Beverly Planning Board Delays Master Plan Vote Until December 15

BEVERLY — November 17, 2020 — Beverly Planning Board defers vote on city's comprehensive master plan to December 15. Planning Director Darlene Wynne-Fachetti presented the final draft of the Plan Beverly master plan at the November 17 remote meeting, covering land use, housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, and social equity across roughly seven thematic chapters. Vice Chair Alexander Kraft presided in the absence of Chair Ellen Hutchinson. Mayor Michael Cahill, who was present, emphasized transit-oriented development as a centerpiece strategy, saying the city intends to bring forward "an overlay proposal for the Bass River waterfront" and flagged the North Beverly train station area as a longer-term redevelopment opportunity tied to improved commuter rail service. A North Beverly resident, Rob Levin of 6 Lakeside Avenue, raised concerns during public comment about a priority growth designation appearing to cover his residential neighborhood; planning staff clarified the designation targets commercially zoned parcels along Route 1A adjacent to the train station, not surrounding homes, and offered to meet with neighbors before December.