HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaster Plan Adopted September 2018TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER
MASTER PLAN
PREPARED FOR:
North Andover Planning Board
Master Plan Advisory Committee
PREPARED BY:
RKG Associates, Inc.
JM Goldson
Jeffrey Donohoe Associates
Community Circle
Barrett Planning Group
September 2018
North Andover Master Plan
September 2018
PREPARED FOR:
North Andover Planning Board
Master Plan Advisory Committee
PREPARED BY:
RKG Associates, Inc.
JM Goldson
Jeffrey Donohoe Associates
Community Circle
Barrett Planning Group
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PLANNING BOARD
Eitan Goldberg, Chair
Jennifer Burns-Luz
Aaron Preston
Peter Boynton
John Simons
Lori Crane
MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
John Watters
Gary Sidel
David Stroh
Scott Hammond
Christina Minicucci
Norma Lochman
Diane O’Connor
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS
Erin Stevens
Tom Zahoruiko
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regina Kean, Chair
Phil Decologero
Chris Nobile
Richard Vaillancourt
Rosemary Smedile
TOWN STAFF
Andrew Maylor, Town Manager
Eric Kfoury, Director of Community and
Economic Development
Jean Enright, Planning Director
CONSULTANTS
RKG Associates, Inc.
Eric Halvorsen, AICP
Jahangir Akbar
Ryan Kiracofe
JM Goldson
Jennifer Goldson, AICP
Lara Kritzer
Jeffrey Donohoe Associates
Jeffrey Donohoe
Community Circle
Daphne Politis, AICP
Barrett Planning Group
Judi Barrett
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction 10
Master Plan Purpose 10
Vision 11
Opportunities, Challenges, and The Future Ahead 12
Community Participation 14
2. Land Use 22
Overview 22
Introduction 23
Inventory & Existing Conditions 24
Planning Issues 33
Goals and Recommendations 34
3. Demographics and Housing 40
Overview 40
Introduction 41
Inventory and Existing Conditions 41
Planning Issues 59
Goals and Recommendations 61
4. Economic Development 68
Overview 68
Introduction 69
Inventory and Existing Conditions 69
Planning Issues 76
Goals and Recommendations 77
5. Transportation 84
Overview 84
Introduction 85
Inventory & Existing Conditions 86
Planning Issues 94
Goals and Recommendations 95
6. Open Space & Recreation 102
Overview 102
Introduction 103
Inventory & Existing Conditions 104
Planning Issues 114
Goals and Recommendations 115
7. Historic, Cultural, and Natural Resources 118
Overview 118
Introduction 119
Inventory & Existing Conditions 120
Planning Issues 143
Goals and Recommendations 145
8. Public Facilities and Services 150
Overview 150
Introduction 151
Inventory and Existing Conditions 152
Planning Issues 171
Goals and Recommendations 173
9. Implementation 178
Introduction 178
Appendix 187
CHAPTER ONE:INTRODUCTION1
North Andover Master Plan10
Introduction
The North Andover Master Plan is the culmination of just over a year of work by residents
and North Andover staff to update a plan that was last completed in 2000. Over the last
eighteen years, much has happened in and out of North Andover that has shaped the
town physically, financially, and even socially. This update comes at a time when the Town
is trying to understand if and where it should grow, how to preserve what is important,
and how to provide the best facilities, infrastructure, and services for the residents and
businesses in the community. This process was led by a nine-member Master Plan Advisory
Committee and the Planning Board, and both groups provided feedback to help guide
the Master Plan along the way. This introductory chapter is intended to help orient readers
to the Master Plan process, discuss key opportunities and challenges, and describe the
public involvement process that informed and shaped this Plan.
Master Plan Purpose
The Master Plan should be thought of as a living reference document that
is intended to lay out a series of steps for improving the community for the
people who live, work, and visit North Andover. The document helps the Town
understand the opportunities and challenges, and then use regulations,
policies, and financial resources to align outcomes with the goals of the plan.
This Master Plan was developed with the help of hundreds of residents who articulated how they want to see North
Andover progress over the next ten to fifteen years. The Town can use this plan to continue its commitment to the
preservation of land, strong fiscal management, excellent facilities, smart development choices, and creating a
physically and socially connected community.
The Master Plan is broken up into seven chapters or elements, where each chapter focuses on a different aspect of
community building. Massachusetts, G.L. c. 41, § 81D calls for a master plan with written text, graphics, tables, and
maps to identify current and future needs, trends, and opportunities within the following elements:
»Land Use;
»Housing;
»Economic Development;
»Natural and Cultural Resources;
»Open Space and Recreation;
»Facilities and Services; and,
»Circulation
The state statute also calls for the Master Plan to develop a set of goals and recommendations to convey the
community’s vision, as well as an implementation section that covers each of the elements. North Andover’s Planning
Board is responsible for adopting the Plan, amending and updating it over time, and advocating for the implementation
of the recommendations.
1 Introduction
“
“
North Andover Master Plan 11
Introduction
Vision
Nestled in the heart of the Lower Merrimack Valley, the Town of North Andover is a vibrant community
rich in vast natural beauty and history. From a 17th-century agricultural settlement to a 19th-century
industrial town and 20th-century manufacturing regional hub, North Andover has always strived to
meet the changing demographic, social and economic needs of its residents.
North Andover’s vision for the future includes a continued celebration of natural and built features
such as Lake Cochichewick and Stevens Pond; Weir and Half-Mile hills; the Parson Barnard House
and Stevens Estate; Barker and Smolak farms; and the Old Town Center and Davis and Furber Mills.
It also recognizes that in order to provide the highest quality of life for all residents, North Andover
must maintain its fiscal health, public facilities and infrastructure, and protect and sustain its inherent
environment. Finally, this vision is contingent upon maintaining that adaptability that has defined and
sustained North Andover for nearly 375 years.
North Andover is committed to the implementation of this comprehensive Master Plan and this vision.
Through this commitment, the future will realize a North Andover that:
»Remains a welcoming, inclusive and engaged community possessing highly regarded public
schools; first-rate public facilities and programs; and a mix of businesses, both large and small,
that leverage local talent and provide a variety of employment opportunities.
»Has readily available commercial and retail destinations throughout town, anchored by a
downtown thriving with shopping, dining, entertainment, as well as art, music and cultural
opportunities that make it the heart of the community.
»Delivers a variety of accessible and affordable housing types that reinforce and foster
neighborhoods, help revitalize commercial areas, build on the character of North Andover
through reuse and repurposing of structures, and equitably serve residents of all ages, abilities
and incomes.
»Enjoys an enhanced and efficient network of roadway, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that
promote alternative and green modes of travel and an active and healthy lifestyle and safely
connects residents, workers and visitors to the town’s neighborhoods, recreational opportunities
and other amenities.
»Exemplifies the principles of sustainability to preserve, protect and enhance its ecological
assets and historical heritage in ways that meet the present needs of its residents without
compromising the well-being of its future generations.
North Andover Master Plan12
Introduction
Opportunities, Challenges, and The Future Ahead
North Andover’s Master Plan is a road map the community will follow to make strategic decisions to take advantages
of opportunities, confront challenges, and plan for what may lie ahead. Although the document is organized across
seven planning elements, community development is a multi-disciplinary topic that threads all elements of the Master
Plan. The benefits and impacts of policies and decisions effect a wide range of community development areas and
considering these as a package is critical. Throughout the Master Plan, several cross-cutting themes emerged that
will challenge the Town over the next ten to fifteen years and are summarized below. Elements of these themes are
discussed throughout the Master Plan along with sets of recommendations that help to address the issues and build on
opportunities.
Improving the Downtown Experience
North Andover’s Downtown was one of the most frequently discussed “places” during the Master Plan
process. Residents, property owners, and business owners have a strong desire to see the Downtown
improve and become a regional destination that can serve residents and visitors alike. Residents
articulated a vision for Downtown that included a walkable, pedestrian-friendly place with a variety of retail and
restaurant establishments different than what may be found along the other commercial corridors in town. New
development in Downtown would have housing above first floor retail to provide the option of living in an exciting
and active place. The Downtown would also be an economic driver for new jobs by attracting small offices and
entrepreneurs. The Town has a role to play in shaping these desired changes. Zoning needs to be reviewed and
changed, development incentives should be considered, and investments in sidewalks, street furniture, and landscaping
would help create an improved look and feel. These improvements cross multiple Master Plan elements, and should be
considered as a package to drive results that are consistent and cohesive.
Connecting People and Places
Residents in North Andover want to be connected to each other and to the activity centers across town.
Sidewalk, bike facilities, trails, roadways, and transit routes were all discussed at length throughout the
Master Plan process. Concerns ranged from how children and seniors will get around safely without
a car, to how commute times could be improved for those needing to get to work on time. Part of the challenge in
North Andover is the development pattern that took place over the last thirty years which saw large swaths of Out
Country develop as single-family subdivisions without sidewalks or paths to connect people and places. Now that
most of the Town has been built out, residents are asking for improvements that will help connect kids and schools,
seniors and civic spaces, residents to Downtown or Old Town Center, and people to recreation amenities. To improve
connectivity across North Andover, the Town will want to consider how land use and zoning changes could help
connect more people to activity centers and what transportation improvements will be required as new development
or redevelopment occurs. The Town will also want to consider how investments in new public facilities, fields, recreation
centers, or open spaces can be connected to more people who may use different modes of transportation.
Make Housing Affordable and Accessible
Housing prices in North Andover, much like the rest of Eastern Massachusetts, have risen significantly
over the last decade. The amenities, services, and facilities offered in North Andover make it a desirable
place to live. Much like the rest of Massachusetts, housing supply has not kept pace with demand which
has resulted in sharp increases in housing prices especially in sought after communities like North Andover. Zoning in
North Andover has favored single-family housing development and left a gap in the market for smaller units. As the
Town’s senior population continues to increase, the need for smaller units grows. Young professionals and single-person
households are also looking for a similar product, but have difficulty finding it. The Master Plan offers several options
for encouraging a variety of housing types at different price points, but these options will require land use and zoning
changes, housing policy changes, and consideration of how best to provide services residents need and desire.
North Andover Master Plan 13
Introduction
Preserving and Protecting Natural Assets
One of the most highly coveted and fiercely protected aspects of North Andover are the open spaces
and natural resources. These natural amenities provide beautiful views, natural corridors, passive and
active recreation opportunities, and drinking water. The continued protection and preservation of these
amenities is a top priority for residents coming out of the Master Plan process. As such, the Town should consider
how policy changes and financial resources can further advance the protection of additional land and continue the
conservation and management of the resources already under protection. The Town should prioritize the review of
the existing Watershed Protection District around Lake Cochichewick to ensure the regulations are still relevant and
accomplishing water protection goals, while not burdening property owners who wish to make minor modifications
to existing structures. The Town should also use the recently completed Open Space and Recreation Plan to prioritize
improvements and continue the conversation around open space acquisition. Finally, the Town should revisit the
planned residential development zoning bylaw as a way to encourage open space preservation on land that has a
high propensity to be developed over time.
Opportunities for Reinvestment
North Andover has emerged from a period of rapid growth that saw development of single-family
subdivisions on previously undeveloped land. Large tracts of land that could support additional
subdivisions are limited, which has led to a conversation about the next development cycle the Town
may experience. Like other communities in Eastern Massachusetts, North Andover has an underutilized downtown and
several auto-oriented commercial corridors that could be positioned for redevelopment over time. These locations could
help support additional retail, restaurants, office space, R&D, and housing but the zoning and infrastructure would need
to be reviewed and revised to ensure new investment aligns with community goals. Creating opportunities in these
redevelopment areas would require the Town to consider the implications of several Master Plan elements in concert.
This could be accomplished through smaller area plans or corridor plans so opportunities can be considered and
supported by the broader community.
Promoting a Healthy Community
A Master Plan must not only consider the physical changes in a community, but also how those changes
impact the health and well-being of North Andover’s residents. Creating policies and implementing plans
should consider the impacts of decisions on health outcomes. Access to parks, recreation opportunities, a
variety of transportation options, clean drinking water, and healthy food choices are easy short-term goals for improving
residents’ health. More challenging aspects to public health outcomes are ensuring residents have access to living
wage jobs, housing they can afford, and educational opportunities. Residents who struggle financially may be more
impacted by health issues over time, reinforcing the importance of housing choice, transportation options, diversified
local economy, and access to education and job training.
North Andover Master Plan14
Introduction
Community Participation
Introduction
Master Plans are intended to serve as long-term guiding documents to be used by town staff, boards, committees,
residents, and outside influencers to help shape the future of the community. Most, if not all, of the goals and
recommendations in the Master Plan will require agreement from residents to pursue and for some, the approval of
Town Meeting. Therefore, it is imperative the master planning process is transparent, clear, and open to all who wish to
participate in order to reach the broadest audience possible. While parts of the plan were developed using data and
analysis on existing conditions, trends, and future opportunities; the vision, goals, and recommendations were shaped
and changed by residents who engaged in the public process. Their input provided the direction for this Master Plan,
and serves as a continuation of the history of civic participation North Andover residents are proud to uphold.
Throughout the Master Plan process, the Consultant Team worked closely with the Master Plan Advisory Committee,
the Planning Board, and Town staff to develop a public participation program that would reach residents in a number
of different ways. The Advisory Committee made a deliberate choice to set community engagement as their most
important task. As residents of North Andover and active participants in the civic life of the town, Committee members
used multiple forms of media, social networks, and online resources to invite participation in the Master Plan. The
following sections describe the different forms of public outreach and engagement used throughout the Master Plan .
Opportunities to Participate
Master Plan Advisory Committee Meetings
North Andover’s Planning Board put out a call to residents to serve on a new advisory committee to oversee the
development of the Master Plan. After a thorough selection process, nine residents were chosen to work closely with
Town staff and the Consultant Team. The Advisory Committee members had a wide range of professional backgrounds
including planning, law, engineering, communications and marketing, land development, and more.
The Advisory Committee met twice a month between June 2017 and June 2018. Many of these meetings included
discussions with the Consultant Team, but the Committee also met on their own with staff to work on public engagement
tasks, document reviews, and committee coordination. The Committee’s primary responsibilities included:
1. Advise and participate in the public engagement process including press releases, email blasts, website
postings, social media, liaisons to boards and committees, posting yard signs, and more.
2. Assist with public meetings including set up, break down, and facilitating conversations with the public to
solicit input for the Master Plan.
3. Provide guidance, review, and feedback on deliverables from the Consultant Team.
4. Attend other board and committee meetings when Master Plan information was presented by the Consultant
Team of staff members.
All Advisory Committee meetings were open to the public throughout the entirety of the process.
North Andover Master Plan 15
Introduction
Master Plan Public Forums & Focus Group Discussions
To help guide the development of North Andover’s Master Plan, the Town held three public engagement events to
engage residents and solicit feedback. These events were very well attended and resulted in substantial input that
helped shape the vision, goals, and recommendations in the Plan.
Master Plan Public Forum #1
The Town held a public forum on November 2, 2017 at
the High School that was sponsored by the Community
and Economic Development Department and the Master
Plan Advisory Committee. Over 200 people attended the
first Master Plan Public Forum. The purpose of the public
forum was to introduce the broader community to the
Master Plan project scope, schedule, and project team
and to provide an opportunity for community members
to shape the vision and goals of the Master Plan.
Upon registration, participants were directed to the
first station: a map of North Andover. Participants
were asked to place pins on the map corresponding
to where they live in town. Next, they were asked to
leave comments on four boards about the positive and
negative qualities of North Andover today, and what
should be preserved or improved in the future.
After the first open house exercise, participants
were seated and the consultant team delivered the
presentation. The presentation, which detailed the
elements of a master plan and the process involved,
was followed by a second open house exercise,
interactive breakout stations. Attendees were directed
to a larger room, where eight stations were set up, with
a consultant and committee member at each station.
The stations consisted of the following: 1) transportation,
2) natural/cultural/historic resources, 3) land use and
zoning, 4) public facilities, 5) housing, 6) open space and
recreation, 7) economic development, and 8) priorities/
other thoughts. Each station had boards summarizing
existing conditions and key issues for each element and
each station provided space for participants to share
their thoughts. At the element stations, participants were
triggered to share their thoughts with the questions
“What’s great?”, “What’s missing?”, and “What could be better?”.
