Vestry reports talks to convert Saint John’s Hall to small apartments for resettled families

Deb, who identified herself as a vestry officer (treasurer and clerk) of All Saints Episcopal Church, told the planning board the vestry voted to close the church and is exploring redevelopment of Saint John's Hall into housing.

Deb said the church has been in discussions with a Newburyport‑based group led by Jared Mercer, rector of St. Paul's, that aims to create housing for resettled people. She said the initial scheme would reuse Saint John's Hall to create four apartments and that the proponents may apply to permit up to six units if the site accommodates additional units. "It makes it viable to create housing in what is now Saint John's Hall," she said, but she cautioned the board that the project depends on board of health approvals (perk testing) and possibly state review.

Deb asked the board to note that the property carries historical covenants from donors and that the parish prefers to find reuse options that preserve the church's character; she said parts of the property might remain in diocesan hands. Board members discussed exemptions that can apply to religious land uses (Dover Amendment was mentioned) and agreed the planning board should be kept informed as the project advances through the board of health and any permitting steps.

No formal application was before the planning board tonight; members encouraged proponents to place the item on a future agenda once the board of health and perk tests supply technical details.