Zoning Board Leadership:
Helping to Create Jobs and Housing
Scott Houseman served for 10 years as Chairman of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), following 6 years as a regular ZBA member. In that role, he helped move Beverly forward, so new jobs, new businesses, and new housing could be created. Scott was privileged to work with dedicated colleagues on the ZBA. They, like so many other volunteers for the city, are unsung heroes for Beverly.
“This community has indeed been fortunate to have had your dedication and expertise for more than sixteen years. You have devoted yourself tirelessly to the cause especially during your time as Chair. Please be aware that many of us including myself know full well how much of a difference you have made to our fine city.”
~
Mayor William Scanlon, 2008
Notable businesses and buildings you see every day in Beverly required zoning permitting. Here are just a few on which Scott, has had an impact.
Cummings Center
In the 1990’s, the Cummings Center was still an abandoned factory. It needed zoning relief to bring in business tenants and to allow signage and building expansion. With Scott Houseman’s leadership, the Zoning Board granted zoning permission multiple times so jobs could be created and new business started. Today, this office park generates $2.3 million in annual tax revenue and provides jobs for over 4,500 people.
Depot Square
In 2007, Windover Development took on the construction of a 46-unit condo and retail development at a site on Rantoul Street, near Beverly Depot. Some major zoning relief was necessary for construction to occur. With Scott Houseman’s leadership as Chairman, the Zoning Board, with careful conditions, granted the needed zoning permission.
River House
In 2003, River House, which offers shelter to those in need, required zoning relief to allow a non-profit agency to assume ownership from the City of Beverly and refurbish the building. River House, run by North Shore Community Action Programs, provides a safe place to sleep, and meals, to up to 34 individuals each day. In 2009, River House served more than 225 individuals. The Zoning Board supported this zoning relief.
Cabot Street Homes & the Mayflower Hotel
In 2006, Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition, partnering with the YMCA of the North Shore, sought zoning relief to convert a rooming house, the former Mayflower Hotel, into high quality affordable housing. This ambitious project required a complete demolition and rebuilding. Design, impact on the neighborhood, and management best-practices were all evaluated and zoning relief was granted.
Landmark at Oceanview
In 2005, Briscoe Limited Partnership needed and got zoning relief to increase the number of units inside its assisted living center, Landmark at Oceanview. The Zoning Board also helped mediate a solution between the assisted living center and its neighbors over noise from air conditioning units on the roof.
Montserrat Condominiums
In 2006, a developer sought zoning relief to build 43 residential condominium units at 40 Heather Street. Traffic, landscaping, affordable housing commitments, and lighting were all issues tackled by the Zoning Board. With protections in place for the neighborhood, zoning relief for the development was approved.