Lastly, after an hour for the interactive breakout stations, consultants gave short report-outs summarizing what they
heard at each station. The workshop then wrapped up, with participants encouraged to continue staying involved in the
project’s progress.
What’s great about North Andover
now?
Participants mentioned the school system,
tight knit community, natural resources and
open spaces, relationships among religious
institutions, high property values, historic
districts, proximity to Boston and to other
natural resources, Steven’s Memorial Library,
curbside trash and recycling collection, and
the committed citizenry as great aspects of
North Andover.
What should we strive to improve for
the future of North Andover?
Participants commented that North
Andover should strive to improve public
transportation, access to affordable housing,
the downtown area, school quality and
class size, sidewalk connectivity and bike
accessibility, adult classes and activity
opportunities, drug and opiate education
for parents and children, more community
events, consistent cell phone coverage, and
recreation opportunities in the town.
North Andover Master Plan16
Introduction
Some of the most frequently mentioned themes, ideas, and topics from the first public forum included:
»Participants highly value the amount of open space and natural resources in North Andover, the great school
system, and the tight-knit community aspect of the town.
»Some key aspects that participants would like to see improved are sidewalk accessibility, conservation and
preservation of natural and historic resources, and the development of a vibrant, accessible downtown.
»Participants want to maintain the affordability of housing in town, but also want to maintain town character by
not overextending housing development. There was also concern about the escalating price points for both
owner and renter housing, and how that impacts the ability to live and remain in North Andover.
»Participants would like to see Downtown revitalized and include a mix of retail, restaurants, cultural activities, and
some housing. This should be coupled with improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and streetscape amenities.
»Major concerns included limited school capacity, the possibility of a marijuana facility, traffic congestion
increasing with more housing density, and the potential of losing natural resources as the town develops.
Master Plan Focus Group Discussions
Following the first public forum, the Advisory Committee held two focus group sessions at the Steven’s Estate. The first
on November 8th, 2017, was conducted similarly to the first public forum, beginning with a brief overview of what a
Master Plan entails and the process involved, and featuring a similar open house portion, though with just four of the
seven elements. Presentation boards were arranged in the Estate’s ballroom for economic development, housing, land
use and zoning, and transportation. A member of the Master Plan Advisory Committee was positioned at each station,
and attendees went to each station at their own pace to give their input via commenting on sticky notes.
The second, held on November 16th, 2017, was conducted as a roundtable discussion. The remaining three elements—
natural, cultural, and historic resources, open space/recreation, and public facilities and services—were the topics of
discussion.
Some of the most frequently mentioned themes, ideas, and topics from the focus group discussions included:
»More walking paths, trails, and sidewalk connections across town. Improved public transit access would be
helpful for those who cannot drive.
»Improve the quality of development along Route 114 and in Downtown. Consider a mix of residential and
commercial development Downtown.
»Consider ways to bring more businesses to North Andover. Are there ways to make sure the Osgood site is
redeveloped before it becomes too antiquated and needs to be torn down?
»Open spaces, natural resources, and trail networks are very important to maintaining the character of the town.
There is a desire to improve or increase recreation facility options. Residents mentioned a better football field, a
public ice rink, a public pool, tennis courts, and more dog parks.
»Since Lake Cochichewick is a public source of drinking water, the watershed plan and accompanying regulations
should be reviewed for relevancy and updated to match any changes in state law.
North Andover Master Plan 17
Introduction
Master Plan Public Forum #2
On March 15, 2018 at the High School, the Town of
North Andover held a second public forum to solicit
feedback on a set of draft goals and strategies.
About 60 people were in attendance. The consultant
team delivered an informational presentation, but
the majority of the meeting allowed participants the
opportunity to review the draft goals and strategies,
speak to members of the Consultant Team and
committee members, and offer comments.
The format of the second forum was similar to the
first, involving a presentation followed by interactive
breakout stations, but also included several
introductory open house exercises and a report out.
In order to allow the participants to get an in-depth
focus on each element and the goals and strategies
associated with it, the night began immediately with a
short presentation by the Consultant Team and the rest of the time was allotted to the breakout sessions.
Upon arriving, participants were directed to take a seat, where they could find a short questionnaire regarding the draft
vision statement. A presentation was then given by members of the Consultant Team to describe the seven elements
involved in the Master Plan and that the focus of the goals and strategies was based on the feedback from the first
public forum.
After the presentation, participants entered into the interactive breakout sessions. Seven stations were set up—one for
each element—and members of the Consultant Team and Advisory Committee were available at each station to discuss
the element and the goals and strategies associated with it. At least two information boards were posted at each
station containing goals, associated strategies, and space for participants to indicate if they agreed, disagreed, or felt
neutral about the strategies. There was also space for participants to write comments on sticky notes. This workshop
only reflected 40 key draft strategies, and an online survey was developed to glean community feedback on all 128
draft strategies.
Feedback from the second public forum indicated general agreement on the following:
»Participants of the forum generally believe that the draft vision statement reflects what they hope North Andover
could be at its very best and emphasizes the issues that are most important to North Andover, but some were
concerned that it is not specific or tailored enough to the Town.
»Preservation of open space is very important to participants and must be taken into account when planning for
increasing housing development or revitalizing downtown.
»Participants are conflicted in regard to increasing housing stock in town. While there is a need for more
affordable options and senior housing, some community members do not want to see any more large-scale
developments in town due to congestion and school crowding.
»Many responses and conversations emphasized connectivity in regard to transportation and recreation, calling
for bike paths and bike lanes, trail connectivity, sidewalks, safe crossings, and parking at open space and
recreation areas.
»Community members would like to see more public spaces for recreation for all ages, local history education,
and cultural, music, and art events, especially in the downtown area.
Participants discussing recommendations at the second Public Forum.
North Andover Master Plan18
Introduction
During the interactive breakout session, participants were asked to give their opinions on a set of strategies and goals.
The top 10 most popular and widely accepted strategies were as follows (in order from highest level of agreement):
1. 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.
2. Consider options to expand space available for youth services programs either at the youth center site or off
site in shared facilities.
3. Use consistent streetscape treatments and wayfinding signage to connect Downtown with the Mill District to
encourage walking, gathering, shopping, and dining between both areas.
4. Develop a conceptual plan for the North Andover Rail Trail that could then be designed and funded in
sections over time.
5. Establish a Master Plan Implementation Committee to oversee and advocate for the implementation of the
Master Plan over time.
6. Evaluate sidewalk gaps and prioritize new sidewalks based on their ability to connect residents to schools,
activity centers, civic spaces, and recreation and open spaces in town.
7. Look for opportunities to enhance visitation to the downtown area through special events and activities (such
as the farmers market).
8. Provide incentives to home-owners and business owners to make environmentally-friendly decisions and
choices.
9. Establish a seat for historical society board member(s) on the Cultural Council, Historical Commission, and
Machine Shop Neighborhood Conservation District.
10. Acquire priority open space parcels as identified through the most current Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Informational Interviews
In July 2017, the Consultant Team worked with Town staff to organize a series of information interviews and focus
groups that were organized topically around the seven elements of the Master Plan. Town staff invited a mix of board
and committee members, property owners, businesses, residents, and others from outside North Andover who were
knowledgeable about that master plan element. The Consultant Team met with each group and facilitated a discussion
beginning with the questions below:
1. What are the positive and negative aspects of [topic area] in North Andover?
2. What ideas or goals do you think North Andover should include in the master plan for the next ten years?
3. What are the most important [topic area] issues that need to be addressed in North Andover’s new master
plan?
4. Where in North Andover are these [topic area] issues most challenging or problematic? Can you help us
identify general areas or specific locations on a map?
5. Where are there potential opportunities to address these issues? Can you help us identify areas or locations
on a map?
6. What would the Town need in order to address these goal and issues? Leadership? Capacity? Knowledge?
Money? Help with conflict resolution? Something else?
7. What is the most important thing the master plan should do for North Andover? What in your view would be
the most beneficial outcome?
Information from these initial interviews was coupled with the feedback from the first public forum to help the Consultant
Team understand the opportunities and challenges in North Andover and begin thinking of ways to address them.
North Andover Master Plan 19
Introduction
Online Outreach and Participation
Knowing how challenging it can be for residents to attend evening meetings, the Advisory Committee and Town staff
also offered opportunities to engage in the Master Plan using online platforms and materials. Throughout the process,
the Town maintained a webpage dedicated to the Master Plan and included information on Advisory Committee
meetings, public meetings, draft deliverables, online surveys, and a way to comment on any material on the site. The
Town posted all meeting agendas, summaries, minutes, and even videos for residents to view if they missed a meeting.
All public forums were also posted to the Town’s Facebook page.
The Town also developed and administered two online surveys during the Master Plan process. The first survey was
issued to collect more in-depth information and commentary about how in North Andover. The results of the survey were
used to inform the Master Plan’s Housing element and were shared with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission as
an additional input into their Regional Housing Production Plan that included North Andover.
The second survey was posted after the second public forum to solicit feedback and input on all 120+ strategies for the
Master Plan. As noted earlier, the second public forum only asked participants for their input on forty key strategies.
To introduce the full range of strategies, an online survey was created that mimicked the same process used to collect
feedback at the second public forum. There were nearly 200 survey respondents who comments on the draft strategies.
North Andover’s Master Plan website where residents could
find all work products and meeting information.
Sample question from town-wide survey on draft goals and
recommendations.
CHAPTER TWO:LAND USE2
North Andover Master Plan22
Land Use
Chapter Overview
Purpose
»Describe how North Andover’s land use and development pattern has changed over time, and describe the
current land use composition of the town.
»Describe the zoning regulations that govern development and preservation of land in North Andover.
»Identify locations where residents would like to see redevelopment, new development, or land preservation and
conservation occur over time.
»Recommend changes to the Town’s Zoning Bylaws that would encourage land use change consistent with the
Master Plan.
Connections to Community Planning
The land use element of the Master Plan is the thread that connects all the other elements. Land use encompasses the
land and built structures, and can shape or be shaped by decisions that are made by residents, staff, and boards and
committees in town. Roads, pipes, open spaces, public facilities, businesses, historic neighborhoods, and playing fields
are all connected to and impacted by the decisions we make with regard to land use and the zoning regulations that
accompany it. The building placement, scale and height, orientation to the street, and relation to surrounding properties
all impact how the town looks and functions over time.
2Land Use
KEY FINDINGS:
»North Andover comprises some 17,792
acres, or 27.8 square miles.
»Starting in the 1960s, North Andover saw a
substantial shift in land use patterns from
primarily open space and natural features
to large-scale suburban-style residential
development.
»Between 1971 and 1999, the amount of
land used for agricultural, forest, and open
space decreased by 21 percent.
»Between 1971 and 1999, the amount of
land used for low and medium density
residential development increased by 23
percent.
»North Andover has 21 individual base
zoning districts. This is a large number of
zoning districts for a town of this size, and
many of the districts are very similar in
terms of use and dimensional regulations.
North Andover Master Plan 23
Land Use
Key Recommendations
1. Review the current Zoning Bylaw and compare the current regulations to the
desired vision and goals of the Master Plan. Ensure recommendations that can be
tied back to zoning changes are identified, prioritized, and completed.
2. Create a new base zoning district for Downtown North Andover that is consistent
with the goals of the Master Plan and encourages and incentivizes reinvestment.
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.
4. Undertake a series of area plans for key commercial and mixed-use nodes to
establish desired visions and outcomes for each location and craft zoning to
implement those desired outcomes.
5. Review the existing planned residential development zoning for applicability on
remaining undeveloped parcels of land in town, and ensure the existing zoning will
aid in accomplishing the preservation of open space on those parcels.
Introduction
North Andover’s land use and development pattern is an integral part of its history and story. The earliest residential,
commercial, and industrial developments were centered along water courses and water bodies in the north and west of
town. The remainder of the land in town was used for agriculture, or remained part of the undeveloped natural features
that give North Andover its unique character. Much of the land south and east of Great Pond Road began to develop
after the post-World War II housing boom in the mid-twentieth century. The tighter, more compact, gridded development
pattern of the early industrial age then gave way in the 1960s to lower-density, large-lot subdivisions of single-family
homes. The area now known as Out Country1 quickly developed over the course of thirty to forty years, nearly doubling
the population of North Andover and placing a considerable strain on public facilities, services, and infrastructure.
Development continues today in North Andover, but is taking a different form than that of the last few decades. There
are far fewer single-family residential subdivisions being permitted, and those that are permitted tend to be smaller
in size. The large subdivision projects have been replaced by mixed use infill development in the downtown, where
residents can live above active commercial uses. The Town has seen, and continues to see, an increasing number of
rental apartment and for-sale condominium projects permitted and constructed. These development types provide
additional housing choices to those who may not want, or cannot afford, a single-family home in North Andover. Over
the past several years, the Town has focused efforts on activating the downtown with new businesses and residential
uses to bring a long-desired vibrancy to the area. There is also a renewed focus on making Routes 125 and 114 more
productive by encouraging commercial and residential uses to locate in areas where existing services and infrastructure
are already in place to support a higher intensity of development. Finally, the redevelopment of the Mills on High Street
continues to be a priority with future plans to add more housing and create a place where residents could live, work,
shop, and dine all within the same area.
1 Area of North Andover defined as south of Great Pond Road/Andover Street.
North Andover Master Plan24
Land Use
Inventory & Existing Conditions
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an inventory of existing land use patterns, together with an analysis of zoning.
It describes how land use patterns have changed in recent decades, where North Andover stands today, and what
zoning regulations are in place to shape development now and into the future.
Land Use Patterns
Like many Towns in the eastern portion of Massachusetts, North Andover’s land use pattern changed rapidly in the post-
war era. The completion of the interstate network around the town brought additional people, housing, and jobs to the
region. The improved transportation access, employment opportunities, and quality of life in North Andover put the town
in a prime position for growth. Market forces and the push out of Boston created a boom for the Town which changed
its land use composition quite dramatically.
Between 1971 and 1999, the number of acres of low density residential development doubled and the number of
acres of medium density residential development nearly tripled. By 1999, 23 percent of the land in North Andover
was being used for low to medium density residential.2 At the same time, agricultural land, open space, and forested
land decreased by 21 percent. Much of the new residential development was occurring in Out Country, where farms,
open spaces, and natural landscapes dominated for centuries before. Table 2.1 shows the percent change in land use
coverage from 1971 through 1999. The categories have been condensed for ease of use.
2 Low density refers to individual housing units built on lots larger than ½ acre in size. Medium density refers to individual housing units built on lots less than ½ acre in
size. Source: MassGIS, Land Use Datalayer Metadata file.
Table 2.1 Land Use Change in North Andover
Land Use
Category
Land Use Change: 1971 - 1999
1971 1985 1999 % Change
1971-1999AcresPercentAcres Percent Acres Percent
Agriculture 1,761 10.0%1,415 8.0%1,108 6.3%-37.1%
Open Space 697 4.0%740 4.2%571 3.2%-18.1%
Forest 10,520 59.7%9,417 53.4%8,571 48.6%-18.5%
Recreation 186 1.1%204 1.2%224 1.3%20.8%
Non-Forested
Wetland 298 1.7%311 1.8%325 1.8%9.2%
Commercial 179 1.0%254 1.4%276 1.6%54.5%
Industrial/
Transportation/
Mining
652 3.7%819 4.6%879 5.0%34.8%
High Density
Residential 761 4.3%833 4.7%867 4.9%13.9%
Medium Density
Residential 632 3.6%1,201 6.8%1,701 9.6%169.2%
Low Density
Residential 1,189 6.7%1,688 9.6%2,379 13.5%100.1%
Water 751 4.3%743 4.2%724 4.1%-3.6%
Total 17,624 100.0%17,624 100.0%17,624 100.0%
Source: MassGIS
North Andover Master Plan 25
Land Use
Land Use Composition
When discussing land use composition, it is most effective to use land use classifications from the Town’s assessor’s
database. Land use data from the state is not currently available for municipalities in Massachusetts after 2005, and
comparing 2005 data comes with its own set of challenges. Table 2.2 provides an overview of land use composition
based on 2017 assessment data and land use codes. It is important to note that the total acreage shown in Table 2.1
on the previous page differs from the total in Table 2.2. This is due to the assessor’s database not accounting for land
such as roadways and waterbodies, which are not typically part of an assessment database.
