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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-09 Master Plan Implementation Committee Minutes Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2026 Attending: (in person): Meredith Barnes-Cook(Chair), Jon Strauss (Vice Chair), John Simons, Stan Limpert, Peter Koesterherm, and Al Manzi Absent: Hollie Williams, Brian Roache, and Amy Mabley 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 January 1.2,2026 minutes Meredith Barnes-Cook motioned to approve the minutes. Stan Limpert seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 in favor with one abstention (Simons); 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: • Housing, Strategy 13: Identify financial and staff resources to facilitate the construction and/or preservation of affordable housing in North Andover: o The North Andover Housing Authority secured support from the Town's Select Board to move forward with the process to convert its federal public housing bortfolio from public housing to a project-based voucher grogram through a . In the public housing program, the housing authority has three sources of income: tenant rent, operating subsidy, and capital funds. By converting to a project-based section 8 voucher program, it has two sources: tenant rent & housing assistance payments. The tenant rents will largely remain the same for residents, but the monthly housing assistance payments from HUD will equal more annually than the operating and capital funds combined. The Housing Authority will also have more discretion on how we spend the funds. This only applies to the Housing Authority's federal properties—McCabe Court & Morkeski Meadows. • 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 February of 2026, the Town was awarded an additional $820,000 from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program to complete a project to improve the intersection of Osgood Street and Great Pond Road. This project had previously been awarded MassWorks funding for this project and will include the addition of improved crossings for pedestrian safety. Mr. Limpert asked if there are sidewalks at this location. Mr. Shapiro noted that there are no sidewalks in various areas of this intersection, including in front of Butcher Boy Market. Sidewalks would be added there, as well as down Great Pond Road to provide access to the newly renovated boat ramp. • Transportation, Strategy 58: Evaluate potential ridership and cost impacts of adding a second(later) departure time for commuter buses to Boston. o Mr. Shapiro explained that this strategy was labeled"red" on the Committee's website due to it not having yet been addressed. This designation has been removed because there has not been a commuter bus offered by McVa since before Covid. • Historic, Cultural, and Natural Resources, Strategy 72: Acquire or otherwise protect priority open space parcels from development as identified through the most current Open Space and Recreation Plan. o The Town submitted a funding to acquire 0 Great Pond Road (Assessors Map 62 Lot 3 8), a 2.1-acre wooded parcel that contains about 600 feet of frontage along Lake Cochichewick, which is the Town's primary source of drinking water. This property is located a short distance down the road from the Town-owned Rea's Pond Conservation Area, which has a parking area and trailhead. The preservation of this parcel, in addition to further helping to protect water supply land, could also potentially expand recreation opportunities in this area through access to the shoreline of the lake. • 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 In March of 2026, the Town completed a strategic planning process for how to utilize its Opioid Settlement Funding, the findm' gs and recommendations of which were presented to the Select Board on March 2, 2026. Mr. Simons noted that the CPC is currently negotiating price with the property. This is a house lot on the Bonny Lane side, past Rea's Pond; about two and a half acres. Mr. Strauss asked whether a notice to proceed had been issued for the MassDOT along Route 114. Mr. Shapiro noted that it had been issued and that the project would be starting this spring, focusing mainly on relocation of utility poles. Various members asked about the status of updating the Master Plan. Mr. Shapiro explained that it would most likely be an effort taken up by the Town starting in Fiscal Year 2028 (to be approved at Town meeting in 2027). This would take the current plan out to its I Oth year, which is when municipalities typically look to start updating their plans. 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 last hearing date was on February 25, 2026. The parking garage plans were updated to more clearly show parking counts and code compliance. Site grading and retaining walls have been added based on peer reviewed comments. Mr. Strauss asked whether the project, if built as currently proposed, would get the town over its 10% subsidized housing inventory threshold. Mr. Shapiro responded noting that it would. Ms. Barnes-Cook asked about any traffic study. Mr. Shapiro responded noting that there was a traffic study produced, which is being peer reviewed. Mr. Koesterherm asked about when the project might be approved. Mr. Shapiro explained that the ZBA has 180 days to consider the project, unless both parties agree to extend that timeline. Discuss and agree to next meeting date The Committee agreed to meet next on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 6pm. Adjournment: Stan Limpert moved to adjourn, and Jon Strauss seconded. The vote was 6-0 in favor.