The Newburyport Planning Board convened on February 7, 2024, to discuss various topics related to local development and historical preservation. The meeting began with a presentation on the historical significance of Otis Place, a road laid out in 1880, which has played a crucial role in providing middle-class housing near the Newburyport Center Business District.

The discussion highlighted the development of homes along Otis Place over the following three decades, primarily catering to the needs of local merchants and their families. Notably, in 1884, Harriet J. Schwab purchased a plot of land at the corner of Garden Street and Otis Place, then known as Bannister Field, for $950. On this land, she constructed two houses, including the one at 4 Otis, designed in the vernacular Victorian architectural style. Although Harriet never resided in the property, she rented it out, and it was later sold in 1893 to the Liddle family.

The Liddles sold the house at 4 Otis in 1909 to Bessie Bolton, whose husband, George Moulton, managed a local boot and shoe store. The Moultons were the first family to both own and live in the house, marking a significant moment in its history. In 1919, the Moultons sold the property to the Clancy family, who maintained ownership until 1964. The house changed hands several times before being purchased by the current owners in 2021.

The meeting concluded with a call for further exploration of the historical context of Otis Place and its importance to the community. The Planning Board emphasized the need for ongoing discussions about preserving the area's rich history while accommodating future development.