GA Blog: Ipswich

12.21.11 Ipswich Wind Turbine II Plans Moving Along

The Ipswich Chronicle recently reported that plans for the area’s second wind turbine, Wind Turbine II, are getting close to becoming finalized. There are four major steps before the turbine can be built.

The builder, D&C Construction must first get special permits from the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen, make an agreement on the price of the electricity generated by the turbine, reach a lease agreement with the Selectmen for the town-owned property at 180 Town Farm Road, and finally purchase a turbine by Jan 1st in order to get a government grant.

The Board of Selectmen seems to be moving the process along quickly and completing the four steps before the January 1st deadline appears very doable. D&C Construction has proposed an electricity sale price of 9.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than the 10.3 cents charged by Turbine 1.

Read the entire Ipswich Chronicle article.

11.4.11 Backyard Chickens a Concern in Ipswich

The Ipswich Chronicle recently reported that an increase in raising chickens in backyards is cause for concern to some Ipswich residents. Those raising the chickens have complained of the high price of a filing fee, while surrounding residents complain of smell and health safety.

The Town of Ipswich requires residents to purchase a permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals to keep farm animals on property of less than one acre. The number of complaints dealing with chickens has risen to become a significant problem and now local officials are being pushed to find a solution.

“I’ve dealt with more complaints and issues involving people keeping chickens in the last year than in the previous 15 years before that,” said James Sperber, the zoning officer. “I’m worried all of our time will be consumed dealing with chickens.”

One resident has been raising chickens in her backyard for their eggs and also noted the benefit of their insect eating, as well as their fertilizer. Her neighbors have complained about the smell and noise the chickens make early in the morning. The owner hopes to talk to the Board of Selectmen to see if the charges of the license can be dropped.

Read the entire Ipswich Chronicle.

6.17.11 Project Creates Affordable Housing and Improved Home for Food Pantry

The Salem News recently reported that construction of an affordable housing project that is years in the making will begin this week in Hamilton, MA.

Located at 69 Willow Street, Firehouse Place will create a newly improved space for the Acord Food pantry-- which has served for residents of Hamilton, Wenham, Ipswich, Topsfield, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea-- and will also include four, one-bedroom affordable housing apartment units. When first built the building was used as a firehouse.

The Project is a mission of Harborlight Community Partners, a Beverly-based nonprofit organization, and will be supported by Community Preservation Act funds.

Construction of the project is expected to finish in the fall.

Read the entire Salem News article: http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1557867765/Housing-project-gets-off-ground

5.30.11 Ipswich Trail Plans in the Works

The Ipswich Chronicle recently reported that plans for the proposed 4.9-mile trail that would run alongside Argilla Road are a concern to local residents. Plans for the trail have been in the works for roughly 14 years. The trail would begin on Country Road and end at the Crane’s Beach entrance.

Many of the concerns are environmental issues, such as the trail consisting of impermeable materials, tree removal, maintenance, as well as moving sidewalks in an area where the trail would cross the Fox Creek bridge. Other concerns deal with the overall price of the project, estimated at $2.5 million.

Carol Lloyd, chairman of the trail committee, said there could be some notable changes from the original trail plans, including crushed stone paths in place of pavement. The committee will be working with the town and residents to receive input for a revised trail plan.

The project has received some grants from the Departments of Conservation and Reservation ($56,000), as well as an earmark from the Transportation Department ($100,000). With much more capitol needed to complete the project, the project is still considered to be in the exploratory stages.

“Ultimately, this is improvement to the Town property and we will be significantly involved,” said Town Planner Glenn Gibbs.

Read the entire Ipswich Chronicle article.

5.4.11 Ipswich Builds Wind Turbine - Another To Come?

The Ipswich Chronicle recently reported that the town’s first wind turbine is nearly complete, and there are possibilities that a second turbine may be coming in the near future.

The turbine is located at the end of Town Farm Road and will produce roughly 1.6 megawatts of power for the town reported Tim Henry, town Utilities Director. On average Ipswich uses roughly 17.7 megawatts of power per day.

D&C Construction of Rockland, the company erecting the turbine, is looking to build a second turbine on what is currently conservation land. To receive approval for building on the conservation land, thus changing the designation of the land, there must be a land swap in order to maintain the total amount of conservation land within the town.  D&C has already proposed a possible land swap site.

If D&C receives approval to build, they will own and maintain the turbine while selling power to the local Light Department at a pre-determined price.

Read the entire Ipswich Chronicle article.

2.14.11 17 Units in Plans for Ipswich Building

The Ipswich Chronicle recently reported that plans for a two-story edition on top of the building at 15 Market Street in Ipswich are back in play after first being submitted five years ago. The plans for the building, which now is home to the Dollar Store and River’s Edge Card & Gift, would add 17 residential units above the commercial space.

It is not known if the units will be sold as condominiums or rented out. The entrance to the units will be in the back located in the current parking lot. The town’s planning department has $12,500 budget to do a conceptual plan for the parking lot.

Read the entire Ipswich Chronicle article.