Quincy City Council: September 8, 2025

September 8, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: City Council and Finance Committee

Governing Body: City Council and Finance Committee Meeting Type: Public Hearing, Finance Committee Meeting, City Council Meeting Meeting Date: September 8th

Attendees:

  • Councillor Richard Ash
  • Councillor Scott Campbell
  • Councillor Jim Devine
  • Councillor Noel DiBona
  • Councillor William Harris
  • Councillor Nina Liang
  • Councillor David McCarthy (Chair)
  • Councillor Dan Minton
  • Christopher Walker (Mayor's Representative)
  • Brian Golden (Legal Representative, City)
  • Sean Nahill (Legal Team)
  • Mr. Fatsy (Planning Department)
  • Mr. Stevens (Planning Department)
  • Janet Peck (City Solicitor)
  • Town Clerk (Jen)

Executive Summary

The City Council and Finance Committee convened on September 8th for a public hearing, a Finance Committee meeting, and a City Council meeting. The public hearing addressed Council Order 2025-098 regarding a utility grant of location. The Finance Committee discussed and recommended approval of Council Order 2025-074, a Land Disposition Agreement for 1620 Hancock Street, a property that has been vacant for over 20 years, with the goal of generating significant tax revenue and promoting urban renewal. The City Council approved two gifts to the animal shelter and DARE, approved previous meeting minutes, referred several traffic and utility requests to committees, and approved two handicap parking removals/additions.

Public Hearing: Council Order 2025-098

Council Order 2025-098: Utility of Grant Location, National Grid, Verizon, Washington Street, at Southern Ottery and Beacon Street.

  • Discussion: The Chair opened the floor for public comments in favor or opposition to the order.
  • Outcome: No public comments were received.
  • Decision: The public hearing was closed at 6:31 p.m.

Finance Committee Meeting

Call to Order: The Finance Committee meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.

Roll Call:

  • Councillor Ash: Present
  • Councillor Campbell: Present
  • Councillor Devine: Present
  • Councillor DiBona: Present
  • Councillor Harris: Present
  • Councillor Liang: Present
  • Councillor McCarthy: Present
  • Councillor Minton: Present
  • Quorum: Eight members present.

Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Open Meeting Law Language: The Chair read the Open Meeting Law statement regarding audio/video recording and transmission of the public meeting.

Council Order 2025-074: Land Disposition Agreement for 1620 Hancock Street

  • Background Summary by Christopher Walker (Mayor's Representative):

    • The property at 1620 Hancock Street, approximately 11,000 square feet, was destroyed by fire in 2002 and has remained vacant for over 20 years.
    • The City acquired the property by eminent domain for $2.2 million in 2022, utilizing its urban redevelopment authority.
    • A private developer subsequently reached an agreement for the adjacent property (former Coleman site, Blockbuster site, Good Health site), enabling the coupling of these two parcels for redevelopment.
    • The Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) functions as a purchase and sale agreement, setting conditions for the city's sale of the property.
    • The key condition is the creation of a permitted, developable property within a specific timeline.
    • The difference between the $2.2 million acquisition price and the $1.9 million sale price (corrected from $1.8 million) is attributed to the appraisal process. Eminent domain appraisals focus on highest and best value in a vacuum, while LDA appraisals consider real-world redevelopment factors, including city controls, design guidelines, public improvement requirements, and permitting.
    • Value Proposition for the City:
      • The site currently generates $12,000 in property taxes.
      • Post-redevelopment, the two properties combined are projected to generate $700,000 in annual property taxes.
      • Additional revenue streams include excise tax and meals tax (if a restaurant is included).
      • The developer is responsible for public improvements around the site, including new and expanded sidewalks, representing a "seven-figure contribution."
      • This project is described as "textbook urban renewal," transforming a blighted property into a $75 million investment.
      • The LDA is considered "clean and straightforward" compared to past LDAs involving substantial public investment or complex land assemblage.
      • Legal team members Brian Golden and Sean Nahill, and planning department members Mr. Fatsy and Mr. Stevens, were present to answer questions.

