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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-12 Master Plan Implementation Committee Minutes Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Attending: (in person): Meredith Barnes-Cook(Chair), Brian Roache, Stan Limpert, Peter Koesterherm, Al Manzi, and Amy Mabley Absent: John Simons, Hollie Williams, and Jon Strauss Staff: Andrew Shapiro (Assistant Town Manager/Director of Community and Economic Development) Call To Order Chair Meredith Barnes-Cook called the meeting to order and noted those who were present for the meeting, consisting of a quorum. Public Comment No public comments were offered and no emails had been received by Mr. Shapiro. Vote on approval of November 10, 2025 minutes Stan Limpert motioned to approve the minutes. Peter Koesterherm seconded the motion. The vote was 7-0 in favor; The motion passed. Old Business: Continued discussion of updates on Master Plan strategies that have been made on the MPIC Implementation Web Page. Mr. Shapiro covered the following updates to Master Plan strategies: • Land Use, Strategy 3: 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. o In January of 2026, the Planning Board approved special permits for a project at 1591 Osgood Street, which will make way fora 4-story building with a 15,290 square foot footprint. The first floor is proposed to be retail and self-storage and the second to fourth floors are proposed to be 38 residential units along with parking, landscaping and associated improvements. Per the Town's Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw, five of the units (representing 15% of the total new units) will be set aside as affordable. Mr. Limpert asked about the timeline for the project. Mr. Shapiro noted that the project would be in front of the Conservation Commission tonight- they still require approval from this board. But, assuming all permits are secured, they could begin construction in the spring. • Housing, Strategy 13: Identify financial and staff resources to facilitate the construction and/or preservation of affordable housing in North Andover: o In November of 2025, the Massachusetts Housing PartnershiR (MHP) awarded the Town a technical assistaELg-grant that it used to hire a consultant to assist the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in reviewing a AP-Wication for "Zero Prescott ." The proposed project at the outset of the application calls for 74 of its proposed 296 rental residential units to be income restricted (affordable) in perpetuity for households earning up to 80% of the area median income. The ZBA is working with Judi Barrett of the Barrett Planning GLQup , and with separate funding is also working with outside counsel at KP Law. • Economic Development, Strategy 20: Focus business attraction efforts on opportunities which are consistent with the character of the community and which can be reasonably supported in appropriate locations within the Town. o In January of 2026, the Planning Board approved special permits for a pLWgjct at which will make way for a 4-story building with a 15,290 square foot footprint. The first floor is proposed to be retail and self-storage and the second to fourth floors are proposed to be 38 residential units along with parking, landscaping and associated improvements. Per the Town's Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw, five of the units (representing 15% of the total new units) will be set aside as affordable. • Economic Development, Strategy 21: Ensure existing commercial and industrial land is not converted to support only multi family uses, but instead a mix of uses promoting vibrant commercial centers and corridors. O In January of 2026, the Planning Board approved special permits for a RL2kct at 1591 O���dS�tre�et, which will make way for a 4-story building with a 15,290 square foot footprint. The first floor is proposed to be retail and self-storage and the second to fourth floors are proposed to be 38 residential units along with parking, landscaping and associated improvements. Per the Town's Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw, five of the units (representing 15% of the total new units) will be set aside as affordable. • Economic Development, Strategy 24: Invest in infrastructure and streetscaping to enhance the downtown area as a pedestrian friendly economic hub. Discuss with existing property owners the possibility of zoning changes,Ja(ade improvement programs, infrastructure investments, and changes in use. o In January of 2026, the Town's Department of Public Works spearheaded the installation of two new sets of rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) along Main Street, which allow pedestrians to press a button that produces a flashing signal to oncoming drivers, making it safer to cross the street. One set was installed in front of Town Hall and the other, which represents a new crosswalk, is at May Street. • Economic Development, Strategy 25: Encourage the development of mixed-use buildings which support both residential and commercial uses. o In January of 2026, the Planning Board approved special permits for a pLWgjct at which will make way for a 4-story building with a 15,290 square foot footprint. The first floor is proposed to be retail and self-storage and the second to fourth floors are proposed to be 38 residential units along with parking, landscaping and associated improvements. Per the Town's Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw, five of the units (representing 15% of the total new units) will be set aside as affordable. • Transportation, Strategy 