GA Blog: Beverly

1.13.12 Historic Beverly Home to be Demolished

The Beverly Citizen recently reported that even after much opposition from locals and Beverly board members, a home that was built in the early 1700’s will be knocked down by the owner and replaced with a Walgreens pharmacy. 

The property, located at 48 Dodge Street, is commonly referred to as the Wood-Greenwood House and is considered historically significant by many city board members and the Beverly Historical Society.

“One by one these [historical] houses are being torn down, and it’s taking away the historical value of Beverly. The house is significant and it should be preserved.” said Dan Lohnes, president of the Beverly Historical Society.

Owners of the home, Westward Apple Orchards Limited Partnership, has stated that the space is “functionally obsolete”, and that the property, which is already has commercial zoning, must be redeveloped.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

12.1.11 Two Beverly Apartment Complexes Set to Open in 2012

The Beverly Citizen recently reported that two new housing projects in Beverly are ahead of schedule and set to be completed in the spring and summer of 2012.  Windover Construction is the developer for both projects.

The Holcroft Park Homes, located on Mill and Grant streets, will contain 58 units including two and three-bedroom apartments. The North Shore CDC and the YMCA of the North Shore partnered up to build the affordable housing project. Apartments will be available to renters that earn 60 percent or less than the median area income. Some units will be held for tenants making 30 percent or less of the median area income.

The YMCA is currently accepting applications for the apartments. To apply, visit northshoreymca.org and click on “housing.”

The second development known as the Burnham Apartments will consist of 38 one-bedroom apartments located on Rantoul Street, the lot that the Kelly Infiniti car dealership stood several months ago. The four story complex is expected to be finished by August 2012.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

6.10.11 $20 Million Affordable Housing Project in Beverly

The Salem News recently reported that a $20 million affordable housing project got under way last month in one of Beverly’s poorer neighborhoods, Gloucester Crossing. The new development, Holcroft Park Homes, will consist of six buildings with 58 apartment units

The development is being built by the North Shore Community Development Coalition and the YMCA of the North Shore. The organizations have had plans to build affordable housing in the area since 2007.

The Gloucester Crossing area has had a poor reputation over the years, known as one of the most dangerous areas in Beverly.  Since the two organizations purchased properties to build the new development on, crime rates have fallen. The two building organizations hope to change the bad reputation.

"Your presence has provided so much," said Police Chief Mark Ray. "Gloucester Crossing had the highest crime rate and fear of crime in the city. Since your [NSCDC & YMCA of NS] investment, a remarkable transformation has occurred."

Read the entire Salem News article.

6.1.11 MBTA Bus Route Coming to Danvers and Possibly to Beverly Commuter Rail Station

The Beverly Citizen recently reported that a new MBTA bus line may be coming to Danvers and possibly the Beverly Depot commuter rail station. The proposed route would focus on several stops throughout Danvers, as well as the North Shore Community College.

The MBTA had once offered a similar route, however, it was cancelled in 2002 for low ridership. State Rep. Ted Speliotis (D-Danvers) believes that the new route would be a success due to new developments and expansions at Danvers State Hospital, Conifer Hill, and the North Shore Community College.

The bus would also have stops at the Essex Agricultural and Technical School, Saint John’s Preparatory School, Essex County Corrections in Middleton, the Danvers Group Home, CAB Health Services on Middleton Road, Danvers Plaza and Beverly Hospital at Danvers.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

5.25.11 Downtown Beverly Program Gives Commercial Property Owners Low-rate Loans

The Beverly Citizen recently reported that Beverly Main Streets has announced the 2011 “Banking on Beverly” Downtown Improvement Program, which will give downtown property owners an opportunity to receive below-market-rate loans from six local banks.

The six banks involved with the program include the Beverly Cooperative Bank, Danversbank, Eastern Bank, North Shore Bank, Salem Five and TD Bank. $1.5 million in loans will be given at below-market-rates to downtown commercial property owners as incentive to improve and rehab their buildings. Loan of up to $100,000 will be available for qualifying projects.  

Before receiving a loan, projects must receive pre-approval by the Beverly Main Streets Design Committee. Improvements on the exterior and interior of buildings will be considered.

“Eligible projects must be situated within the Main Streets District, which generally includes Cabot and Rantoul Streets from the Veterans Memorial Bridge to Gloucester Crossing, Park Street and River Street and the areas situated between.”

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

5.19.11 “Wayfinding” Signs to Direct Visitors of Beverly

The Salem News recently reported that the city of Beverly is planning to install roughly 60 new signs that will direct visitors to important areas of the city, such as the downtown area.  The news was announced at a City Council meeting which took place in the beginning of May.

With the help of Beverly Main Streets, the 60 “wayfinding” signs will be located on six major routes entering the city -- Route 62, Route 1A, Route 22, Route 127, Sohier Road, and at the base of the Beverly-Salem bridge.

Other locations the signs will direct people to include Historic Cabot St., Rantoul Street, the Commuter Rail station, and the Beverly Waterfront, and buildings such as Montserrat College and the public library.

The first phase of the project which will install 47 signs, including two major “gateway signs”, is expected to cost roughly $100,000, said Gin Wallace, executive director of Beverly Main Streets. The signs may be going up as soon as this fall.

Read the Salem News article.