With only three incumbent candidates for three positions, the city councilor-at-large race in Beverly might not look like a race at all. But thanks to a rule that is unique to Beverly, voters will actually be facing a key decision when they mark their ballots — whether they know it or not. Beverly is the only […]

City Councilor Hannah Bowen, who wrote the original letter to the Council proposing expanding ADU options in the city as a way to create more affordable housing units and allow homeowners a means to downsize and potentially draw an income from their property, told Patch she agrees with the changes and additional public hearing. “The changes are […]

New Beverly ordinances banning overnight deliveries to most businesses, providing free downtown parking to veterans and a contract extension for Police Chief John LeLacheur’s contract through 2027 were approved at Monday night’s Beverly City Council meeting. The approvals wrapped discussions and debates that spanned several recent meetings, while the public hearing on a proposal to […]

“I am very excited that we have reached this stage in this form,” said City Councilor Hannah Bowen, who proposed the ordinance change in a letter to the City Council last year and spoke with Patch about her support of ADUs ahead of a public hearing on the ordinance in April. “I think it’s strong and I […]

Two new candidates have taken out papers to run for office in Beverly. James Modugno has signed on to run for city councilor at-large while Geraldine Cahill is planning to run for School Committee in Ward 3. So far, 20 residents have taken out nomination papers for this year’s city election, which includes mayor, City […]

 The city has changed parking rules on the increasingly crowded waterfront, including stiffer fines, expanding the times when people have to pay, and prohibiting overnight parking in some lots. The changes come as more people are expected to visit the waterfront this summer with the recent opening of the new Mission Boathouse restaurant. The new […]

A year after a racial equity audit showed stark disparities in income and opportunities for people of color in Beverly, city officials say they are ready to act on the audit’s recommendations. The consultant who conducted the audit told the City Council Monday night that the company will work with the city to hold workshops […]

I’m writing to invite my neighbors in Beverly to seize a unique opportunity — and to recognize the risks we face if we do not. Recently, the City Council approved the “friendly taking” of property on Cabot Street by eminent domain at a cost of $8 million. I have heard this and recent zoning changes […]

“Beverly City Councilor Hannah Bowen — an ADU proponent — told Patch on Tuesday that Beverly is an ideal city for expanded ADUs to be one more way to increase housing opportunities without imposing new development. “When you look at our housing plans, our master plan, all the community meetings that went into those,” Bowen […]

“While most Councilors said the restrictions — in conjunction with new proposed citywide design standards — will help curb overdevelopment and preserve the unique character of downtown, Councilor Hannah Bowen, who opposed both the height restrictions, said that they would not accomplish the stated goals while they could limit affordable housing opportunities and send a […]