  • Discussion:

    • Councillor Devine:
      • Moved to approve the LDA to facilitate tax revenue generation.
      • Provided historical context: the site was formerly Tasso's Pizza, which burned down in 2002.
      • Highlighted the property's long-term blight and the city's proactive approach to redevelopment, contrasting with other communities that halted development during the post-COVID era.
      • Emphasized the economic benefits of the project, transforming a $12,000 tax-generating property into one potentially generating $700,000.
      • Stated, "This is our economic engine that's gonna move it forward. This is another piece of the puzzle, another piece of the pie to move it forward."
    • Councillor Campbell:
      • Inquired about the 32,000 square feet area and its exclusivity. Mr. Walker clarified that the 11,000 square foot property will be part of a larger development with the adjacent parcel, with future potential for further development in the block.
      • Confirmed that the project is being paid out of the District Improvement Financing (DIF) fund. Mr. Walker explained that the sale generates revenue, and the DIF program allows the city to borrow against anticipated new tax growth to fund public improvements in the downtown, ensuring that downtown taxes pay for downtown improvements.
      • Anticipated "shovel in the ground" moment: First quarter of next year.
    • Councillor Ash:
      • Acknowledged the "delta" between the purchase price and sale price.
      • Confirmed the proposed purchase price is $1.9 million.
      • Referenced comparable sales on page 46 of the appraisal, noting that the $141 per square foot average for sales two, three, and four, compared to $166 per square foot for 1620 Hancock Street.
      • Confirmed the $700,000 in potential property taxes applies to both 1620 and 1630 Hancock Street combined.
      • Inquired about the immediate assessed value after purchase. Mr. Walker stated that this is a question for assessors but noted that property taxes are calculated throughout the construction period, increasing as the project progresses, even before full occupancy.
      • Discussed the relationship between sale price and assessed value, noting that residential properties often assess at 75-85% of sale price.
    • Councillor Liang:
      • Expressed excitement about increasing the commercial footprint and adding retail space to the tax rolls, despite the small retail space.
      • Emphasized the importance of city protection and control in LDAs.
      • Noted the LDA requires the developer to begin construction within 120 days of closing and complete the project within approximately 2 to 2.5 years, barring acts of God or terrorism.
      • Inquired about the escrow account for the purchase price. Mr. Walker explained that the purchase price is placed in escrow. If conditions are met, the funds flow into the DIF for capital expenses in the downtown. If the city needs to repurchase the property (worst-case scenario), the funds remain in escrow, less any incurred costs. The key trigger for releasing funds to the city is the occupancy permit.
      • Confirmed that funds from the sale will continue to be dedicated to downtown improvements via the DIF.

  • Motion: Councillor Devine moved to approve Council Order 2025-074.

  • Second: Councillor Liang seconded the motion.

  • Vote:

    • Councillor Ash: Yes
    • Councillor Campbell: Yes
    • Councillor Devine: Yes
    • Councillor DiBona: Yes
    • Councillor Harris: Yes
    • Councillor Liang: Yes
    • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
    • Councillor Minton: Yes
    • Outcome: Motion passed (8-0).

  • Adjournment: The Finance Committee meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

City Council Meeting

Call to Order: The City Council meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

Roll Call:

  • Councillor Ash: Present
  • Councillor Campbell: Present
  • Councillor Devine: Present
  • Councillor DiBona: Present
  • Councillor Harris: Present
  • Councillor Liang: Present
  • Councillor McCarthy: Present
  • Councillor Minton: Present
  • Quorum: Eight members present.

Moment of Silence: A moment of silence was observed for victims of recent shootings in Minnesota.

Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Open Meeting Law Language: The Town Clerk read the Open Meeting Law statement.

Agenda Item 1: Council Order 2025-100

  • Description: A gift of $7,500 from the Copeland Family Foundation to the animal shelter.
  • Motion: Councillor Harris moved for approval.
  • Second: Councillor DiBona seconded the motion.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councillor Ash: Yes
    • Councillor Campbell: Yes
    • Councillor Devine: Yes
    • Councillor DiBona: Yes
    • Councillor Harris: Yes
    • Councillor Liang: Yes
    • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
    • Councillor Minton: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed (8-0).

Agenda Item 2: Council Order 2025-101

  • Description: A gift of $10,000 from the Copeland Family Foundation to DARE.
  • Motion: Councillor Harris moved for approval.
  • Second: Councillor DiBona seconded the motion.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councillor Ash: Yes
    • Councillor Campbell: Yes
    • Councillor Devine: Yes
    • Councillor DiBona: Yes
    • Councillor Harris: Yes
    • Councillor Liang: Yes
    • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
    • Councillor Minton: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed (8-0).

Agenda Item 3: Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

  • Description: Minutes from June 16th and July 21st.
  • Motion: Councillor Harris moved for approval.
  • Second: Councillor DiBona seconded the motion.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed.

