Beverly Boards Take Up FY27 Budget, $1.5M Road Transfer, and New Brewery Permit
Beverly municipal boards in late June took up the mayor's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, a $1.5 million road resurfacing transfer, and a host of development and licensing requests. Minutes from most sessions were not yet published, but agendas detailed the following actions.
Budget and Finance
The City Council held a public hearing June 22 on Order #151 to approve Mayor Cahill’s proposed FY27 budget and entered executive session for police and fire union negotiations and litigation against the Beverly Police Superior Officers Association. A special meeting on June 23 was scheduled solely to vote on Order #15 for the budget. Outcomes were not immediately available.
On June 25, the council scheduled public hearings on a $1,500,000 transfer from the road resurfacing account to repave Lothrop Street and a utility route, and a $45,000 transfer for supplemental Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act permitting for the Lynch Park Climate Resiliency project. The council also weighed a National Grid petition to install 3,000 feet of underground electric conduit and nine manholes on River Street.
The Affordable Housing Trust on June 30 was set to decide on a time extension for a $160,000 grant to Harborlight Homes for the Turtle Woods Housing Preservation and Decarbonization project.
The Contributory Retirement Board on June 25 voted on an involuntary retirement application for Patrol Officer Nicole Phillips, a buyback discrepancy for Mary Sullivan, and seven superannuation retirements including Firefighter Robert Atherton Jr. (38 years) and Library Custodian Ralph Palmer (22 years). The board also approved a retiree payroll warrant of $1,411,383.87 and a disbursements warrant of $155,528.02.
Land Use and Development
The Zoning Board of Appeals on June 24 reviewed five residential variance and special permit requests and a continued hearing for a 124-foot wireless monopole at 12 Tozer Road, which requires height and setback variances.
The Conservation Commission on June 30 scheduled public hearings for a project at 40 Prince Street to raze a house and build a new home with a pool and seawall repair, and for work at 58 West Street, 15 Wirling Drive, and 8 Upland Road.
The Historic District Commission on June 24 held demolition delay hearings for 38 Paine Ave (DD-26-3) and the Glen Urquhart School at 206 Greenwood Ave (DD-26-5).
The Open Space and Recreation Committee on July 1 discussed trail extensions from Sally Milligan to Cross Lane/Boyles Street, new stairs at Sally Milligan/Pearl Street Extension, and a bridge construction update for Norwood Pond.
Licenses and Alcohol
The Licensing Board on July 2 was scheduled to consider a new Farmer’s Brewery Pouring Permit and entertainment license for Old Planter’s Brewing Co. at 232 Rantoul Street. The board also planned to discuss an alteration of licensed premises and change of manager for Reds on the Rail at 112-114 Rantoul Street, a one-day license for a Tapped Beer Truck event July 17, and a common victualler application for Fresh Brew Café at 289 Rantoul Street. Separately, members expected to discuss the license usage and recent closure of Prides Pizza (dba Prides Deli & Pizzeria) at 644 Hale Street.
The City Council on June 25 also considered alcohol waiver requests from The Bubble Bar and The Bottle Shop for Beverley Commons.
Other Board Actions
The Council on Aging selected the Senior of the Year and noted the retirement of building manager Ralph “Chip” Palmer. The Stormwater Management Advisory Committee reviewed program updates and budget. The South Essex Sewerage Board voted on accepting a Gap IV Energy Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and agreements with Resource & Energy Consulting, LLC, plus activated carbon bids and filling a chief operator vacancy. Library trustees examined the FY27 budget, a state aid waiver, HVAC issues, and meeting room policies. The Veterans Advisory Committee planned a July 4 cookout and coordinated installation of a traveling memorial wall.
Coming Up
The South Essex Sewerage Board meets July 8 to approve warrants and consider filing legislation. No other public meetings were listed in the upcoming two weeks.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.