The 2017 land use assessment data shows the Town is almost
evenly split between land that currently supports development,
and land that supports agriculture, open space, and
recreation.3 Land used for open space and recreation, and
land used for single-family residential continue to dominate
the landscape of North Andover. Those two categories
comprise over 70 percent of the land in town. In the first table
comparing land use change from 1971-1999, forested land
made up over 48 percent of North Andover’s total acreage.
Much of that land is categorized in the assessor’s database
as open space, and some may fall into the vacant categories
as well.
Geographically, the greatest diversity of land uses occurs
along the primary travel corridors of Route 114, Route 125,
Main Street, and Sutton Street. Here we find pockets and
concentrations of commercial and industrial land, which
comprises about 8.5 percent of the land in North Andover. The
land use patterns along these corridors follow the historical
development trends in North Andover, and show commercial
and industrial development concentrated along travel corridors very much separated from the single-family subdivisions
in Out Country. The land use map on the following page shows the composition of uses across North Andover.
3 Land use categories were condensed for presentation purposes.
Table 2.2 2016 Land Use Composition
Land Use Category Acres Percent
Agriculture 697 4.8%
Commercial 813 5.6%
Industrial 399 2.8%
Institutional 361 2.5%
Mixed-Use 245 1.7%
Multi-Family 546 3.8%
Open Space & Recreation 5,176 35.9%
Single-family 5,094 35.4%
Vacant Commercial Land 63 0.4%
Vacant Industrial Land 95 0.7%
Vacant Residential Land 918 6.4%
Total 14,407 100.0%
*Acreage does not include roads and assessor data entries that
are not coded.
Source: North Andover Assessor’s Database
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Existing Land
Use Paern
North Andover - Massachuses
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µ
The maps made av ailable to the public by the Town of North Andover are
not legally re co rde d ma ps no r surv ey s a nd are not intended to be used
as such. Nor sho uld the y be used for nav igational, tracking or any other
purpo se requiring ex acting me asure ment of distance or direction or
pre cision in the de pictio n of geo gra phic features. The data provided may
be inaccura te o r o ut o f da te and a ny perso n or entity who relies on said
informatio n fo r a ny purpose whatso ever do es at their own risk. In no way
doe s No rth Ando ve r wa rra nt the accuracy, re liability or timeliness of any
of the data provided on these maps.
Date: 8/29/2017
Source s: Town of No rth Andov er, Ma ssGIS, MassDEP,
EOEEA
Map Creator: Patrick McCafferty
Single-Family
Multi-Family
Mixed-Use
Commercial
Agricultural
Industrial
Institutional
Open Space & Recreation
Vacant Commercial Land
Vacant Industrial Land
Vacant Residential Land
Water
North Andover Master Plan 27
Land Use
Development Regulations
One of the key components to a Master Plan is assessing the Town’s local zoning regulations and requirements. Zoning
is a tool designed to direct and control development and the pattern of uses in a community. It describes the location,
set of land uses, and the relationship between the land use and the surrounding context. The Master Plan sets forth a
vision and direction describing, in part, how the use of the land will evolve over time. Zoning should be consistent with
that land use vision, and serve as the implementation arm of the Master Plan. In an ideal setting, a resident, property
owner, town official, or developer should be able to review North Andover’s zoning bylaw and understand what the
community wants in the different zoning districts across the town.
Overview of North Andover’s Zoning Districts
North Andover’s Zoning Bylaws were first adopted in 1943. Since then, numerous amendments have been made
through the work of the Planning Board and Town Meeting. The Zoning Bylaw establishes twenty-one base zoning
districts and several overlay districts. The primary overlay districts include the Osgood Smart Growth Overlay, the
Downtown Overlay, and Watershed Protection Overlay. Table 2.3 shows the
number of acres in each of the base zoning districts. Over 70 percent of the
Town is zoned either R-1 or R-2, the lowest density residential zoning districts
which have minimum lot sizes of two-acres and one-acre, respectively.
The following provides an overview description of each zoning district
organized by land use classification.
Residential Districts
The residential zoning districts in North Andover consist of R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4,
VR, R-5, and R-6. Residential zoning encompasses the large majority of the
land in North Andover. While residential is the primary use in each zoning
district, the Planning Board has the authority to grant Special Permits for some
commercial uses which include retail stores, salesrooms, bakeries, banks,
offices, municipal offices, libraries, and dining rooms or lunchrooms.
Residential 1, 2, and 3 (R-1, R-2, and R-3)
In the Zoning Bylaw these three low-density residential districts are
grouped together and include allowance for the same types of uses. The
primary purpose of these districts is to allow for the development of single-
family detached dwelling units. These three zoning districts encompass a
tremendous amount of land across North Andover. The primary difference
between these three residential zoning districts are the minimum lot sizes
which range from two acres in R-1 to one acre in R-2 and 0.6 acres in R-3.
Frontage requirements also vary starting with 175 feet in R-1 and going down
to 125 feet in R-3.
Residential 4 (R-4)
The R-4 zoning district allows single-family and two-family dwellings on
small lots, with a minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet. Unlike the previous
three residential districts, the R-4 district does allow two family dwellings. This district covers the traditional residential
neighborhoods north and west of Route 125 and south of the Lawrence Municipal Airport where lots and houses are
much smaller, and there is a tighter gridded development pattern.
Table 2.3 Zoning and Acreage
Zoning District Acres % of Total
B1 16 0.1%
B2 43 0.2%
B3 36 0.2%
B4 61 0.3%
CDD1 19 0.1%
CDD2 18 0.1%
CDD3 103 0.6%
GB 162 0.9%
I1 289 1.6%
I2 952 5.4%
I3 46 0.3%
IS 111 0.6%
PCD 6 0.0%
R1 6,961 39.2%
R2 5,665 31.9%
R3 1,479 8.3%
R4 1,211 6.8%
R5 193 1.1%
R6 23 0.1%
VC 63 0.4%
VR 283 1.6%
Total 17,739 100.0%
Source: Town of North Andover
North Andover Master Plan28
Land Use
Village Residential (VR)
The VR district, located in a linear strip covering frontage parcels along Route 114, begins to allow a slightly higher
intensity of residential development. Multi-family structures of no more than five units are allowed by-right in this district
so long as the property is served by municipal sewer or a private sanitary treatment system. Two-family dwelling units
are also allowed by-right in this district. The VR district has a one-acre minimum lot size requirement, with 250 feet of
frontage if the parcel is located on Route 114.
Residential 5 (R-5)
The R-5 zoning district is very similar to the Village Residential district in that it allows multi-family dwellings and two-
family dwellings, although the District Use Regulations in Section 4.124 do not specify a maximum allowable density.
The primary difference between the R-5 district and the VR and R-6 districts is the allowance of a hotel/motel use by
Special Permit.
Residential 6 (R-6)
The R-6 zoning district is the most intense residential district allowing multi-family structure of no more than seven
dwelling units. This district also allows some commercial uses by Special Permit which include eating and drinking
establishments, personal services, professional offices, and retail establishments. The R-6 district has the largest
minimum lot size of all the residential districts at three acres, and is restricted to a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of
0.25.4
Commercial/Business Districts
The commercial/business zoning districts in North Andover consist of B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, CDD1, CDD2, CDD3, G-B, PCD,
and VC. These districts are primarily focused in the Downtown area, along Routes 114 and 125, and along Sutton Street.
Business 1 (B-1)
The B-1 zoning district allows for retail establishments up to 50,000 square feet in size by-right, with developments
exceeding that threshold eligible for approval through a Special Permit by the Planning Board. This district also allows
for personal service businesses, professional offices, eating and drinking establishments (only as a secondary use
within a primary use), and multi-family dwellings such that the use does not comprise more than 50 percent of the total
floor space of the building. Single-family and two-family dwellings are allowed by-right in the district. The minimum lot
size in this district is 25,000 square feet (just over a half acre), and buildings are limited to thirty-five feet in height. The
maximum FAR in the B-1 is 0.30 with a 30 percent maximum lot coverage restriction.
Business 2 (B-2)
The B-2 district is very similar to B-1 with the exception of not allowing two-family dwellings, and multi-family dwellings
require a Special Permit. This is the only business/commercial district that allows town houses to be constructed under a
Special Permit. The B-2 district begins the transition of higher intensity commercial districts moving away from allowing
residential components. In this district, office uses and eating and drinking establishments are allowed by-right with
limited use restrictions. The dimensional requirements of the B-2 are very similar to the B-1, but here the maximum FAR is
0.75 instead of 0.30.
4 Floor Area Ratio refers to the ratio of the building’s total floor area to the size of the piece of land which it is built upon. For example, a one-acre parcel that has an
FAR of 1.0 would limit the total floor area of the building to 43,560 square feet.
North Andover Master Plan 29
Land Use
Business 3 (B-3)
The B-3 district is a large-scale business district that only allows business and commercial uses without allowing any
residential. The minimum lot size is much larger than the B-1 and B-2 districts at 120,000 square feet with a floor area
ratio of 0.40. It appears the intention of this district is to encourage larger-scale retail, office, medical office, and
commercial uses.
Business 4 (B-4)
The B-4 district is very different than the previous three business districts in that it is highly restrictive in allowable uses,
limiting development to business and other offices, research and development, hotel/motel, and professional offices.
This district does not allow retail, or eating and drinking establishments without restrictions. While the minimum lot size
is close to two acres, the maximum building height is extended to sixty feet with a maximum FAR of 1.5. This is the
highest of any base zoning district in town.
Corridor Development Districts (CDD-1, 2, and 3)
The three Corridor Development Districts (CDD) are all very similar in their allowed uses and dimensional regulations.
The primary difference between the three is the minimum lot size which ranges from one-acre for CDD-1 up to two-acres
for CDD-3. The maximum FAR for each district is set at 0.75 with a maximum lot coverage of 70 percent, much higher
than any other base zoning district in town. These three districts are designed to support business and office uses, retail
establishments, professional office uses, and indoor recreation facilities.
General Business (G-B)
The G-B district is intended to support the majority of small business establishments that would look to locate in North
Andover. This includes professional offices, retail stores, and eating and drinking establishments. This district has a
much smaller minimum lot size at 25,000 square feet and a maximum height of forty-five feet. This district does not have
a maximum FAR, but does have a 35 percent maximum lot coverage restriction.
Village Commercial (VC)
The VC district is intended to support full-service commercial developments that include a variety of retail stores,
personal services, professional offices, and eating and drinking establishments. This district is located in one specific
location near Brook Street along Route 114. The minimum lot size is 80,000 square feet with no maximum FAR restriction.
The maximum lot coverage is restricted to 25 percent.
Planned Commercial Development (PCD)
Finally, the PCD district is more restrictive when it comes to commercial and retail uses by requiring a Special Permit
for retail and eating and drinking establishments. This district does however allow for multi-family dwelling units. It is
difficult to tell what densities are allowed as a description of uses restrictions in the district is missing from Section
4. The minimum lot size for the PDC district is high at 150,000 square feet with a 300-foot frontage requirement. The
setback requirements are also high at 100 feet for the front yard setback and fifty-feet at the sides and rear. The district
has a maximum FAR of 0.75 and a maximum lot coverage of 25 percent.
North Andover Master Plan30
Land Use
Industrial Districts
The industrial zoning districts in North Andover consist of I-1, I-2, I-3, and I-S.
Industrial 1 and 2 (I-1 and I-2)
The use restrictions in these two industrial districts are very similar. The I-2 district does allow a few additional uses
by-right including warehousing, lumber yards, and auto-related uses such as a bus garage, and auto body repair
and service stations. The I-1 and I-2 districts have the exact same dimensional requirements with 80,000 square foot
minimum lot sizes, fifty-five-foot height restrictions, fifty-foot setbacks all around, and a maximum FAR of 0.50.
Industrial 3 (I-3)
Allowable uses in the I-3 zoning district are identical to that of the I-1 zoning district, except it includes municipal
buildings as an allowable use. The I-3 district has a high set of dimensional restrictions including a ten-acre minimum lot
size, a front setback of 100 feet, side and rear setbacks of 200 feet, and a maximum FAR of 0.50.
Industrial S (I-S)
The Industrial S district is a bit more unique and flexible compared to the I-1 through I-3 districts described above. The
I-S district is intended to facilitate smaller scale industrial, business, and research uses, as well as light manufacturing
and fabrication. Business uses such as banks, restaurants, retail food stores, and retail stores are allowed in this district
as long as they are accessory to a principle use. The minimum lot size in the district is 50,000 square feet and the
setbacks are much lower than the other industrial districts at thirty feet for a front and rear yards and twenty feet for
sides. The maximum FAR is still the same as the other industrial districts at 0.50 with a 35 percent building coverage
maximum.
Overlay Districts
Osgood Smart Growth Overlay
The purpose of this overlay district is to encourage the redevelopment of the former Western Electric manufacturing
facility, and create new development that promotes a range of housing options and a healthy mix of uses. The overlay
district was designed in accordance with the State’s 40R regulations, and includes guidelines for affordable housing,
higher density development, and creative site planning. There are three sub-districts within the Osgood Overlay which
include a Residential Mixed-Use Zone (31.65 acres), a Mixed-Use Development Zone (10.15 acres), and a Business
Opportunity Zone (125.94 acres).
Within the Residential Mixed-Use Zone, a proponent could build a variety of housing types at densities that meet
the minimum residential density thresholds established by the 40R district. These housing types include two-family,
three-family, townhomes, and multi-family residential. There are also provisions for restaurants and personal service
establishments to serve the residents and businesses on site. The Mixed-Use Development Zone is intended to provide
a transition between the Residential Mixed-Use Zone and the Business Opportunity Zone. The Mixed-Use Development
Zone is intended to promote a mix of uses including residential, retail, offices, commercial, and civic uses. Business uses
are allowed by-right, with residential uses requiring a Special Permit. Finally, the Business Opportunity Zone is intended
to facilitate compact, high-density retail, commercial and industrial development at a scale that could support public
transportation to the site. Uses that are allowed by-right include (but not limited to) medical offices, professional offices,
restaurants, personal services, manufacturing, and research and development. To date, a full redevelopment plan has
not come forward, instead the property owner has opted to subdivide space within the larger building for a number of
smaller office and industrial users.
North Andover Master Plan 31
Land Use
Downtown Overlay District
The Downtown Overlay District was created to facilitate development and redevelopment of smaller mixed use
commercial areas to support goods, services, and housing in a compact environment. The intent of the district is to
encourage a diverse mix of uses in the same structure, encourage first floor retail space, enhance and encourage a
vibrant pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environment, and allow for a more compact development pattern than may
be permitted in other zoning districts across town. The district allows for a wide variety of commercial and retail uses,
as well as multi-family development up to eighteen units. Larger multi-family developments above eighteen units are
permitted by Special Permit. The district also has set of design guidelines to try to ensure new development fits in with
the surrounding character of downtown.
Watershed Protection District
The Watershed Protection District was put in place in the late 1980s to establish an overlay district to protect the Town’s
sole source of public drinking water. The Overlay stems from a Lake Cochichewick Watershed Plan completed in 1987
that recommended a management area to preserve the purity of the ground water, the lake, and its tributaries by
imposing restrictions on development taking place in the underlying zoning districts. The Watershed District is divided
into four zones: General, Non-Discharge, Non-Disturbance, and Conservation. These zones are accompanied by a set
of development restrictions that limit the types of uses allowed in each zone. The majority of the prohibited uses in each
zone are related to potential discharge activities or level of potential site disturbance. For example, the Bylaw prohibits
uses that would result in a change in grade, installation of a septic system, use of lawn care and fertilizer. Uses
permitted by Special Permit come with strict submission requirements in order to provide evidence that the disturbance
to the land and impact to the lake will be minimal.
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0 10.5 Mile
The maps made av ailable to the public by the Town of North Andover are
not legally re co rde d ma ps no r surv ey s a nd are not intended to be used
as such. Nor sho uld the y be used for nav igational, tracking or any other
purpo se requiring ex acting me asure ment of distance or direction or
pre cision in the de pictio n of geo gra phic features. The data provided may
be inaccura te o r o ut o f da te and a ny perso n or entity who relies on said
informatio n fo r a ny purpose whatso ev er do es at their own risk. In no way
doe s No rth Ando ve r wa rra nt the accuracy, re liability or timeliness of any
of the data provided on these maps.
