The next stage in preserving Methuen’s historic Searles Estate and identifying its “best and most productive use” will fall to a new advisory committee of high-profile members.
Methuen Acting Mayor David P. “D.J.” Beauregard Wednesday named members of the Searles Estate Future Use Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from the administration, City Council, key city boards and commissions and private and public sector 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,” Beauregard said in a statement.
The committee will be headed by Bradford Christian Academy’s Rose Maria Redman, who has served as a teacher and school leader at Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen and Malden Catholic High School. Other members are Beauregard; Economic and Community Development Director Jack Wilson, Public Works Director Pat Bower and ADA/DEI Coordinator Sandy Almonte, all representing the administration; City Council Chair Joel Faretra, Community Development Board Chair Steve DeFeo, Historic District Commission Chair Tom Lussier, Historical Commission Chair Dan Gagnon, Preservation Committee Chair and former Mayor Sharon M. Pollard and Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Matt D’Agostino, representing aspects of city government. Others chosen for their expertise are Matt Kraunelis, arts and culture; Eunice D. Zeigler, community-based services; John Osorio, engineering; Christina St. Onge, finance and banking; former Mayor William Manzi, grants and project management; Bill Buckley, real estate; and Rep. Ryan M. Hamilton, state liaison.
Beauregard said the committee will be guided by work currently being conducted by Weston and Sampson and will conduct public meetings to gather feedback from Methuen residents.