Last month, Acting Mayor D.J. Beauregard announced the establishment of a Searles Estate Future Use Advisory Committee, which will consist of representatives from the administration, City Council, key municipal boards and commissions, and private and public sector subject matter experts.                                                                                                                                                     

“By creating this committee, I am fulfilling the promise made by the late Mayor Neil Perry during the discussions that led to the City Council’s approval of the Searles Estate purchase and adhering to the expressed wishes of the many members of the public who spoke out in favor of that purchase,” said Beauregard in a statement. “Now that the purchase has been completed, the goal of this committee will be to ensure the preservation of the Searles Estate and identify its best and most productive use,” he continued.

The committee will include:

Administration representatives: Acting Mayor (now Mayor) Beauregard, Director of the Department of Economic and Community Development Jack Wilson, Director of the Department of Public Works Pat Bower and ADA/DEI Coordinator Sandy Almonte.

Chairs of the City Council and the following boards and commissions: City Council – Joel Faretra; Community Development Board – Steve Defeo; Historic District Commission – Tom Lussier; Historical Commission – Dan Gagnon; Preservation Committee – Sharon Pollard and Zoning Board of Appeals – Matt D’ Agostino.

Private and public sector representatives covering key areas of expertise: Arts/Culture – Matt Kraunelis, Community-Based Services – Eunice Zeigler, Education – Rose Maria Redman, Engineering – John Osorio, Finance/Banking – Christina St. Onge, Grants/Project Management – Bill Manzi, Real Estate – Bill Buckley and State Liaison – Rep. Ryan Hamilton.

Guided by the work currently being conducted by Weston and Sampson, the Advisory Committee will conduct multiple public meetings to listen to feedback from Methuen residents regarding the future of the most important historical property in Methuen’s storied history.

Beauregard designated Rose Maria Redman to serve as the Advisory Committee’s chair. Details regarding the Advisory Committee’s meeting schedule will be released in the coming weeks. All meetings will be open to the public, and information regarding meeting dates and locations will be posted on the City of Methuen’s website and social media platforms. Technical support will be provided by staff from the Department of Economic and Community Development and Casey Dowgiert of i3 Architects.