Date: 8/22/2017
Source s: Town of North Andov er, Ma ssGIS, MassDEP, USGS, MassDEP
BWSC, EOEEA
Map Creator: Patrick McCafferty
0 10.5 Mile
µZoning Districts
Business 1 District
Business 2 District
Business 3 District
Business 4 District
General Business District
Planned Commercial
Development District
Corridor Development
District 1
Corridor Development
District 2
Corridor Development
District 3
Industrial 1 District
Industrial 2 District
Industrial 3 District
Industrial S District
Residence 1 District
Residence 2 District
Residence 3 District
Residence 4 District
Residence 5 District
Residence 6 District
Village Residential District
Village Commercial District
Zoning Overlay
Adult Entertainment
Downtown Overlay District
Historic District
Watershed Protection
District
North Andover Master Plan 33
Land Use
Planning Issues
Desirable Locations for Growth and Preservation
One of the key questions a Master Plan can help address is the geographic balance of growth and preservation. The
Master Plan’s land use strategy and the Town’s Zoning Bylaw need to be aligned so the future land use vision can be
implemented through specific changes to the Bylaw. If the two are not aligned, the changes desired by North Andover
residents are unlikely to come to fruition. The Master Plan process needs to explore with residents what types of
development may be desirable in the future, and what locations may be appropriate to accommodate those types of
development. The Master Plan process should serve as a conduit for those conversations, which in turn will help inform
future zoning decisions and ultimately shape development proposals.
Regulations that Support a Future Vision for North Andover
Regulations that Support a Future Vision for North Andover
The Town’s Zoning Bylaw should serve as the implementation arm of the Master Plan’s land use chapter. The Zoning
Bylaw is a reaction to the development patterns and issues of the last fifty years in North Andover. The Town has
seen a substantial amount of development, particularly single-family homes in low density subdivisions. If the future
of the Town is to push development in a different direction, the Zoning Bylaw needs to be updated to reflect that. For
example, if there is a desire in town for smaller lots, clustered residential development, inclusionary zoning to help
with housing affordability, mixed-use development in key activity centers and along travel corridors, and accessory
dwelling units to support multi-generational living, the Zoning Bylaw would need to be updated to reflect those types of
development. The existing Zoning Bylaw does not allow for some of these development outcomes as it is written today.
Consistent Approach to Key Corridors
Consistent Approach to Key Corridors
The key corridors of Routes 114 and 125 are a patchwork of zoning districts that result in auto-oriented, single-use,
stand-alone structures with little integration across parcels or with the surrounding environment. The Master Plan
process should identify the future vision for these corridors at a high level. Could some of the existing business,
industrial, and corridor development districts be consolidated to form a more consistent zoning approach along
segments of the corridor? What uses are most appropriate along these corridors, and does that depend on where one
is along the corridor? Does the intensity of use change as one travels from west to east along Route 114?
Route 114 in North Andover
North Andover Master Plan34
Land Use
Goals and Recommendations
Land Use Goal 1: Focus new development in locations currently served by adequate public
infrastructure that encourages the reuse or redevelopment of existing buildings or land.
»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.
»Create a new base zoning district for Downtown North Andover that is consistent with the goals of the Master
Plan and encourages and incentivizes reinvestment. This should include, but not be limited to:
• Replace and expand the existing Downtown Overlay District and the General Business District with
a new base zoning district. Include additional redevelopment sites along Sutton Street from I-495 to
High Street to create a gateway into North Andover.
• Allow uses that add flexibility and desirability for buildings downtown which could include uses such
as co-work space, breweries/distilleries, food trucks, or creative maker space.
• Continue to allow building heights up to 45 feet as stated in the current General Business District.
• Consider setting a minimum and maximum front setback for buildings along Main Street that provides
space for improved landscaping, pedestrian gathering spaces, benches, wider sidewalks, and other
public amenities.
»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.
Future commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family residential development should be encouraged to locate in
places where similar concentrations of development already exist. Corridors like Route 125, Route 114, Sutton
Street, Main Street, and portions of Osgood Street already have concentrations of higher intensity development
and could serve as locations where redevelopment occurs over time. To encourage the redevelopment of older
properties along these routes, the Town should consider updating the zoning along these corridors, including
revisiting the zoning regulations in the Corridor Development Districts (CDD). A review of minimum lot size,
setbacks, height, parking, and allowable uses could help adjust zoning to take advantage of today’s opportunity
sites.
A Future Land Use Map was developed during the Master Plan process to help the Town guide land use and regulatory
decisions. That discussion is highlighted on the proceeding pages.
North Andover Master Plan 35
Land Use
Deep Dive: Future Land Use Map
Existing Land Use Pattern
North Andover’s land use and development pattern is an integral part of its history and story. Historically, early
residential and commercial/industrial development in the northern portion of town grew from proximity to the nearby
mills and access to the river. Much of the town remained open land and agricultural fields for decades until the mid-
twentieth century’s rapid outward expansion. As
shown in the map to the right, much of the town
south and east of Great Pond Road developed
as single-family subdivisions around existing
water bodies, wetlands, and open spaces. In
order to keep pace with new development, the
Town had to expand public infrastructure and
services to meet new demand.
Development continues today in North Andover,
but is taking a different form than that of the
last few decades. The Town has begun shifting
into redevelopment mode focusing on areas
that could support an increased intensity of
development. The continued repurposing and
redevelopment of the Mills is an example
of how the reuse of existing buildings and
properties can spark reinvestment and create
new businesses and job opportunities.
The same vision of reuse and redevelopment
has been extended to places like Downtown
and the Osgood Landing property where
existing buildings could be repositioned to
take advantage of new market opportunities
and bring in additional businesses, jobs, taxes,
and residents. Throughout the Master Plan
process the Downtown has been a primary
focus for residents who would like to see a more
vibrant area with new shops, small offices, and
residences above storefronts, all integrated
with new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and
pedestrian gathering spaces. Residents also
expressed interest in updated commercial
nodes and corridors that could support a mix of
business types, restaurants, personal services,
and a consideration of residential uses in the
right locations.
Alongside new development opportunities,
residents have also expressed interest in continuing to preserve the open spaces and natural resources across town.
Lake Cochichewick is a critical natural resource, recreation amenity, and the source of the Town’s drinking water.
Ensuring the health of the lake and watershed are of utmost importance to continuing residents’ quality of life. Investing
in the protection of open space will also help maintain and enhance natural systems, and the beauty and character of
North Andover. If additional residential subdivisions are built on vacant parcels of land, these should be designed to
maximize open space preservation and clustering of new homes where possible.
North Andover Master Plan36
Land Use
Considerations for Future Land Use Planning
The Master Plan’s public process has provided direction on land use policy that can be tied to changes in regulations
as well as geographic location. The Future Land Use Map is intended to highlight both policy considerations and the
general geographic area(s) where those policies should be implemented. The numbers and brief descriptions below
correspond to the numerical makers and dashed boundary lines on the Future Land Use Map.
Route 125/Osgood Street/Sutton Street Corridor
This corridor connects one of the primary redevelopment sites in North Andover to I-495, the Lawrence Municipal
Airport, Lake Cochichewick, and Downtown North Andover. As a gateway into the town, the Route 125/Sutton Street
Corridor offers opportunities for both large- and small-scale commercial, office, and light industrial development
with excellent transportation access. The corridor is also checkered with small- to mid-scale retail and restaurant
development that could be enhanced in the future. The connection to Downtown is key to bringing future workers
and residents to the walkable amenity-rich center the Town is actively trying to create. This corridor may offer some
opportunities for housing as part of the overall redevelopment plan, particularly on the Osgood Landing property that
is currently zoned under the State’s 40R program.
Watershed Protection District
Critical to protecting the Town’s source of drinking water, the Watershed Protection District’s regulations and permitting
process should be reviewed to ensure current regulations are in line with (or exceed) state regulations and best
practices for protecting drinking water sources.
Downtown North Andover
North Andover residents want a more walkable, active, and exciting downtown environment. The existing Downtown
Overlay District should be revisited to look at allowable uses, height, setbacks, parking, and whether the current
Overlay boundary should be extended to other adjacent parcels. Opportunities for creating gateways into the
Downtown from Sutton Street, Waverly Road, and at Main/Water Street should be explored.
Neighborhood Commercial Nodes
Small neighborhood-serving commercial nodes can be important assets to surrounding neighborhoods, particularly
when they support daily service needs or restaurant options for nearby residents to walk to. The small commercial
area at Route 114 and Berry Street, and the commercial strip along Route 125 from East Water Street to Main Street
offer opportunities to create small, but robust neighborhood service commercial districts of a size and scale that fit
within the context of the surrounding residential areas.
Gateway Commercial Corridor
The stretch of Route 114 between I-495 and Route 125 is a mix of large-scale commercial strip centers and small
single-use commercial pads bordered by residential development and open land. This strip is a primary gateway
into North Andover and leads to Merrimack College, a huge market for commercial development along Route 114.
Development along this stretch should be connected with shared access points, connected parking, safe pedestrian
access, and invoke a sense of arrival into the community.
Transitional Commercial Corridor
The commercial area along Route 114 between Route 125 and Johnson Street is a point of transition from the more
heavily developed commercial uses closer to I-495 and the lower-density areas approaching the Middleton line. The
Town should consider what the future holds for some of the older commercial and industrial developments along this
stretch and how new development should interact with Route 114 and its surroundings. Are there opportunities for
additional light industrial development? Housing to support the college? Additional medical offices?
Low Density Residential and Open Space Preservation
Much of the area west of Great Pond Road is zoned for single-family low density residential development. While this
use is appropriate for this part of Town, there is a desire to protect additional open space. The Town should consider
land use strategies that promote the preservation of open space as a component of new subdivisions and residential
development such as cluster zoning or transfer of development rights.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
North Andover Master Plan38
Land Use
Land Use Goal 2: Update the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to be consistent with the goals and
recommendations of the Master Plan.
»Review the current Zoning Bylaw and compare the current regulations to the desired vision and goals of the
Master Plan. Ensure recommendations that can be tied back to zoning changes are identified, prioritized, and
completed.
»Simplify and consolidate the number of zoning districts in the Town’s Zoning Bylaw, and update the Town’s
Zoning Map to reflect these changes.
»Review existing lot size requirements and dimensional regulations for Residential Districts to determine if they are
consistent with the vision and goals of the Master Plan and desires of North Andover’s residents.
»Undertake a series of area plans for key commercial and mixed-use nodes to establish desired visions and
outcomes for each location and craft zoning to implement those desired outcomes.
There may be locations across Town where further planning and public process is needed or desired to better
understand the opportunities for development and preservation and how zoning could or should be changed.
The Master Plan includes some higher-level recommendations for changes to zoning, but area plans would
provide some specifics on how new development and infrastructure changes might look and function. Typical
area plans include a review of land use, zoning, existing development, economics/market, environmental
resources, and infrastructure. Recommendations can be made for how these elements can be adjusted to
encourage the types of development the community wants to see. Locations may include portions of Route 114
and Route 125, and Downtown.
Land Use Goal 3: Ensure natural resource protection districts continue to serve as
effective measures for protecting the Town’s critical water supplies and natural habitats.
»Establish a lake and watershed oversight committee to undertake a thorough review of the Town’s Water
Resource District Bylaw. Ensure the Bylaw is consistent with any applicable state guidelines and regulations, and
determine if the Town wants to exceed those guidelines.
»Review the existing planned residential development zoning for applicability on remaining undeveloped parcels
of land in town, and ensure the existing zoning will aid in accomplishing the preservation of open space on
those parcels.
North Andover’s planned residential development zoning is a cluster zoning approach. Cluster zoning is a
regulatory tool that communities can use to preserve open space while still allowing the development of a piece
of land. Most often, cluster zoning is used on open parcels of land that would be built out with single-family
homes with little open space preserved. If cluster zoning is utilized, the Town can set a minimum percentage
of open space that must be preserved in return for allowing the developer to create smaller lots that are
clustered together. In some cases, communities may allow a slight density bonus to encourage developers
to take advantage of the cluster provision. Regulations can be written to preserve corridors of wooded areas
along roadways to block views into the development, preserve environmentally sensitive areas on the site, and
preserve open spaces.
North Andover Master Plan 39
Housing
CHAPTER THREE:HOUSING3
North Andover Master Plan40
Housing
Chapter Overview
Purpose
»Describe the current demographic profile of North Andover and how the population is anticipated to change
over time.
»Describe the existing housing stock and household composition in North Andover, and how it is expected to
change over time.
»Recommend housing policies to help address housing shortages, price diversity, diversity of housing choices, and
housing to support residents through each life stage.
Connections to Community Planning
North Andover saw a rapid rise in the number of single-family homes over the past few decades which resulted in
an increase in population, stretched municipal services, and a loss of open space. This, along with concerns about
overcrowded schools, have kept the housing conversation muted for some time. The Town has had a number of larger
apartment complexes and 40B projects permitted and constructed, but still lacks a variety of housing types that
residents are looking for. Throughout the Master Plan process, residents repeatedly described ever-increasing housing
prices that are keeping out young professionals and families and pricing seniors out of the community. The desire for
housing choice is prevalent, but discussions of how housing truly impacts transportation, open space, natural resources,
and municipal services must occur for real change to happen
3Housing
KEY FINDINGS:
»North Andover’s population in 2015 is
29,271 and has steadily increased over the
last 40 years.
»North Andover has become more racially
diverse between 2010 and 2015 with the
Latino population nearly doubling.
»The number of housing units is expected
to grow by 16 percent between 2010 and
2030.
»Median household income in North
Andover is $100,286 which is 43 percent
higher than the Commonwealth’s median
household income.
»About 56 percent of the housing units in
North Andover are single-family homes.
»The median single-family home value
is $520,150 versus $355,350 for the
Commonwealth.
»North Andover is currently below the
Chapter 40B 10 percent minimum
threshold, with 8.7 percent of its housing
stock set aside as affordable.
North Andover Master Plan 41
Housing
Key Recommendations
1. Review the recommendations from the Merrimack Valley Regional Housing Plan
for consistency with the Master Plan. Prioritize recommendations that overlap both
plans.
2. Update zoning to ensure that deed restricted affordable housing is provided as a
component of new market-rate residential development projects.
3. Determine the supply and demand for senior market-rate and affordable housing
and plan for housing to meet the need.
4. Create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw that would allow small accessory
residential units on existing residential parcels.
Introduction
The history of North Andover dates to the 1640’s, when the community was settled for agricultural purposes because of the fertile
land and abundant water resources. By the 19th century, industrialization began to take hold within the town. The Merrimack River
and the Cochichewick Brook provided the water power for industry boom. In 1853, a connection to the railroad further expanded
the industrial base of the Town, which resulted in a greater number of people making North Andover their home.
As transportation networks further expanded during the twentieth century, housing which was once concentrated around the
industrial center became more dispersed across town. This resulted in a suburban growth pattern with single-family homes on
large lots. With the completion of Interstates 93 and 495 in the 1960’s, North Andover became even more attractive to people who
wanted to move out of Boston to live in a less thickly settled community.
Today, North Andover is a desirable community with good schools and proximity to employment centers, open space, and
recreational areas. The housing built in town provides a mix of options for residents, including single-family homes, apartments,
and condominiums. This section will provide an overview of the demographic characteristics of North Andover and a snapshot of
today’s housing stock.
Inventory and Existing Conditions
Placing local conditions and trends in the context of a larger geography helps to shed light on a community’s relationship to its
surroundings; this is especially helpful when trying to understand and evaluate the key issues impacting a town. North Andover is
in Essex County which is in the northeastern portion of Massachusetts. The communities that surround North Andover include:
Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Boxford, Middleton, North Reading, and Andover. The map on the next page shows the location
of North Andover in context of these surrounding communities. The historic downtown is in the Northwest portion of the town,
and abuts the City of Lawrence. The downtown area has a mix of both housing and commercial development. Moving south and
east the settlement pattern changes substantially, making way for the suburban house growth that began in the 1960s. Dispersed
among and around the tracts of development, are significant pockets of open space, natural areas, and water bodies.
As part of this Demographic and Housing Section, Essex County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were selected for
comparison purposes. These geographies were selected because they provide a larger context to understand the existing
conditions found in North Andover. Essex County is a good benchmark because its composition includes North Andover, and
other similar communities; while the Commonwealth’s inclusion in the analysis functions as a baseline to measure performance
against state-wide trends.
