HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-07-29Wednesday - July 29, 1970
Special Meeting
The PLANNI~ BOARD held a special meeting on Wednesday .evening, July 29, 1970
at 8:00 P.M. to meet with John A. Brown, Planning Consultant. The following
members were present: William A. Chepulis, Jr., Chairman; John J. Nonteire,
Secretary; Donald N. Keirstead and Robert J. Burke. Atty. Charles W. Trombly, Jr.
was unable to attend due to illness in the family.
John A. Brown~ Planning Consultant and Jerry Nesson, an assistant were present.
(Judy Alson, Eagle-Tribune reporter was present). Ben Osgood was also present.
This meeting was ca1 led in order that Mr. Brown could present a report to the Board
of his progress in Phase I of the contract with the town of North Andover.
Mr. Brown explained that this phase is mostly research and he wants to go over various
things with the Board to make sure it is going along correctly.
He had a preliminary figure for 1970 of the population analysis - which is 16,185 (a
50% increase) He said he will show the increase by tracts. He will have a preliminary
report of the 1960 census ~ud the 1970 census when it is available. He will have
various breakdowns in the census. Policies can be projected for density.
Mr. Chepulis asked if a progress report could be made and Mr. Brown said he would
make a report within the month. He said the economic analysis is coming along - they
are still analyzing it and it is still in rough draft form but progressing.
Mr. Monteiro asked Mr. Brown, for the record, to make all sepia maps available to
the town and Mr. Brown said they would be available.
Mr. Brown showed a large det~tled map of North Andover showing ~11 of the land uses
throughout the town designated in several colors, such as single, residential areas,
apartment areas, business areas, industrial areas, vacant land, etc. He said this
map will be turned over to the Planning Board later when it is completed. They are
measur~ how ,tach lend is in each category. They have a~ther map showing the
zoni~eas, amount of lend presently used and how much is available for use,
condition of land, facilities, etc.
Mr. Keirstead said the School Superintendent has aerial photos available if the
Planning Consultant is in need of them.
Relative to the housing study, Mr. Brown said they are evaluating the data that is
available. They would like to make a detailed survey of all apartments in town
and could possibly use some members of the P.A.C. to assist.
Mr. Brown distributed a memorandum to each of the members listing several issues
that he wished to discuss with the Board.
1. Apartment Development versus single family development:
Cluster zoning end "planned unit development" preferably, were discussed for
future development of the large undeveloped areas. It was also discussed as to
what should be done in the future as .4o apartments and that they should be
completely eliminated.
July 29, 1970 - cont.
2. Development of vacant land along Routes 114 and 125:
There are some things that can be done almost immediately. Mr. Brown said
there are ways that you can control things that come into a particular area. He
thinks there should possibly be 3 or 4 different business categories. Off-street
parking was also discussed.
3. Establishment of an historic preservation district:
Mr. Brown thinks that this is an important aspect and should be considered.
4. Disposition of A.B.M. site:
This is a very important issue and something should be done as soon, as possible.
A discussion was held as to the best use of the area. Mr. Brown said some member
from the Planning Board should attend the meeting with the Selectmen and Congressman
Harrington to beheld shortly relative to the site.
5. Low- and moderate-income housing:
This is an important aspect and there should be some sort of guidelines with
relation to Chapter 774. The town should be ready for it. Guidance is needed as
to the need and responsibility inthis region. They discussedprese~vlngthe green
areas scattered throughout the town. There should be gradual ~density.
6. Future status of Lawrence airport:
The Board feels this airport is not centrally located and there is actually no
importance to its being located here. There are other areas that are more centrally
located.
7. Regional position:
This is an issue and could be a sub-region of Metropolitan Boston. The Dept.
of Natural Resources has picked up alot of small pieces of land across the street
from the Harold Parker State Forest. Ben Osgood said he heard about a water
conservation program by the state and that they plan to use the area at a corner
of North Andover that meets with Boxford and Middleton.
8. Upgrading of Business district:
Mr. Brown thinks that the downtown business area could be improved upon; it
does not present too attractive an image. The location of Town Hall was discussed.
Mr. Brown said he would like the Board to study the memo and the various issues
discussed. A discussion was held about Lake Cochichewick and the possibility of a
recreation area. This could possibly be a part of the recreation study in Phase II
of the program.
A discussion was held as to the procedures of the Planning Advisory Committee and
it was decided that the Planning Consultant can work directly withthe P.A.C. since
there are 2 Planning Board members on the committee and they can make any necessary
reports to the PlanmingBoard.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
WC
AD
Chairman
Clerk