Agenda Item 4: Communications and Reports from the Mayor and Other City Clerk

  • Traffic Requests (Referred to Ordinance Committee for Advertising):
    • Ward 2, Councillor Ash: Add no parking on the odd side of Oak Street.
    • Ward 4, Councillor Devine: Add no parking any time between 53 and 55 Sonomi Road and Nelson Street.
    • Ward 4, Councillor Devine: Add no parking at 57 Buckley Street.
  • Utility Requests (Referred to Public Works Committee for Scheduling and Advertising):
    • Grant of location, National Grid, Verizon, West Quantum Street at Arlington Street.
    • Grant of location, National Grid, Verizon, Federal Avenue, Goddard Street.
    • Grant of location, National Grid, Chubbuck Street at Washington Street and Raycroft Ave.

Agenda Item 5: Unfinished Business and Proceeding Meetings

  • No unfinished business.

Agenda Item 6: Reports of Committees

  • Public Works Committee (Councillor Harris):
    • Council Order 2025-098: Utility Grant Allocation, Verizon Washington Street and Southern Ottery and Beacon Street.
      • Recommendation: Positive recommendation from the Public Works Committee.
      • Motion: Councillor Harris moved for approval.
      • Second: Councillor Liang seconded the motion.
      • Vote: All in favor.
      • Outcome: Motion passed.
  • Finance Committee (Councillor Liang, Vice Chair):
    • Council Order 2025-074: Order Land Disposition Agreement, 1620 Hancock Street.
      • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
      • Motion: Councillor Liang moved for approval.
      • Second: Councillor Devine seconded the motion.
      • Roll Call Vote:
        • Councillor Ash: Yes
        • Councillor Campbell: Yes
        • Councillor Devine: Yes
        • Councillor DiBona: Yes
        • Councillor Harris: Yes
        • Councillor Liang: Yes
        • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
        • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • Outcome: Motion passed (8-0).
  • Ordinance Committee (Councillor Liang):
    • Council Order 2025-077 (Ward 4): Remove handicapped parking at 65 Lurton Street.
      • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
      • Motion: Councillor Liang moved for approval.
      • Second: Councillor Campbell seconded the motion.
      • Vote: All in favor.
      • Outcome: Motion passed.
    • Council Order 2025-097 (Ward 6): Add handicapped parking at 301 Billing Street.
      • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
      • Motion: Councillor Liang moved for approval.
      • Second: Councillor Harris seconded the motion.
      • Vote: All in favor.
      • Outcome: Motion passed.

Agenda Item 7: Presentation of Petitions, Memorials, and Remonstrances

  • Councillor Campbell:
    • Announced the passing of Betsy Daly (D'Olympio), a lifelong Quincy resident, former CCD teacher, and Quincy City Hospital employee. She graduated from Quincy High School in 1968. Condolences extended to her children Kelly, Phil, and the entire family.
  • Councillor Ash:
    • Reported the death of Mary Buccella (Bersani), 92, a lifelong Quincy resident and talented hairdresser who lived at 1000 Southern Artery. A memorial service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery on Friday, September 12th, at 11:30 a.m. Condolences extended to her children Cheryl and Bill.
    • Congratulated Councillor Devine on completing his 50-mile challenge walk for MS with his daughter Grace, raising over $600,000 for the MS Society.
    • Wished Frank Brillo a happy 80th birthday (September 3rd). Mr. Brillo, a Vietnam War veteran with a Purple Heart, is known for coaching the Quincy Point Panthers to 19 championships.
  • Councillor DiBona:
    • Commended the Quincy 400 Committee, Quincy Police Department, Downtown District Department (Mary Cahill), Park Department (Dave Murphy), and all involved for successful summer events, including:
      • Dropkick Murphys concert at Hancock Adams Common (11,000 attendees).
      • Darius Rucker and John Fogerty concerts at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
      • Concerts and events at Hancock Adams Common.
      • Concerts at the Ruth Gordon Amphitheater at Pageant Field.
      • Wednesdays at Wollaston Beach events.
    • Stated, "Quincy's going in the right direction."
  • Councillor Devine:
    • Acknowledged the crucial role of the Traffic Department in the success of summer events.

Agenda Item 8: Motions, Orders, and Resolutions

  • No new motions, orders, or resolutions.

Agenda Item 9: Scheduling Committee Meetings and Public Hearings

  • Monday, September 15th: City Council, 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, October 6th: City Council, 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, October 20th: City Council, 6:30 p.m.

Adjournment:

  • Motion: Councillor Liang moved to adjourn.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Last updated: Nov 9, 2025

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