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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-18 Master Plan Implementation Committee Minutes Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting Minutes September 18, 2023 Attending: (in person): Jon Strauss (Chair), Meredith Barnes-Cook(Vice-Chair), George Koehler, Al Manzi, Sean Kevlahan, Stan Limpert, Hollie Williams Absent: Richard Vaillancourt Staff: Andrew Shapiro (Director of Community and Economic Development) Call To Order Chair Jon Strauss called the meeting to order. He also acknowledged and welcomed the presence of two new Members of the Committee: Al Manzi (representing the Conservation Commission) and Sean Kevlahan(representing the Planning Board). Andrew Shapiro noted that Stan Limpert has shifted to be the Committee's Historical Commission representative and that there is a vacant at-large spot. Public Comment No public comments were received by Jon Strauss or Andrew Shapiro by the time the meeting had started and no members of the public were present to offer comments. Approval of Mav 1,2023 Meeting Minutes Meredith Barnes-Cook motioned to approve the minutes from May 1st. George Koehler seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 in favor with 2 abstentions (Manzi and Kevlahan). Old Business: Continued discussion of updates on Master Plan strategies that have been made on the MPIC Implementation Web Page. Andrew Shapiro began with an introduction about how the Implementation Webpage works, what it covers and consists of, and that it is a standing old business discussion item to provide updates. His updates included the following: Land Use, Strategy 1: Review the Osgood Smart Growth Overlay District and update the Zoning Bylaw to ensure the district encourages the types of uses that are attractive in today's market and consistent with the direction of this Master Plan. • In September of 2023, the Town held its first public forum on how it can potentially comply with the " " mandate, which stipulates that communities must create zoning that allows for as of right multi-family housing. One two areas presented in town that can comprise a district for compliance was Osgood Landing. Land Use, Strategy 2: Focus new development and zoning changes along key commercial corridors that may be more appropriate for higher-density mixed-use development at key nodes or intersections. • In September of 2023, the Town held its first public forum on how it can potentially comply with the State's "MBTA Communities" mandate, which stipulates that communities must create zoning that allows for as of right multi-family housing. The two areas presented in town that can comprise a district for compliance were Osgood Landing (Route 125) and 350 Winthrop Street - i.e. Market Basket Plaza/North Andover Mall (Route 114). Housing, Strategy 14: Utilize CPA and Housing Trust funds to offset housing costs for households at the lowest income brackets (households up to 30 percent of Area Median Income). • Annual Town Meeting 2023 approved almost $220,000 in CPA funding (10% of the total approved allocation for all projects) for use to advance affordable housing initiatives in North Andover. Economic Development, Strategy 26: Evaluate the uses of the Stevens Estate for additional commercial potential while maintaining the historic value of the property and the surrounding open space. • Annual Town Meeting 2023 approved a recommendation by the Community Preservation Commission to fund a project to stabilize the stables (sometimes referred to as the Carriage House) building at the Stevens Estate. Although this is initial work just to stabilize the structure of the building, this $150,000 project could lead to additional improvements that could potentially translate to more commercial potential at the property. Transportation, Strategy 55: Explore innovative ways to increase transportation services for seniors. • Elder Services is currently in the process of increasing its driver staffing. Starting July 1, 2023, it will have one (1) full and one (1 )part-time driver, going from 34 hours of availability to 56 hours. This will address transportation to/from Town Meeting, the polls, National Night Out, and Fall Festival. Various other strategies were discussed. Some clarifying questions were asked by Committee Members about project updates and how they related to advancing Master Plan strategies. New Business: i Ly-_f0 r ne tomic devgI2pnIggL2pppfIggjfig� for the commun 4t Andrew Shapiro provided a memo that he drafted to address this strategy, which outlines his opinions as to whether it made sense for the Town to create a quasi-public entity for economic development. Mr. Shapiro noted that he drew upon his considerable experience in the field of economic development- as an economic development planner for the City of Salem, Director of Economic Development for the City of Lowell, and his current role with the Town of North Andover- as well as research into how other communities, comparable to North Andover, handle this issue. He concluded that North Andover does not profile as the type of community, in terms of size, demographics, and density in particular, that would typically draw upon a quasi-public entity for these types of activities. Discussion if time allows: updates on current Town projects and initiatives: Andrew Shapiro provided updates on the following projects and initiatives: MBTA Communities Compliance • The Town held a public meeting on September 13th to explain how the Town intends to comply with MBTA Communities State Law, which requires communities in eastern Massachusetts to provide zoning for by-right multi-family housing. MVPC is working with the Town as a consultant and is assisting it with compliance and public outreach. Prior public discussions were held with the Planning Board and Select Board. The Town is working to develop zoning parameters that would implement new MBTA communities compliant zoning at Osgood Landing (1600 Osgood Street) and North Andover Mall/ Market Basket Plaza(350 Winthrop Ave.). The Town aims to bring forward this new zoning proposal for consideration at Annual Town Meeting 2024. Housing Production Plan Update/Potential ADU Bylaw • The Town is working with MVPC on an update to its Housing Production Plan, which expires at the end of the calendar year. The Plan outlines the current status of housing in town and lays out a vision for the Town's priorities with respect to housing and how it can achieve its goals. A remote public meeting will be held on September 28th with communities around the Merrimack Valley to holistically discuss housing issues in the region; there will also be a focused breakout session to discuss issues specific to North Andvoer. Open Space and Recreation Plan Update • The Town held its first public workshop for an update to its Open Space and Recreation Plan(OSRP) on September 14th. It is working with consultant Horsely Witten on this project, which will update this seven year plan that outlines a vision for how the Town can preserve and improve its open space and recreation assets. Adjournment: Stan Limpert moved to adjourn, and George Koehler seconded. The vote was 8-0 in favor.