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Base Map
North Andover - Massachuses
0 10.5 Mile
µ
The maps made av ailable to the public by the Town of North Andover are
not legally re co rde d ma ps no r surv ey s a nd are not intended to be used
as such. Nor sho uld the y be used for nav igational, tracking or any other
purpo se requiring ex acting me asure ment of distance or direction or
pre cision in the de pictio n of geo gra phic features. The data provided may
be inaccura te o r o ut o f da te and a ny perso n or entity who relies on said
informatio n fo r a ny purpose whatso ever do es at their own risk. In no way
doe s No rth Ando ve r wa rra nt the accuracy, re liability or timeliness of any
of the data provided on these maps.
Date: 8/22/2017
Source s: Town of No rth Andov er, Ma ssGIS, MassDEP, USGS, MassDEP
BWSC, EOEEA
Map Creator: Patrick McCafferty
Monuments
Schools
6
4
Rivers/ Streams
Parcel Line
Open Water
Train Route
Commuter Rail Stop!(îé
Open Space
North Andover Master Plan 43
Housing
Population
North Andover experienced a considerable population boom starting in the 1960s, and began to level off in the year
2000. Over that forty-year period, the Town’s population increased 150 percent (over 16,000 residents).1 That period of
rapid growth left the town strained in terms of keeping up with service demands and having the physical infrastructure
to support that growth. Today, the population is still increasing, but at a much more manageable pace. The most recent
population estimate from the US Census has the Town’s current population 29,271 as of 2015.2 Looking forward to
the year 2030, the population of North Andover is projected to continue to increase. Projections from the Metropolitan
Area Planning Council (MAPC) forecast an increase of 6 percent between 2010 and 2030, or about 1,600 additional
residents. Population projections from the Massachusetts State Data Center also predicts North Andover’s population to
increase by 6 percent over the twenty-year period between 2010 and 2030.3 This projected growth, as well as changing
household composition, is likely to result in demand for additional housing units at a variety of scales and price points.
Population By Age
Population by age are important statistical points to consider when looking at the demographic makeup of a
community. This data can tell the relative health of a community through the balance of its population. In 2015,
approximately 23 percent of North Andover’s population was under the age of 18. While this age cohort spans a total
of eighteen years, it is important to note how large or small this group is, as these are the children in the community
who are living, growing, and thriving in the town. Another interesting finding is the cohort group of between 25 and 34
1 National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS), 2017
2 ACS 2011-2015, Table B01001, “Age”
3 Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Projections, Metro Boston Population and Housing Demand Projections 2014, and UMass Donohue Institute Population
Projections Program, Massachusetts Population Projections 2010 to 2035. MAPC projections assume “status quo” growth (or loss).
FIGURE 3.1 - POPULATION TRENDS FOR NORTH ANDOVER
North Andover Master Plan44
Housing
years. In North Andover, this cohort accounts for 9 percent of the total population, as compared to Essex County and the
Commonwealth which account for 12 percent and 14 percent, respectively. This age group represents residents who are
likely out of school and in the early years of their professional career. This population segment usually brings life and
vibrancy to a community, as well as expendable income. 4
In North Andover, residents between the ages 35 to 54 (made up of two distinct cohorts, 35 to 44 years and 45 to
54 years) constitutes about 31 percent of the population.5 This group is very important to the health and success of a
community. These residents are in their prime earning years and contribute significantly to the local economy. Their
housing choices and spending habits have a direct impact on the town. They typically have school-age children, so
school quality is an important driver in the decisions they make about where they will live.
Seniors – defined here as the population 65 years and over – are a growing demographic in North Andover, as well
as almost all other suburban communities in Massachusetts. Population estimates from the Census Bureau indicate that
seniors currently account for about 14 percent of North Andover’s population6, and between 2010 and 2015 this group
grew by 27 percent.7 The growth in number of residents over the age of 65 has clear implications for housing in North
Andover. Seniors, particularly those looking to downsize, will be looking for housing options that match their life stage,
physical ability, and price point.
4 ACS 2011-2015, Table B01001, “Age”
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
7 ACS 2006-2010, Table B01001, “Age”, ACS 2011-2015, Table B01001, “Age”
FIGURE 3.2 - POPULATION BY AGE
North Andover Master Plan 45
Housing
Race and Ethnicity
North Andover is becoming a more racially diverse community. While the town is 89 percent white, changes in racial
and ethnic composition are starting to take hold.8 The second largest minority group in North Andover are Asians,
making up 6 percent of the population. Interestingly, this is nearly double the percentage found in Essex County, but
closely mirrors that of the Commonwealth.9 Other groups that contribute to the diversity of North Andover’s resident
population are African Americans (1 percent), some other race (2 percent) and two or more races (2 percent); the
percent of these populations is smaller than both Essex County and the Commonwealth.
North Andover’s Latino population has risen more than 95 percent, from just 788 people in 2010 to 1,538 in 2015.10
Latinos span the spectrum of races defined by the Census Bureau. In total, Latinos comprise nearly 5 percent of North
Andover’s total population.11
8 ACS 2011-2015, B02001, “Race”
9 ACS 2011-2015, B02001, “Race”
10 ACS 2006-2010, B03002, “Hispanic or Latino Origin”, ACS 2011-2015, B03002, “Hispanic or Latino Origin”
11 ACS 2011-2015, B03002, “Hispanic or Latino Origin”
FIGURE 3.3 - POPULATION BY RACE/ETHNICITY
North Andover Master Plan46
Housing
Household Trends
The Census Bureau defines “household” as one or more people living in a housing unit, and includes a variety of living
arrangements. North Andover is expected to experience considerable household growth over the next fifteen years.
Some of the growth can be attributed to elderly households downsizing, selling existing homes to new residents, and
looking for a different type of housing in North Andover. Based on estimates from MAPC, the number of households in
North Andover could increase by as much as 16 percent between 2010 and 2030, from 10,516 to 12,236 (an increase of
1,720).12
North Andover’s projected household growth rate exceeding its population growth rate is no surprise. It echoes the
nation’s long-term trend toward smaller households. The projected growth in households highlights the importance of
having an adequate housing supply to meet demand.
Household Income
Household income directly influences the ability of residents to support their families, frequent local businesses, and pay
for town services. The median household income in North Andover is $100,286, which is significantly higher than both
Essex County ($69,068) and the Commonwealth ($68,563).13 Within North Andover, 33 percent of households earn more
than $150,000 per year. Comparatively, only 17 percent of households in both Essex County and the Commonwealth
earn more than $150,000 per year.14 This is not to say there are not lower income households in North Andover. In
2015, about 26 percent of households are earning less than $50,000 per year; of all renter households 57 percent earn
less than $50,000 while only 14 percent of owner-occupied households earn under $50,000.15 This shows that the lower
income residents in North Andover tend more towards being renters.
12 MAPC Projections, 2017
13 ACS 2011-2015, B19013, “Median Household Income in the Past 12 Months (In 2015 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)”
14 ACS 2011-2015, B19001, “Household Income”
15 ACS 2011-2015, B19001, “Household Income”, ACS 2011-2015, B25118, “Tenure by Household Income in the Past Twelve Months (in 2015 Inflation Adjusted Dollars)”
FIGURE 3.4 - HOUSEHOLD TRENDS
North Andover Master Plan 47
Housing
Household Size
Nationally, household sizes have decreased over the last few decades, a trend also experienced in North Andover. The
reduction in large household sizes holds true for both owner and renter households. In 2015, the average household
size of an owner-occupied unit was 2.82 occupants in North Andover.16 Demographic changes have taken place that
have pushed household sizes down. In 1970 about 15 percent of the owner-occupied households in North Andover had
six or more occupants, in 2015 about 2 percent of owner-occupied households have six or more occupants. Conversely,
in 1970 one-person households accounted for 9 percent of the owner-occupied units, while in 2015 one-person
households accounted for 17 percent of all owner-occupied units.
Like owner-occupied household sizes, renter-occupied household sizes have decreased over the past 40 years. In 2015,
the average household size of a renter-occupied unit was 2.04 occupants.17 From the graph below, it can be observed
that one-person renter-occupied households have increased over time, in 1970 these households accounted for 22
percent of all renter households, but by 2015 they account for 48 percent of all renter households. In North Andover
households with two or fewer members account for about 75 percent of all renter households.18 These demographic
changes have impacts on the market for housing, as developers create supply based on the demand from households.
The growth found in one-person households has resulted in the development of studios and one-bedroom rental units
within the town.
16 ACS 2011-2015, B25010, “Average Household Size by Occupied Housing Unit by Tenure”
17 ACS 2011-2015, B25010, “Average Household Size by Occupied Housing Unit by Tenure”
18 Ibid.
FIGURE 3.5 - HOUSEHOLD INCOME
North Andover Master Plan48
Housing
FIGURE 3.6 - OWNER-OCCUPIED UNITS BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE
FIGURE 3.7 - RENTER-OCCUPIED UNITS BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE
North Andover Master Plan 49
Housing
Housing Characteristics
Housing Units
Based on ACS data from 2015, North Andover has 11,366 housing units.19 Over the last 40 years, the town experienced
a substantial increase in housing units built, with an emphasis on single-family homes. Population and housing unit
projections from MAPC forecast a 16 percent increase in the total number of housing units in North Andover between
2010 (10,964 housing units) and 2030 (12,768 housing units).20
Housing Stock
North Andover, not unlike many other
Boston area suburbs, has the majority
of its housing as detached single-family
homes. In 2015, approximately 56
percent (6,389) of North Andover’s 11,366
housing units are detached single-family
units.21 In addition, North Andover has
a healthy inventory of multi-family units,
including apartments and condominiums.
Approximately 22 percent (3,332 units) of
the Town’s housing units are located in
buildings with five or more units.22 While
the Town does have a diversified housing
stock, price points in North Andover are
quite high creating an entry barrier for
both homeownership and rental.
19 ACS 2011-2015, Table B25024, “Housing Units”
20 MAPC Projections, 2017
21 ACS 2011-2015, Table B25024, “Housing Units”
22 ACS 2011-2015, B25024, “Units in Structure”
FIGURE 3.8 - HOUSING UNIT TRENDS
Table 3.1 Units in Structure
Unit Type North Andover Essex County Massachusetts
Single-Family, detached 56%51%52%
Single-Family, attached 8%6%5%
Two-Family 6%12%10%
3-4 units 8%11%11%
5-9 units 6%5%6%
10-19 units 8%4%4%
20-49 units 2%5%4%
50+ units 5%5%6%
Units - Other 0%1%1%
Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey (2011-2015), Table B25024, “Units in
Structure;” and RKG Associates.
North Andover Master Plan50
Housing
Age of Housing
The housing stock in North Andover is much newer when compared to Essex County and the Commonwealth. This
reflects the building boom that occurred after the 1960s. In total, about 41 percent of the housing units in North Andover
were built after 1980 (4,577 units), with 11 percent of the total units in the town built since 2000.23 Only 32 percent of
the Town’s housing stock was constructed prior to 1959, which is substantially lower than that of both Essex County and
the Commonwealth as a whole. While the Town does have some historic neighborhoods and older historic homes, the
number is not nearly as high as other towns in the County.
North Andover’s development pattern can best be described visually by mapping the age of housing structures. The
map below visualizes the outward growth experienced in North Andover over time. What is apparent is that the oldest
residential structures exist in and around the historic downtown. Newer development radiates south and east from the
historic activity centers into Out Country.
23 ACS 2011-2015, B25034, “Year Structure Built”
FIGURE 3.9 - AGE OF HOUSING STOCK
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µ
The maps made av ailable to the public by the Town of North Andover are
not legally re co rde d ma ps no r surv ey s a nd are not intended to be used
as such. Nor sho uld the y be used for nav igational, tracking or any other
purpo se requiring ex acting me asure ment of distance or direction or
pre cision in the de pictio n of geo gra phic features. The data provided may
be inaccura te o r o ut o f da te and a ny perso n or entity who relies on said
informatio n fo r a ny purpose whatso ever do es at their own risk. In no way
doe s No rth Ando ve r wa rra nt the accuracy, re liability or timeliness of any
of the data provided on these maps.
Date: 8/29/2017
Source s: Town of No rth Andov er, Ma ssGIS, MassDEP,
EOEEA
Map Creator: Patrick McCafferty
Year Built
North Andover - Massachuses
Residential Parcels
Before 1940
1940 - 1960
1960 - 1980
1980 - 2000
2000 - 2017
Lake
Cochichewick
Non-Residential Parcels
Open Space
North Andover Master Plan52
Housing
Tenure
North Andover has more owner-occupied housing than rental housing. Recent housing data shows that nearly 69
percent of the housing stock is owner-occupied, while only 26 percent is renter-occupied. The percentage of owner-
occupied housing in North Andover is much higher than that of the county and the state.24 The large percentage of
owner-occupied units is quite common in suburban communities, particularly those that experienced substantial growth
after 1950. The vacancy rate for housing in North Andover is quite low at 5 percent. This is lower than that of the county
and state.
Financial Characteristics of Housing in North Andover
Single-Family Homes
Based on data provided by the Warren Group, the median sales price in 2016 was $520,150, with a total of 293
sales.25 The median sales price of homes in North Andover is significantly higher than both Essex County and the
Commonwealth. While homes in North Andover have a high median sales price, they have yet to return to the pre-
recession prices of 2007. Between 2007 and 2016, the median sales price of a home in North Andover decreased by 9
percent. Comparatively, the median sales price for homes sold in Essex County and the Commonwealth decreased by
11 percent and 14 percent, respectively.26
24 ACS 2011-2015, Table B25003, “Tenure”
25 The Warren Group, 2016
26 Ibid.
FIGURE 3.10 - HOUSING TENURE
North Andover Master Plan 53
Housing
Condominiums
Condominium developments in North Andover are predominantly located near commercial activity centers and around
the downtown. Condominium units differ from single-family homes in that they offer the setting of two-family or clustered
multi-family housing with an ownership component. Condos are typically sold in one- or two-bedroom configurations
and are owned by or marketed to a wide range of households such as young professionals, small families, and seniors.
In 2016, the median sale price for the 186 condominiums that sold in North Andover was $216,300.27 That median price
is about 40 percent less than the price of a single-family home. This makes these smaller units attractive to households
who may be looking to buy into the market as a first-time homebuyer but do not want a large single-family home or
cannot afford a more expensive home. Compared to both Essex County and the Commonwealth, condominium prices in
North Andover are cheaper. In 2016, both comparator geographies had higher median sales values for condominiums,
with respective values of $257,500 and $339,900.28
27 Ibid.
28 Ibid.
FIGURE 3.11 - SINGLE-FAMILY HOME PRICES
FIGURE 3.12 - CONDOMINIUM PRICES
North Andover Master Plan54
Housing
Foreclosures
As the “Great Recession,” began to take hold in 2008, a general trend nationwide was the rise of foreclosure
proceedings and actions. The two metrics that indicate significant foreclosure activity are the foreclosure ratio and the
total number of foreclosures. The foreclosure ratio is the ratio between the actual number of foreclosure petitions to the
number of actual foreclosure sales. A high foreclosure ratio indicates that a foreclosure was acted upon and the lender
has taken possession.
Data from the Warren Group shows that as the local housing market improved in North Andover, foreclosure activity
declined over time. However, a timing difference exists between the recovery of single-family homes and condominiums.
At the height of the recession in 2010, the foreclosure ratio in North Andover for single-family homes was 23 percent,
with a total of 46 foreclosure notices issued.29 The peak foreclosure activity for condominiums occurred in 2012 when
the foreclosure ratio reached 29 percent, with a total of 30 foreclosure notices issued.30 The time lag for the correction in
the condominium market indicates the extent to which the market was oversold. By 2016, both single-family homes and
condominiums had the same foreclosure ratio of 9 percent.31
29 Ibid.
30 Ibid.
31 Ibid.
FIGURE 3.13 - FORECLOSURES
North Andover Master Plan 55
Housing
Rental Housing
The availability and pricing of rental housing is important because rental units offer choices to people who may not be
in a position, or have the desire, to purchase a home. Recent estimates place North Andover’s renter-occupied single-
family inventory at 312 units.32 In 2016, the average monthly rent on a single-family home in North Andover was $2,724.33
Between 2011 and 2016, North Andover’s average single-family rent increased by 6 percent.34
Rental prices in multi-family apartment developments have escalated over the past five years. To some extent, growth
in asking rents is the direct result of higher-end rental product being built, and a lack of supply with increased demand.