36: Evaluate the feasibility of increasing crosswalk frequency and visibility on major travel corridors such as Route 114, Mass. Ave, Route 125, and Chickening Road. o In January of 2026, the Town's Department of Public Works spearheaded the installation of two new sets of rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) along Main Street, which allow pedestrians to press a button that produces a flashing signal to oncoming drivers, making it safer to cross the street. One set was installed in front of Town Hall and the other, which represents a new crosswalk, is at May Street. • Transportation, Strategy 46: Extend high visibility crosswalks to additional intersections and mid-block crossing locations along Main Street and Water Street. o In January of 2026, the Town's Department of Public Works spearheaded the installation of two new sets of rapid rectangular flahsing beacons (RRFBs) along Main Street, which allow pedestrians to press a button that produces a flashing signal to oncoming drivers, making it safer to cross the street. One set was installed in front of Town Hall and the other, which represents a new crosswalk, is at May Street. • Public Facilities and Services, Strategy 85: Continue to prioritize the update, repair, and renovation of the Town's public buildings and schools as needed. 0 In January of 2026, the North Andover Select Board accepted a $1.3 mill12E_grant, awarded to the Town ources (DOER), that will fund the installation of heat pumps at the former senior center building behind town hall. Mr. Limpert asked about the plan for the building. Mr. Shapiro explained that after adequate renovations, the Town would be utilizing the building for more municipal space. It will also accommodate the TOPS program, which is associated with the School Department. It provides life skills training and classes to adult learners. Other offices that could utilize the building include the public health nurse, veterans services, and the police department, among others. • Public Facilities and Services, Strategy 86: Support and/or expand resources to address the needs of residents of all ages suffering from substance abuse and mental health challenges. o On a weekly basis, the Library hosts the Town's Community Support Services DgpaLtment, which advances individual and community wellness and growth by providing personal support and community partnership and engagement to members of the North Andover community. Resources available include individual support and advocacy, information and referral services, and guidance through various needs. • Public Facilities and Services, Strategy 96: Encourage the Library to provide needed additional programming whether on-site or at satellite locations. o On a weekly basis, the Library hosts the Town's CommuniLy Su ort Services DgRgLment, which advances individual and community wellness and growth by providing personal support and community partnership and engagement to members of the North Andover community. Resources available include individual support and advocacy, information and referral services, and guidance through various needs. • Public Facilities and Services, Strategy 99: Make ttgreen 11 or environmentally friendly improvements to existing Town buildings where feasible, including the use of renewable energy sources such as solar o In January of 2026, the North Andover Select Board accepted a $1.3 million grant, awarded to the Town by the Commonwealth's Department of Energy Resources (DOER), that will fund the installation of heat pumps at the former senior center building behind town hall. New Business Discussion of additional project updates as time allows on before ZBA Mr. Shapiro provided an update on the 40B application before the ZBA. He noted that the proposed project is located at the corner of High and Prescott Streets in the Mill area, and that the next meeting to discuss the matter would be taking place on January 20, 2026. One meeting has already been held to open the public hearing and provide an overview of the project. The next meeting will focus on traffic, for which there is a traffic report; the Town has a peer review consultant secured. He then explained that the project calls for 296 units of multi-family rental housing, across two 4/5 story buildings, connected by a multi-level parking garage. 74 of the units will be set aside as affordable to households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Mr. Manzi inquired about parking onsite versus the use of offsite spaces. Mr. Shapiro noted that he believes all of the required residential parking will occur onsite (in the garage as well as in front of the building where there is some surface parking). Ms. Mabley asked about the target market for this type of development. Mr. Shapiro explained that it could be a combination of young professionals, older residents looking to downsize from larger homes, and Merrimack students seeking to live off campus. Shapiro continued with a description of the project, noting that approximately 50% of the lot would be covered with the building. The onsite stormwater treatment will be upgraded. He also noted that all 296 units would be counted towards the town's subsidized housing inventory (SHI), even though not all of them would be affordable - Chapter 40B allows this when rental projects are developed. *During this discussion, Al Manzi exited the meeting. Discuss and agree to next meeting date The Committee agreed to meet next on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 6pm. Adjournment: Brian Roache moved to adjourn, and Stan Limpert seconded. The vote was 6-0 in favor.