A clear long-term plan
LifeBridge should state clearly its intended purpose, hours, capacity, staffing, site operations, and long-term vision for 35 Conant Street.
Former Second Congregational Church · 35 Conant Street
A clear plan
for the old church.
LifeBridge has declared only that “services” will be available at the former Second Congregational Church—the old church at 35 Conant Street. No overnight shelter has been publicly announced. North Beverly deserves clear, direct answers about the future of this neighborhood site.
What we know—and what remains unresolved
“Not at this time” is not a long-term plan.
LifeBridge has consistently described the former Second Congregational Church at 35 Conant Street as a location for drop-in services. It has not publicly announced an overnight shelter. We welcome well-run drop-in services and do not claim that an overnight shelter is currently planned.
But LifeBridge has not ruled out overnight use, and its statement that there are “no plans at this time” leaves the neighborhood without a clear long-term commitment. Nor have residents received a written account of the old church’s long-range use, hours, capacity, staffing, security, exterior management, or point of contact.
Organizations may adapt their plans. A residential neighborhood deserves advance notice, meaningful consultation, and enforceable safeguards before that happens—not a fait accompli after investment and implementation are underway. LifeBridge can resolve much of this concern now: state that the old church will not become an overnight shelter for a defined period, explain the long-term purpose of the site, and name a local contact accountable to the neighborhood.
Our expectations
What North Beverly is asking for.
No overnight shelter
Services for marginalized members of our community are important. But an overnight shelter would be a fundamentally different use of this property—one the neighborhood should not be expected to accept.
Accountable community partnership
LifeBridge should name an accountable local contact, publish practical operating protocols, and establish a reliable way for neighbors to receive timely answers.
No surprises or rushed approvals
LifeBridge’s North Beverly neighbors should be alerted and consulted before any major change is proposed or brought forward for approval—not after zoning or use decisions are made.
The questions
Questions LifeBridge and City leaders must answer.
These are practical requests for clarity, safe operations, and a genuine neighborhood partnership—not assumptions about any person seeking support.
- 01What use is authorized at 35 Conant Street today, and what use is being requested?
- 02Will LifeBridge make a written, time-bound commitment that 35 Conant will not provide overnight shelter services for at least five years, with any future reconsideration preceded by documented community input?
- 03Would overnight sheltering, supportive housing, expanded capacity, or a material change in hours require a new City approval?
- 04Who is the named local operations contact, and what is the response and escalation process after hours?
- 05What written conditions, inspection process, incident reporting, and City enforcement tools would apply if operations change?
Information hub
Start with the record.
Primary documents and official code come first. News coverage supplies context; it does not replace a permit filing, a City decision, or written operating terms.
Primary document
SJC judgment approving the transfer
The January 2, 2026 judgment authorizes the transfer to LifeBridge. It calls for a day resource center “among other uses” and says City building and/or zoning approvals are required as needed before conveyance. Read paragraphs 3(d) and 4.
Open documentOfficial code
Beverly Zoning Code: Chapter 300
Start with the Land Use Schedule, then Article XIII. The schedule identifies whether listed uses are permitted or require a special permit by zoning district; confirm the parcel’s district and the City’s classification of any proposed use.
Open documentOfficial code
§ 300-91: special-permit uses
Most relevant for a special-permit application. It directs the decision-maker to consider site suitability, adjoining uses, factual property-value evidence, traffic, nuisance or hazard, operating facilities, City services, and demonstrable abutter objections. It also permits reasonable protective conditions.
Open documentOfficial code
§ 300-94: procedures and plan changes
Special-permit procedures follow Massachusetts Chapter 40A. Non-minor changes to an approved plan can require a new application and public hearing.
Open documentState law
Massachusetts zoning notice: M.G.L. c. 40A, § 11
Defines parties in interest for a zoning hearing, including abutters, owners directly opposite, and qualifying abutters to abutters within 300 feet. Request a certified list from Beverly Assessors when a zoning application is filed.
Open documentLocal reporting
Patch: proposed resource center
Early local coverage of LifeBridge’s resource-center concept. Useful background; formal permits and filings are the controlling record.
Open documentLocal reporting
The Beverly Beat: first public meeting
A contemporaneous account of the July 2025 community meeting and the questions residents raised. It is context, not a City decision or permit record.
Open documentLocal reporting
The Beverly Beat: SJC approval
Background reporting on the court-approved sale. Pair it with the judgment above for the operative terms.
Open documentPublic record
Salem hearing record
A public record from Salem concerning LifeBridge. It provides context only; it does not determine what Beverly must approve or enforce.
Open documentAct with purpose
Organize. Attend. Document. Insist.
Share a specific question, meeting update, public record, or documented concern. We will build a disciplined record, show up consistently, and document both official commitments and unanswered questions.
Lead with observable facts, dates, locations, and a requested action.
Keep a copy of any City filing, response, or meeting notice you find.
Respect neighbors and people seeking services. This effort is about conduct, operations, and accountability.
Use 911 for an emergency. This form is not monitored in real time.