In 2016, the average monthly rent in a multi-family residence in North Andover was $1,757.35 Between 2011 and 2016,
North Andover’s average multi-family unit rent increased by 15 percent.36 Additionally, the presence of Merrimack
College bolsters the local rental market because students live off campus.
Residential Property Taxes
Future residents, employers, and employees consider not only the cost of purchasing a home when deciding where to
live or locate a business, but also associated property taxes. Massachusetts towns are particularly dependent on real
estate taxes to fund local government services such as schools, public safety, and public works; and residential property
invariably accounts for the largest percentage of the total assessed value in most cities and towns. In North Andover,
the average single-family tax bill in 2017 was $7,290, an increase of 9 percent over the average bill in 2010.37 The
residential property tax rate in North Andover for 2017 is $14.28 per $1,000 in assessed value and has increased by 12
percent from 2010, this is slightly less than the Essex County average of $14.41 per $1,000 in assessed value.38
Housing Affordability
Chapter 40B
G.L. c. 40B, §§ 20-23 (Chapter 40B) is a state law that went into effect in 1969. Its purpose is to provide for a regionally
fair distribution of affordable housing for people with low- to moderate- incomes. Affordable units created under
Chapter 40B retain their affordability over time, even under strong market conditions, because an affordable housing
deed restriction limits resale prices and rents for many years, if not in perpetuity. Another type of affordable housing
- generally older, moderately priced dwellings without deed restrictions, and which lack the features and amenities of
new, high-end homes - can help to meet housing needs, too, but only if the market allows.
Chapter 40B establishes a statewide goal that at least 10 percent of housing units in every city and town will be
deed restricted affordable housing. Chapter 40B also supersedes zoning and other local regulations that make it too
expensive to build low- and moderate-income housing. By consolidating the approval powers of multiple town and city
boards, the state legislature hoped to provide more low-income housing options throughout the Commonwealth. Under
Chapter 40B, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) may approve, conditionally approve, or deny a comprehensive permit
to qualified developers to build affordable housing.
32 ACS 2011-2015, B25032, “Units in Structure by Tenure.”
33 Zillow, North Andover, Single-family Residence Rent, 2017.
34 Ibid.
35 Zillow, North Andover, Single-family Residence Rent, 2017.
36 Ibid.
37 Massachusetts Department of Revenue, 2017
38 Ibid.
North Andover Master Plan56
Housing
A comprehensive permit is a unified permit, i.e., a single permit that incorporates all the local approvals required under
zoning and other local bylaws and regulations. However, in communities that do not meet the 10 percent minimum,
developers may appeal to the state Housing Appeals Committee (HAC). Although comprehensive permits may still be
granted after a town achieves the 10 percent minimum, the HAC no longer has authority to overturn a local board’s
decision. Because North Andover is currently below the required Chapter 40B 10 percent affordability requirement,
based on DHCD’s records, it is important to highlight the status of the Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. Over time,
affordability restrictions may near their expiration date and it is important for the town to make informed decisions as to
whether it wishes to find ways to renew those restrictions.
Subsidized Housing Inventory
DHCD maintains the Chapter 40B Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), the list
that determines whether a community meets the 10 percent minimum. The
SHI is also used to track expiring use restrictions, i.e. when non-perpetual
affordable deed restrictions will lapse. The 10 percent statutory minimum
is based on the total number of year-round housing units in the most recent
federal census, Census 2010. According the Department of Housing and
Community Development’s (DHCD) records as of August 30, 2017, (which
are based the total number of year-round units in North Andover per Census
2010), North Andover is currently below the 10 percent statutory minimum. The
Town currently has 945 units on the SHI, or 8.7 percent.39 As seen in Table 3.2,
the clear majority of affordable units listed on North Andover’s SHI are rental
units which make up almost 83 percent of the Town’s SHI eligible units.
Term of Affordability
Table 3.3 shows the number of SHI units by type
and year of expiration. Of all the units listed
on North Andover’s SHI, about 71 percent were
constructed under comprehensive permits. About
93 percent of the units on North Andover’s SHI are
deed restricted as affordable units in perpetuity.40
Housing Cost Burden
Rapid growth in housing prices coupled with sluggish growth or an outright decline in incomes, contributes to a housing
affordability problem known as housing cost burden. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
defines housing cost burden as the condition in which low- or moderate-income households spend more than 30
percent of their gross income on housing. When low- or moderate-income households are spending more than half of
their income on housing costs, they are said to be severely housing cost burdened.41 Housing cost burden – not Chapter
40B criteria – is the key indicator of affordable housing need in towns.
39 Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) CH40B Subsidized Housing Inventory, North Andover, 8/30/2017.
40 Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) CH40B Subsidized Housing Inventory, North Andover, 8/30/2017.
41 For homeowners, “housing cost” includes a mortgage payment, property taxes, and insurance. For renters, “housing cost” includes monthly rent and utilities.
Table 3.2 North Andover SHI Units
Type Units
Rental 788
Ownership 157
Total Affordable Units 945
Total Housing Units 10,902
Percent Subsidized 8.7%
Source: DHCD, 2017
Table 3.3 North Andover Subsidized Housing Inventory and
Expiring Use Timeline
Year of Expiration Ownership Rental Total % of Total
2102 32 0 32 3%
Perpetuity 112 763 875 93%
N/A 13 25 38 4%
Totals 157 788 945 100%
Source: DHCD, 2017; and RKG Associates, Inc.
North Andover Master Plan 57
Housing
Over 28 percent of North Andover’s households (about 2,940) have low- or moderate-incomes. With high housing costs,
it is not surprising to find that many of the town’s residents spend more on housing than they can really afford.42 Table
3.4 reports HUD’s current housing program income limits by family size for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD FMR Area (which
includes North Andover) and the maximum housing payment that is affordable in each tier. “Low” and “moderate”
incomes are based on percentages of the HUD Area Median Family Income (HAMFI), adjusted for household size.
Based on the percentage of all households in North Andover with low to moderate incomes, it is not surprising to
find that 20 percent of low- or moderate-income households are housing cost burdened and 13 percent are severely
cost burdened.43 Though it is an affluent suburb, North Andover has a significant percentage of households that are
affected by the rise in homeownership and rental prices. Table 3.5 summarizes the incidence of housing cost burden in
North Andover. It should be noted that in affluent communities, some homeowners are making the conscious choice to
spend more than 30% on housing costs because they can afford it. Reasoning for these choices include having access
to excellent public amenities such as schools. Based on the cost burdening data, nearly 50 percent of the renter
households in North Andover are currently cost burdened.
42 CHAS, derived for HUD from ACS Five-Year Estimates, 2009-2013.
43 Ibid.
Table 3.4 North Andover, Low & Moderate Income Limits and Maximum Affordable
Housing Payments
Household
Size (# of
People)
Low Income (≤ 50% AMI)Moderate Income
(51% - ≤ 80% AMI)
Income Limit Maximum Affordable
Housing Payment Income Limit Maximum Affordable
Housing Payment
1 $30,700 $768 $47,600 $1,190
2 $35,050 $876 $54,400 $1,360
3 $39,450 $986 $61,200 $1,530
4 $43,800 $1,095 $68,000 $1,700
5 $47,350 $1,184 $73,450 $1,836
6 $50,850 $1,271 $78,900 $1,973
North Andover Area HUD Median Income (HAMFI): $87,600
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FY 2017 Income Limits; and RKG Associates,
Inc.
Table 3.5 Housing Cost Burden Overview, North Andover, 2009-2013
Cost Burden
Owner Households Renter
Households Total Households
Est.% of Total Est.% of
Total Est.% of
Total
<= 30% 5,530 71%1,440 53%6,970 66%
>30% to <=50% 1,435 18%655 24%2,090 20%
>50% 740 10%645 24%1,385 13%
Cost burden not available 65 1%0 0%65 1%
Total:7,770 100%2,740 100%10,510 100%
Source: HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data; RKG Associates, Inc.
North Andover Master Plan58
Housing
Development Trends
New Residential Development
Steady residential construction activity both in terms of single-family and multi-family homes has been taking place
around North Andover. Based on information provided by the Town, over the last five years a total of 195 building
permits were issued for single-family homes.44
Single-family building permits issued:
»Fiscal Year 2017 – 37 housing units
»Fiscal Year 2016 - 17 housing units
»Fiscal Year 2015 – 40 housing units
»Fiscal Year 2014 – 45 housing units
»Fiscal Year 2013 – 56 housing units
Additionally, multi-family housing developments have increased over the years. Based on data provided by North
Andover, there are about 996 multi-family units which are either planned, permitted, under construction, recently
completed, or envisioned.45 Some of the envisioned or soon to be completed developments include:
»Berry Farms - 196 unit 40B development which is fully constructed and occupied.
»West Mill – Water Street: 41 market rate rental units which is fully constructed and occupied.
»Merrimack Condo - 48 unit 40B development which is mostly constructed and mostly occupied.
»Bradstreet School Redevelopment - 15 market rate rental units which have been constructed and are occupied.
»West Mill – Parking Lot - concept plan for 200 market rate rental units.
»East Mill – 140 market rate rental units with approximately 33% of the units to begin construction in spring 2018.
»Former KofC - Up to 136 market rate rental units and a zoning change to B2 from GB which will allow for a
building height waiver by Special Permit.
»Fogetta Farm - 192 market rate rental units, a Princeton Properties development which the Planning Board has
permitted.
44 Information provided by North Andover Planning Department
45 Ibid.
North Andover Master Plan 59
Housing
Planning Issues
Population and Household Growth
Based on the projected population and household growth in North Andover, proactive planning is essential for
accommodating new growth while maintaining the characteristics and qualities that make North Andover a great place
to live and work. This future growth has the potential to impact transportation, public infrastructure, housing, and town
services in North Andover. The increase in population requires a proactive strategy on the part of the town to minimize
impacts, while not completely closing the doors on new development or redevelopment.
Changes in population and households have impacts on the town revenues and expenditures. The growth in residents
between the ages of 35 and 54 years old is helping to fill jobs, and homes that are on the market, and support local
retailers. This generates sales and property taxes that are reinvested back into the community. While homeowners and
renters in this age group contribute substantially to the vitality of the community, they also rely on town services such as
schools, recreation facilities, and the library. The population of individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 years are
also important because this group is near retirement age, and possibly looking to downsize in terms of housing. Having
options available for this group could ease existing market pressures on younger families looking to live in North
Andover.
Planning for housing which is safe and affordable to accommodate families with children is important in making North
Andover an attractive place to live. The school age population accounts for about 23 percent of the total population,
making children an important consideration with regards to town planning. The Town invests significant funds into
providing services for children; these services range from school funding, recreation programs, and after-school
activities. Changes in population within this age group also have the potential to impact classroom sizes and the need
for more programmatic space. Young adults, those aged between 18 and 24, are just starting in the workforce or are
attending school. Housing for this population becomes important because they are just starting to establish themselves
outside of their parent’s homes. Having housing for this population helps to ensure that community members ultimately
do not leave North Andover because they are priced out of the market.
Seniors
Residents ages 65 and older currently account for about 14 percent of the total population in North Andover. Seniors
have special needs and require services that can be different from the rest of the population. The need for amenities
such as transportation services, grocery delivery, increased calls to the police and fire departments, and programming
to maintain social interaction are all critical pieces to the health and general well-being of senior residents. Universal
design and increased accessibility for both public and private housing options is also highly desirable and would help
support the growing senior population as they age in place.
In North Andover, the escalating housing prices and housing-related costs (taxes, utilities, insurance) can make it difficult
for senior residents to remain in their homes. There are also very few options for seniors to move into a different type of
housing such because of accessibility issues related to housing design and living space arrangements. Seniors maintain
a special place within the community and ensuring their presence through targeted initiatives by the town can help
improve the situations faced by seniors.
North Andover Master Plan60
Housing
To better understand the local housing situation affecting residents of North Andover, the town conducted an online
Housing Survey in July of 2017. Outreach was conducted by the Town, and included sending the survey link via email
to residents of the North Andover. The Housing Survey had 24 questions, both multiple choice and extended response,
which asked specifics as to each resident’s housing circumstances and preferences. Example questions include
describing their present housing situation, as well as what type of development residents would like to see in town.
Overall, there were 331 respondents, and the information provided from the Housing Survey was highly informative to
the Master Plan.
Results from the housing survey point to a desire for housing choices that allow residents to remain in town as they age,
as well as additional affordable housing options. This was particularly true for seniors who took the survey. Housing
choice, accessibility, and affordability are critical issues to address if seniors are to remain a contributing component of
North Andover’s population.
Housing
The price and availability of housing in North Andover is driven by the supply and demand of the marketplace. North
Andover has become a desirable place to live for many reasons and market pressures have led to price escalations
and supply issues. There is considerable debate, and rightly so, among residents, boards, and officials about how,
why, when, and where to accommodate additional housing development. The Master Plan and the Town ultimately
have a role in shaping the type, location, and even to some degree the price of new housing. This is an opportunity for
the Town to come together to discuss the future of the community and options to direct new housing development, or
redevelopment, to particular locations and encourage certain housing types.
Responses from the Housing Survey indicated respondents are interested in seeing new housing constructed in town,
but 48 percent showed preferences toward more single-family detached homes.46 A smaller contingent of respondents
noted the need for additional senior housing options and affordable housing options. More than 50 percent of survey
respondents noted it was very important to them to remain in North Andover as they age, but additional services would
be needed. Those included accessibility upgrades in their current/future home, availability of home-based services, and
improved transportation systems such as transit or better sidewalks.
Affordability
Long-term affordability within North Andover is of great importance because it affects many different types of
households. North Andover is an affluent community, making it difficult for lower-income households to enter the housing
market due to being priced out. Ensuring that lower and middle-income households, and seniors, have adequate
housing options is important for preserving the accessibility of North Andover.
About 8.7 percent of the housing stock in North Andover has been set aside as affordable, which is below the required
10 percent Chapter 40B threshold. Even with a town-wide median income of over one-hundred thousand per year, home
prices both in the rental and for-sale market are still unaffordable for low- and moderate-income households.
Seniors are also burdened with housing affordability issues, many of who are on fixed incomes and do not have the
financial resources to cover ever increasing property taxes and housing-related expenses. Creating housing options
for seniors which result in deed-restricted affordable units is one of the long-term measures that can help address the
problem of affordability.
46 North Andover Housing Survey, 2017.
North Andover Master Plan 61
Housing
Goals and Recommendations
Housing Goal 1: Provide for a diversity of housing choices at a variety of price points across
North Andover.
»Review the recommendations from the Merrimack Valley Regional Housing Plan for consistency with the Master
Plan. Prioritize recommendations that overlap both plans.
»Update zoning to ensure that deed restricted affordable housing is provided as a component of new market-rate
residential development projects.
One way communities increase their share of deed restricted affordable housing is through a zoning tool called
Inclusionary Zoning. This tool creates a provision in zoning that requires developers to set aside a certain
percentage of affordable units as part of the overall project. Communities can set the percentage of affordable
units (minimum 10 percent), the income threshold for the affordable units (usually 80 percent of AMI), and
the number of units that would trigger the requirement (e.g. 8 units or more). As new market rate housing
developments are constructed in North Andover, an inclusionary zoning provision would ensure that at least
some of those units are reserved for affordable housing. Without this provision, it would be up to the Town to
negotiate for affordability which can be very challenging.
»Determine the supply and demand for senior market-rate and affordable housing and plan for housing to meet
the need.
»Identify financial and staff resources to facilitate the construction and/or preservation of affordable housing in
North Andover.
»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).
»Continue to review the impact of new housing development on the Town’s public infrastructure and services.
To illustrate different housing development options North Andover could consider, a more detailed description has been
provided on the proceeding pages.
