted structure at 11 Charles Street, after the original contractor backed out following a March appropriation. City Clerk Lisa Kent and new Assistant City Clerk Christine Dixon — elected by the council Monday as clerk of committees — reported nearly 8,000 mail ballots sent and 376 early in-person votes cast ahead of the September 1 primary. One item did not clear: a hawkers and peddlers license tied to a Beverly Bootstraps food truck was held after Councilor Scott Houseman flagged a seven-year-old reckless driving offense on the applicant's record.