Beverly City Council Candidates Discuss Development

BEVERLY, MA — Depot 2, a six-story, 115-unit apartment building that would be built across from the Beverly Depot on a site now occupied by three historic buildings, is just the latest project to divide voters. On one side, there are the officials and residents who argue such projects bring much needed tax revenue. On the other side, there are the people who worry massive housing developments tax local resources and destroy the city's character.

We asked the four candidates running in contested city council races on Nov. 5 for their thoughts on Depot 2, as well as what positions they would take on development if they are elected or re-elected. Here's what they told us.

Beverly school committee member Kris Silverstein, who is running against Stacy Ames for the Ward 3 City Council seat, said she worries that the developers move on Depot 2 to claim historic preservation tax credits and then announce plans to tear down the buildings those credits were meant to preserve could set a bad precedent.

"Even though the developer has made many changes to respond to public concerns the project seems massive for what it is replacing. I also do not like that the affordable housing units will be segregated in another building. They should be included in the new building," Silverstein said. "Being transit oriented, the project may impose less impact on our infrastructure which is a good option for some as long as developers continue to include affordable units."

More broadly, Silverstein thinks Beverly needs to do more to keep housing affordable. She suggested an accessory dwelling units strategy similar to the one under consideration in Salem, making it easier to reuse historic buildings for housing finding the way to increase the supply of starter homes and smaller, multi-family units like duplexes.

"We should also explore and support more senior housing - it is desperately needed," Silverstein said. "If we build Sr housing, it could open up more housing stock in our city for those who would like to live here."

Ames noted that Depot 2 had been proposed under zoning law changes approved 10 years ago to allow taller buildings near the train depot. She also said the project encourages the use of public transportation to minimize impacts on Ward 2, where the project is located.

"Unfortunately Ward 3 residents watch their tax bills rise despite a wider tax base. We feel a tax burden along with increased local traffic. There is a rising fear that we will be unable to afford to live in Beverly," Ames said. "Having attended 2 of the Depot II Planning Board hearings, I believe the Mayor and City Council need to take the lead to make sure people who live here get development that serves our housing needs. They must orchestrate a meaningful conversation between those who do not want the project in it’s current form while respecting the rights of the property owners."

In the Ward 5 race, where Kathleen M. Feldman is challenging incumbent Donald G. Martin, Feldman said Rantoul Street has become an economic and cultural center. But the city also has to make sure infrastructure, as well as funding for schools, police, fire department, and other municipal services, keep pace with the influx of new residents.

"At this time, Beverly needs more than just bedrooms," Feldman said. "As a longtime volunteer and supporter of Family Promise, I know how important affordable housing is to those who need it, especially our seniors....It has been great to see Rantoul Street become an economic and cultural center and a place where people want to spend their free time. We should pause projects like (Depot 2) so we can work on making Beverly the kind of community that people want to stay and raise a family in after they move out of those condos on Rantoul Street."

Martin said Depot 2 has the potential to fall in line with "smart growth" principles that he supports. But he does have some concerns about the project.

"If the concerns of the residents of this area are met, this project has the potential to greatly improve an area that has been in neglect for many years," Martin said. "However, I’m concerned that developers constantly seek special permits or variances. Zoning should be strictly enforced with fewer special permits and variances granted."

Dave Copeland covers Beverly and other North Shore communities for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).