North Andover Master Plan62
Housing
Deep Dive: Innovative Housing Strategies
Cities and towns around the world are undertaking bold new strategies to address issues of housing affordability and
accessibility, and social connectivity. Some are simpler than one might think: creative solutions that are “hidden in plain
sight” in all types of communities. The following five ideas aim to: add housing units by taking advantage of spaces that
already exist; add to the diversity of housing (sizes and costs) with minimal impact on neighborhood scale and context;
and, where applicable, help seniors age-in-place with greater autonomy, community, and a bit of supplemental income.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Sometimes referred to as “granny flats,” accessory
dwelling units (ADU’s) are secondary homes built
on existing residential properties, either separate
from or connected to a principal structure. While
generally smaller in size, ADU’s can vary greatly in
scale and amenities.
ADU’s can provide cost-effective housing in places
where open land on existing lots may not be
fully utilized. This helps minimize their impacts
on infrastructure, and typically provides options
for (increasingly common) one- and two-person
households. By eliminating the largest cost driver
of most new homes, (additional land already
owned by the principal homeowner), ADU’s can
provide new housing options at a fraction of the
cost of most “affordable units.”
Fitting an ADU on an existing lot or as a careful
extension of another home, communities can
add much-needed housing with a greatly limited
impact on a neighborhood’s scale or feel. Building
an ADU can also can be a financial incentive for
principal homeowners; the supplemental income a
rented ADU can provide may help senior residents
stay in their home.
Most barriers to the construction of these units
are regulatory. Proponents contend that owner-
occupancy rules are the most damaging to ADU
construction.
Municipalities in California, Oregon, and British
Columbia have allowed ADU’s after settling on
requirements for lot sizes, setbacks, parking,
and scale. Boston is in the midst of its own pilot
program in select neighborhoods in winter 2018, and New
Hampshire has released a guide for municipalities looking to
make ADU’s a reality. Some municipalities are working to provide
revolving loans and other incentives to make ADU’s financially
feasible for homeowners considering them.
Fast Co.Design
Curbed
North Andover Master Plan 63
Housing
Co-Housing
Often serving as an alternative to senior housing,
co-housing is typically a cluster of fully equipped
residences organized around a shared space
with shared amenities. While not always meant to
address housing affordability directly, co-housing
or “intentional communities” can provide a way
for seniors to age in right-sized homes while
increasing their quality of life. This in turn can free
up larger units for households that have a greater
need for space. These spaces are usually most
effective where shared transportation or walkable
amenities are accessible, as a means of reducing
space requirements. Co-housing clusters are
typically set up as an HOA, condo association, or
housing co-op, and can be as small as a half-
dozen units.Co-housing clusters like Concord Riverwalk, pictured, typically emphasize shared
public spaces and keep parking discretely hidden.
New Modular Housing
Modular construction for residential units no
longer has to mean living in shipping containers,
nor the cookie-cutter prefabricated homes from
decades ago. Technology has made modular
homes into highly customizable, adaptive, and
above all, cost-effective units for both residential
and mixed-use projects. By reducing construction
costs (particularly for expensive on-site labor),
modular units can help provide affordable homes
in a faster and less-disruptive time frame, with
less waste and often better quality controls. An
easy solution for ADU construction, advances in
modular design technology have enabled flexible
units that can easily expand or adapt as family
needs change over time. Firms like Pittsburgh’s
Regent Penn have succeeded in adding much-
needed housing at affordable prices, within the
small-scale context of downtown and semi-dense
residential neighborhoods (rendering, right top).
While mostly dictated by market forces and not
regulations, municipalities could partner with
builders of modular housing on pilot programs to
evaluate their impact on local housing markets.
Concord Riverwalk
Regent Penn
NY Times / Avava Systems
North Andover Master Plan64
Housing
Multi-Generational Housing
Many municipalities are exploring ways to connect
homeowners with extra rooms (empty-nesters,
typically) to lower-income households looking for
a place to rent. While typically taking the form of
a young professional, couple, or graduate student
moving in with an older individual or couple,
the concept has been shown to provide housing
opportunities in diverse ways. By creating an
additional housing unit with virtually no new costs
or externalities, multi-generational housing puts
supplemental income in the pockets of homeowners
while also providing companionship and the
occasional helping hand. Boston has partnered with
Nesterly, a start-up, to facilitate these connections
and to help with initial set-up. Sometimes
regulations pertaining to these arrangements can
overlap with rules regarding ADU’s, so encouraging
one creative housing solution may go hand in hand
with another.
Financing Small-Scale Mixed-Use
While the concept of small mixed-use structures
is as old as communities themselves, today’s
regulations and financial constraints can make
small-scale infill development seem like a novelty.
Mixed-use developments currently tend to take
the form of larger projects that often require parcel
assembly. This is the result of a lack of “right-sized”
capital, and “one-size-fits-all” municipal regulations
that make developing 5,000 square foot projects
go through the same permitting processes as a
55,000 square foot project. Cities and towns should
update permitting processes and provide access to
smaller credits or revolving loans that can allow for
smaller infill development to repair “broken teeth
parcels” - empty or uneven spaces in a downtown’s
fabric - that can negatively impact vibrancy and
walkability. Small-scale housing units or office space
above active ground floor uses doesn’t need to be
restricted to refurbishment of existing properties
- newly constructed development can be just as
effective if the right rules, programs, and design
guidelines are in place.
Firms like Cambridge’s Nesterly are seeking to help Baby Boomers with
bedrooms to rent connect with millennials seeking cheaper rent.
Nesterly
Town Planning & Urban
Design Collaborative
North Andover Master Plan 65
Housing
Housing Goal 2: Limit the construction of large tract subdivisions and encourage smaller
clusters of housing with an emphasis on open space preservation.
»Review and update the Town’s Planned Residential Development bylaw to encourage the clustering of homes on
smaller lots, while still preserving open space and views along roadways.
»Consider lowering the minimum parcel size threshold of 10 acres.
»Consider allowing smaller lot sizes than 22,000 square feet (half-acre) in the R-1 and R-2 zones, especially where
adequate sewer and water service is available.
»Consider tiering the usable open space requirement based on the size of the parcel.
»Consider zoning changes to low-density residential areas in Out Country to preserve more land.
Housing Goal 3: Focus new housing development in locations that are adequately served
by public infrastructure.
»Update the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to promote a mix of uses in areas already served by public infrastructure such
as downtown, Route 114, Route 125, and Sutton Street.
»Create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw that would allow small accessory residential units on existing
residential parcels.
Accessory dwelling units can be an excellent way for communities to allow for a smaller housing type on existing
parcels of land. These units can be great assets for young professionals who cannot afford North Andover’s high
housing costs, seniors looking to downsize or live with family at the same address, or provide a source of income
for home owners looking for additional income. As the Town considers updating zoning to encourage this type of
housing stock, it is important to set development performance standards that match the lot sizes and context
of neighborhoods. These performance standards should include allowable size of an ADU, setbacks from
property lines, whether the unit has to be attached to the primary structure, and height.
CHAPTER FOUR:ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT4
North Andover Master Plan68
Economic Development
Chapter Overview
Purpose
»Describe the current economic conditions in North Andover.
»Identify locations where the Town could focus redevelopment efforts to support the economic goals of the Master
Plan.
»Look for opportunities to bring in new jobs for North Andover residents.
»Identify opportunities to maximize commercial tax revenues to strengthen the Town’s already excellent fiscal
standing.
Connections to Community Planning
Economic development is often a catch-all term that means different things to different people. The term is often
referred to as the bolstering of commercial and industrial development to benefit the tax base, local jobs, and local
businesses. Economic development can also focus on many cross-cutting topics such as infrastructure investment, wealth
creation, and education and training. A successful economic development program can:
»Focus development in specific areas while protecting open space and agricultural land;
»Generate/maintain jobs in North Andover and increase the commercial tax base;
»Support the Town’s existing businesses while encouraging new businesses to locate in North Andover; and
»Offer amenities to the Town’s residents, and to visitors to the community.
»Provide opportunities for education, training, job placement, and wealth creation.
4Economic
Development
KEY FINDINGS:
»North Andover has a low unemployment
rate, just 3.1% in 2016, lower than the
statewide rate of 3.7%.
»North Andover has an educated workforce,
with more than 58% having at least a
Bachelor’s degree, and 26.7% have at
least a Master’s degree.
»Most residents commute to work, though
almost one-quarter work in North Andover.
Boston, Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and
Lowell are the next most common towns
where North Andover residents work.
»Manufacturing is the Town’s second
highest employment sector, behind
healthcare.
»The Town benefits from a positive business
climate and good locational attributes.
North Andover Master Plan 69
Economic Development
Key Recommendations
1. 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.
2. Encourage the development of mixed-use buildings which support both residential
and commercial uses.
3. Work cooperatively with the owners of large-tract parcels to attract a mix of uses,
Osgood Landing serving as a prime example of one such opportunity.
Introduction
Economic development is a broad topic which influences many areas of the community. In order for the Town of North
Andover to be successful, economic development policies and programs must be implemented to support the overall
development of the Town.
As part of the Master Planning process, meetings were held with Town officials, as well as local business owners and
stakeholders. These meetings yielded some consistent themes that could impact North Andover in the years to come.
Among the concerns expressed by stakeholders were the need for a more prominent downtown; the need for zoning
to be supportive of economic development opportunities; the importance of sufficient infrastructure systems to support
development and redevelopment; the importance of ensuring that the community is a desirable location for young
families to reside. Addressing these concerns as part of the Master Planning process will be critical to the overall
success of the plan.
Inventory and Existing Conditions
Several factors help to shape the economic conditions in a community. These can include the level and sources of
household income, the size and quality of the commercial and industrial tax base, and the types of land uses that the
community chooses to allow within its boundaries. Individual communities are in turn part of larger regional economies,
which share population and employment bases, as well as regional transportation infrastructure. These larger
economic regions frequently have similar land use patterns, inter-related industries, similar labor characteristics and a
shared transportation system which generally includes roads, bridges, highways, waterways, and public transportation.
Economic development, in general, refers to the development of commercial and industrial property in a community or
region, and by extension, the creation of jobs that can be supported within that commercial and industrial space. In
addition, economic development activity helps to support the community and its component parts. When businesses
select a community such as North Andover for a location, they provide tax revenues (either directly or indirectly), which
the Town then uses to support town functions, such as schools, utility and infrastructure systems, public safety, and open
space/recreation. These public services and amenities can be a significant factor when businesses are considering
where to locate. In addition, businesses also consider labor force, housing stock and affordability, and the business
climate of the community.
North Andover Master Plan70
Economic Development
Local governments in Massachusetts rely heavily on property taxes to provide their operating revenues, and therefore
local governments carefully consider how their tax base is structured. In general, commercial, industrial, and office uses
are less intensive in terms of their need for public services, when compared against other land use categories. This is
particularly true when business uses are compared against residential uses, which can result in additional education
costs for the town, one of the costliest services for any community to provide. Balancing residential, non-residential
and open space uses can require communities to make important decisions as to the type and location for various
land uses. In addition, some communities utilize strategies including but not limited to tax incentives, public/private
partnerships, creative approaches to permitting, and infrastructure extensions to encourage economic development.
Labor Force
North Andover’s labor force includes residents over the age of 16 who are either currently employed or actively
seeking employment. At the end of 2016, North Andover’s labor force included 15,525 persons. The Town had an
unemployment rate of just 3.1 percent, near the low end of neighboring communities, which ranged from a low of 2.4
percent (Boxford) to a high of 6.9 percent (Lawrence). The unemployment rate in North Andover, which stood at 3.1
percent at the end of 2016, was somewhat lower than the statewide unemployment rate, which was 3.7 percent. The
US rate was higher, at 4.9 percent.
One measure of the strength of a labor market is its labor force participation rate. This metric evaluates the number
of persons in the population that are either working or looking for work. The Town’s labor force participation rate is
strong. According to information from the US Census Bureau, North Andover’s labor force participation rate is 69.7%.
This is higher than either the State (67.5%) or the United States (63.3%). Within the region, only Boxford and North
Reading have higher labor force participation rates.
North Andover also has a highly educated workforce. According to the US Census Bureau, 58.5 percent of North
Andover’s residents aged 25 and over hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. Among neighboring communities, only
Andover (71.9%) and Boxford (61.6%) have a higher concentration of residents who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
These numbers compare favorably to the State of Massachusetts, where 40.5 percent of residents aged 25 and over
hold a Bachelor’s degree, and the US, where less than 30 percent hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
In terms of advanced degrees, 26.7% of the population holds a Master’s degree or higher. Only Andover has a higher
percentage, with more than 39 percent holding at least a Master’s degree. Massachusetts (17.7%) and the US (11.2%)
have much lower concentrations of Master’s degrees.
Table 4.1 Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment in 2016
Location Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployment
Rate
Andover 17,687 17,176 511 2.9%
Boxford 4,298 4,195 103 2.4%
Haverhill 34,084 32,757 1,327 3.9%
Lawrence 35,634 33,166 2,468 6.9%
Methuen 26,549 25,467 1,082 4.1%
Middleton 4,407 4,268 139 3.2%
North Andover 15,525 15,037 488 3.1%
North Reading 8,560 8,305 255 3.0%
Massachusetts 3,583,500 3,473,400 110,100 3.1%
United States 159,900,000 152,100,000 7,800,000 4.9%
Source: Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, 2016
North Andover Master Plan 71
Economic Development
In terms of where North Andover’s residents work, more than 22 percent of the Town’s workers are also employed in
North Andover. Boston (11.1%), Andover (8.2%), Lawrence (6.2%) Methuen (3.0%) and Lowell (2.5%) are the next most
prominent locations for North Andover residents to work. No other community accounts for more than 2.5 pecent.
Census 2010 information indicates that 579 North Andover residents (4.2%) commuted to New Hampshire.
Employment Base
Published data for North Andover’s employment base includes data from the Employment and Wages report (ES-202).
This includes all wage and salary employment, as reported by the Town’s public and private sector employers. As
reported in the ES-202 report, North Andover has an employment base of 13,332. The highest concentrations of jobs
in North Andover include: Healthcare and Social Assistance (16.5%); Manufacturing (13.2%); and Educational Services
(12.2%).
There are an estimated 608 more jobs in North Andover than there are resident workers to fill those jobs. This equates
to a ratio of 104.8% of jobs to resident workers. The table below compares employment by industry to the number of
resident workers in that industry, to create a ratio of jobs to resident workers for each industry. As shown in the table,
North Andover has more than six times as many jobs in the Utilities sector as there are resident workers. In contrast,
the town only has enough jobs in the Transportation and Warehousing sector to employ less than one-quarter of the
resident workers in this sector.
This information indicates that the Town is a net “importer” of jobs, though only by less than 5%. As an employment
center, the Town has the opportunity to benefit from local spending associated with these employees. In addition, the
Town can also benefit from the tax base associated with a higher level of non-residential tax base.
FIGURE 4.1 - PLACE OF WORK
North Andover Master Plan72
Economic Development
Location Quotients
A location quotient analysis is used to compare the relative concentration of employment in an industry between two
or more geographic areas. The location quotient is a comparison of the percentage of employment within an industry
between a target geography and a larger geographic area or region. Generally, if the location quotient is between
0.90 and 1.10, it indicates that the proportion of employment is very similar in the two geographic regions. A location
quotient higher than 1.1 can be an indication of a specialty or cluster of employment within an industry as compared to
the larger geographic region.
In terms of the Town’s Master Plan, the location quotient can provide insights into whether the community may be overly
reliant on a specific industry, and whether the community’s “specialty” might represent an opportunity to attract similar
or related industries to bolster employment.
North Andover has a high location quotient in eight specific sectors: Utilities; Professional and Technical Services;
Finance and Insurance; Information; Arts, Entertainment and Recreation; Educational Services; Real Estate, Rental and
Leasing: and Accommodation and Food Services.
Table 4.2 Ratio of Jobs in North Andover to Resident Workers in North Andover by Industry, 2015
Industry sector Resident workers
in North Andover
Jobs in North Andover
(monthly average)
Ratio of Jobs to
Workers
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 49 335 683.7%
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas
Extraction 327 591 180.7%
Utilities 763 1,012 132.6%
Construction 194 256 132.0%
Manufacturing 1,343 1,765 131.4%
Wholesale Trade 645 755 117.1%
Retail Trade 1,132 1,296 114.5%
Transportation and Warehousing 1,946 2,199 113.0%
Information 479 540 112.7%
Finance and Insurance 1,469 1,625 110.6%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 378 361 95.5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical
Services
475 402 84.6%
Management of Companies and
Enterprises
158 128 81.0%
Administration & Support, Waste
Management and Remediation
1,432 1,031 72.0%
Educational Services 569 407 71.5%
Health Care and Social Assistance 590 355 60.2%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 498 208 41.8%
Accommodation and Food Services 14 5 35.7%
Other Services (excluding Public
Administration)
260 61 23.5%
Public Administration 3 - 0.0%
Total 12,724 13,332 104.8%
Source: Employment and Wages (ES-202), ACS 2011 - 2015
North Andover Master Plan 73
Economic Development
North Andover’s Attributes
The Town of North Andover has a number of attributes that make it very competitive for new businesses as compared
to other communities in the region. First and foremost, the community has a strong economic development department,
and a pro-business attitude. The community has a variety of existing business and industrial corridors, which allow for
the ability to support redevelopment of existing business locations and for the development of new commercial and
industrial facilities.
The Town also has a significant locational advantage in terms of transportation access. North Andover is located in
close proximity to Interstate 93 and has direct access to Interstate 495 via Massachusetts Avenue, Route 114 and from
Sutton Street. Routes 133, 125, and 114 provide excellent transportation throughout the Town. North Andover also
benefits from access to public transportation, particularly the commuter rail line, although the stations are located in
Lawrence to the north and Andover to the south.
The quality of life in North Andover is an important part of attracting and retaining business and industry in the
community, particularly for those employees that want to live in the community. The Town’s schools, quality housing,
open space preservation, recreation programs, and the availability of shopping and entertainment/dining options all
contribute to the Town’s attractiveness. These assets help North Andover compete favorably with other communities in
the region.
Supporting the local business community is important to the social and economic fabric of the town. The North Andover
Merchant’s Association (NAMA) plays an important role in advocating for and supporting local businesses through
their “Stay Local. Shop Locally.” program. NAMA is an organization made up of local businesses in North Andover
promoting, enhancing and growing the local business presence in town. The Association’s primary task is to put on
events like the Farmer’s Market, Fall Festival, and A Knight of Honor. The Association is also involved in providing
scholarships to North Andover residents who are seeking to advance their education or pursue a trade.
Table 4.3 Location Quotients for North Andover by NAICS Sector
NAICS Industries Location
Quotient Rank
22 - Utilities 3.09 1
54 - Professional and Technical Services 2.52 2
52 - Finance and Insurance 1.78 3
51 - Information 1.73 4
71 - Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 1.60 5
61 - Educational Services 1.34 6
53 - Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 1.29 7
72 - Accommodation and Food Services 1.25 8
44-45 - Retail Trade 1.09 9
56 - Administrative and Waste Services 1.08 10
42 - Wholesale Trade 1.00 11
23 - Construction 0.97 12
81 - Other Services, Ex. Public Admin 0.89 13
55 - Management of Companies and Enterprises 0.83 14
31-33 - Manufacturing 0.80 15
48-49 - Transportation and Warehousing 0.75 16
62 - Healthcare and Social Assistance 0.68 17
11 - Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting -18
Source: ES-202, 2016
North Andover Master Plan74
Economic Development
Finally, the Town has a diverse business base that includes small and large businesses in a variety of industry sectors.
The Route 114 corridor is the community’s predominant retail location, while the airport industrial area and Route 125
corridors provide a broad mix of office, industrial, and hospitality uses within the community.
Commercial and Industrial Development
The Town of North Andover has four primary commercial and industrial areas. These include: the Route 114 corridor;
the Central Business District; the airport industrial area; and the Route 125/Osgood Street corridor. Each of these areas
has its own identity and unique mix of businesses, and each has separate challenges and constraints.
The Route 114 corridor is the Town’s primary retail corridor, in addition to supporting a variety of other uses. There are
many national retailers located along the Route 114 corridor, including but not limited to Staples, Panera Bread, Kohl’s
and Walgreens. The Route 114 corridor also has a number of single- and multi-tenant office facilities, and also serves
as the location for several of the Town’s key employers. Among the key employers located on Route 114 are the Eagle
Tribune, Watts Water Technologies and the Town’s largest employer, Merrimack College. One of the Town’s primary
industrial areas is also located off Route 114 near its junction with Route 125. This industrial area is home to the Town’s
largest manufacturing employer, Bake N Joy Foods, as well as a variety of other industrially-focused enterprises.
Like many smaller New England communities, the Central Business District (CBD) in North Andover has grown and
changed over the years. The CBD includes a variety of municipal facilities, including the Town Hall, as well as a
number of older mixed-use buildings. Many of these older mixed-use buildings include first floor retail or office space,
with housing located on upper stories. The CBD also includes a large retail plaza located across from the Town
Hall, which contains CVS, Chama Grill, and Frederick’s Pastries, among others. The CBD includes some religious and
institutional uses, financial services companies, restaurants, and personal services.
While the airport industrial area and the Route 125 corridor are closely related, the airport industrial area has unique
attributes which warrant this area of the community being considered separately. First and foremost, the presence
of the airport and its environs dominates this area of the community. The airport has two runways, Runway 5/23 is
5,001’ by 150’, and Runway 14/32 is 3,900 by 100’. The size of Runway 5/23 is sufficient to support most corporate jets,
allowing for large companies to land their corporate aircraft locally. For some companies, the presence of a local
airport is considered a “plus” in terms of evaluating a location for a new or expanded facility.
The airport is actually owned and operated by the City of Lawrence, and makes access to a large portion of the
Town’s frontage on the Merrimack River difficult. Areas to the west and southwest of the airport include a mix of small
local retailers and restaurants, as well as small industrial users. The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District is also located
between the airport and the Merrimack River.
North of the airport, the Route 125 corridor is dominated by the Osgood Landing property. Formerly a manufacturing
facility for Western Electric, the two million square foot property now operates as a multi-tenant office and industrial
complex. Osgood Landing has extensive parking areas surrounding the facility, and has recently added solar panels to
a portion of the site for energy generation. In addition, the Route 125 corridor includes a variety of smaller residential
buildings which have been converted to office uses, and several smaller local and regional retail and restaurant
facilities. This corridor also includes the Town’s police station, a fire station, the middle school and high school. Other
prominent uses along the 125 corridor are health care/assisted living facilities and a major agricultural user. The map
on the following page highlights the locations of commercial areas and corridors across North Andover.
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The maps made av ailable to the public by the Town of North Andover are
not legally re co rde d ma ps no r surv ey s a nd are not intended to be used
as such. Nor sho uld the y be used for nav igational, tracking or any other
purpo se requiring ex acting me asure ment of distance or direction or
pre cision in the de pictio n of geo gra phic features. The data provided may
be inaccura te o r o ut o f da te and a ny perso n or entity who relies on said
informatio n fo r a ny purpose whatso ever do es at their own risk. In no way
doe s No rth Ando ve r wa rra nt the accuracy, re liability or timeliness of any
of the data provided on these maps.
Date: 8/29/2017
Source s: Town of No rth Andov er, Ma ssGIS, MassDEP,
EOEEA
Map Creator: Patrick McCafferty
Areas ofCommercial Development
North Andover - Massachuses
Vacant Commercial Land
Commercial Type
Automobile Centric
Commercial Recreation
Commercial Nodes
Other Commercial
Restaurant/ Retail
Storage, Warehouse & Distribution
Oce/ Bank
Lake
Cochichewick
Non-Commercial Parcels
Open Space
North Andover Master Plan76
Economic Development
Planning Issues
The Need for a More Defined “Downtown”
Members of the public indicated that North Andover could benefit from a more well-defined and active downtown
area. While the Downtown has a good mix of businesses that serve North Andover residents and visitors, questions
were raised as to whether more housing in the area would help support a more vibrant downtown. This issue needs
to be balanced against related concerns regarding parking, traffic, and the ability of community facilities to provide
necessary services to residents. The primary focus being police, fire, and emergency response capabilities. Increasing
the maximum allowable height for buildings was raised as a potential opportunity to increase density, although parking
and traffic concerns would have to be evaluated. Similarly, some residents indicated a desire to remove overhead
wires by putting utility services underground. This would require a significant financial investment to complete, with little
associated revenue to support it, and the cost would likely have to be borne by ratepayers.
Lack of Available Developable Land
While the Town of North Andover has a significant amount of land area dedicated to uses that support economic
activity, there are several issues which deserve consideration in terms of what future economic development activity may
be supported. A major consideration is the environmental constraint on some properties which limit their development
potential. This is particularly true along the Route 114 corridor, which has substantial wetlands. These sections of
the corridor create development limitations which reduce the potential to support economic development and a
broadening of the town’s tax base.
Utility Systems
There are some businesses in proximity to the airport which are not connected to the Town’s sewer system. Rather,
some of these businesses connect directly with the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District’s treatment plant, located in
proximity to the airport, while others utilize septic systems for wastewater disposal. At the time of the agreement with
the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District, capital outlays for the Town of North Andover were reduced saving the town
money, but the Town also lost the opportunity to provide services to these users, and to generate revenue. The Town
needs to ensure that adequate water and sewer service is available to meet the needs of new economic development
activities, and to ensure that the Town’s interests are adequately represented in terms of utility systems planning,
upgrades, and future operations.
West Mill in North Andover
North Andover Master Plan 77
Economic Development
Goals and Recommendations
Economic Development Goal 1: Encourage a local economy which includes employment
opportunities for residents in a variety of business sectors and occupations and provides a
variety of goods and services to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
»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.
»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.
»Evaluate whether the creation of a quasi-public entity for economic development would offer the Town
increased flexibility to negotiate with potential new employers and to be more pro-active in creating economic
development opportunities for the community.
In the context of economic development, a quasi-public entity can frequently have more flexibility to negotiate
with potential new businesses because they are less restricted than a municipal entity.
A quasi-public entity could also have the ability to acquire vacant or under-utilized properties for development/
redevelopment, and could potentially plan, permit and construct speculative office or industrial facilities to
attract new businesses. For example, a quasi-public entity could acquire one or more vacant storefronts on
Main Street, or a large complex property like Osgood Landing, if the organization had sufficient fund available.
Economic Development Goal 2: Evaluate the potential for increasing density and visitation
in the downtown area, through increasing the number of mixed-use buildings which
support both residential and commercial uses.
»Look for opportunities to enhance visitation to the downtown area through special events and activities (such as
the farmers market).
»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, façade improvement programs,
infrastructure investments, and changes in use.
»Encourage the development of mixed-use buildings which support both residential and commercial uses.
»To highlight specifics considerations and recommendations for Downtown North Andover, a more detailed
overview is provided on the proceeding pages.
North Andover Master Plan78
Economic Development
Deep Dive: Downtown North Andover
The Community’s Activity Center, Today and Tomorrow
Today’s Downtown
Downtown North Andover is a classic linear mixed-
use business district. Home to traditional, mostly
independent businesses, with low- to moderate-scale
buildings on small lots. Downtown is organized along
Main Street and a small portion of Water Street with
relatively narrow roadways in a modified grid-like
pattern. Just beyond the borders of the downtown
district lies many of North Andover’s more historic and
densely populated neighborhoods. These provide
a great backdrop and built in customer base for
Downtown businesses.
Today, downtown storefront experience very low
vacancy, and a healthy mix of uses. Given the mostly
one- and two-story structures along Main and Water
Streets, many are primarily occupied by commercial
uses. A handful, however, have residential uses
above an active commercial ground floor. The core
commercial and mixed-use zone is generally defined
by Main Street from Sutton Street in the north to Water
Street in the south, at which point it continues on Water
Street until High/Elm Street and the North Andover Mills.
As defined in the map below, the heart of Downtown’s
fabric is the section of Main Street between Waverly Street
and Water Street. This corridor has the highest intensity of
commercial activity and fewer gaps in the street frontage
between buildings. At either end of the corridor, Main and
Water Streets become a “transitional” or “gateway” zone:
a still-active mix of businesses and residential units, with
less consistency in building type and occasional gaps in
street frontage. The northern gateway zone, where Main
Street meets Sutton Street, has a number of buildings with
large setbacks broken up by surface parking lots. Some
storefronts along this stretch are vacant and are in need
of a face-lift. On the Water Street side, between Main
and High Streets, one side of the corridor is lined with
small homes and the rear edge of the North Andover
Mills property, while the other is defined by a set of small
businesses and a large church parking lot.
North Andover Master Plan 79
Economic Development
Optimizing Downtown’s Gateways and Assets
Along Main Street and Water Street there are locations at
key intersections serving as focal points for the Downtown
and could become gathering places and gateways
welcoming guests entering Downtown. These intersections
are defining spaces that people can easily picture when
they think of Downtown North Andover. Improving the
streetscape, buildings, and uses in these spaces could
help build character and defining elements all aiding in
the future success of Downtown.
These gateway intersections are located at the entrances
to the Downtown corridor, and at intersections that
separate the Downtown core from the smaller gateway/
transition corridors. Surrounded by some of the Town’s
more well-known businesses, the gateways boast
proximity and access to a number of North Andover’s
most important and cherished public assets. The Main
St./Sutton St. area is home to a number of historic
structures; while the Water Street/High Street intersection
is the entrance to the Mills. The two central intersections
at either end of the Main Street bookend the core of
Downtown which has a mix of civic, commercial, and
residential activity. This area is also home to the Town’s
farmer’s market at the First & Main Shopping Plaza.
Strategies focusing improvements and funding on these
key intersections will help announce the arrival into
Downtown, and also provide areas where streetscape,
development, transportation, and public amenities can
all come together in a cohesive and connected manner.
The map above highlights these key intersections
and corridors, parcels to be considered for future for
investment, and a possible expansion of downtown
zoning.
North Andover Master Plan80
Economic Development
Parcels highlighted in blue on the map are ones that
should be looked at during future zoning efforts to
determine what incentives could be put in place to
encourage future investment. A mix of zoning incentives,
facade improvements, consistent streetscape treatment,
and consistent signage would help unify segments of
Downtown and create a sense of place for residents and
visitors alike. These key opportunity parcels could help
spark new infill development adding businesses and
residents to the Downtown. Parcels outlined in green have
been identified by Town staff as having immediate near-
term redevelopment potential. These parcels are part of
the Mills and have been considered for mix of residential
and commercial uses, as well as parking.
Imagining Infill Around Sutton Pond
Potential redevelopment projects near the North Andover
Mills present opportunities for the Town to influence
Downtown’s long-term evolution. Connecting the Mills to
Downtown for pedestrians, cars, bikes, and transit using
on-street and off-street pathways will go a long way to
ensuring Downtown’s continued vitality.
Additional development at the Mills would be well-served
by a series of connection points between the backside
of Sutton Pond and Main Street. The parcels between
High and Sutton Streets on the north side of Sutton Pond,
are defined by a historic rail right-of-way. The parcel’s
boundaries offer guidance on where a future multi-
modal street/path could activate developable land
and define a “secondary Main Street”. The street would
require numerous cross-connections between High and
Sutton Streets to encourage pedestrians and cyclists to
flow between the two districts. This could include an
expansion of the existing driveway from 2nd Street to
the Sutton Pond Condominiums, as well as a possible
connection across Sutton Pond where the former rail
line crossed, near 22 Main Street. A series of smaller,
secondary paths could fill out the area and promote
walkability, while creating smaller parcels that honor
the scale of today’s Downtown. Parcels nearest to Sutton
Street could serve as more auto-oriented spaces that
anchor the area at one end.
Attention to redevelopment opportunities in the existing
gateway node at Sutton and Main Streets could
expand to spaces on Sutton’s north side, near the
Merrimack River. A series of strip malls and parking
lots immediately adjacent to the historic Schofield
Mill building could be re-imagined as a mixed-use
continuation of the Main/Sutton gateway area. North
Main Street and Ferry Street may serve as connections
to riverfront improvements or a park.
North Andover Master Plan 81
Economic Development
Economic development Goal 3: Support existing businesses and business development
activities in the community and attract viable uses for the redevelopment of commercial
and industrial districts and buildings.
»Establish a business visitation and outreach program to solicit input from business owners and managers in terms
of what the Town is doing right, what the Town is doing wrong, and whether the business has plans to expand
(or contract) in the Town or the larger region.
»Evaluate the uses of the Stevens Estate for additional commercial potential while maintaining the historic value of
the property and the surrounding open space.
»Create an inventory/database of available commercial/industrial development sites in the community for
marketing/economic development purposes.
»Work with large land owners of economically-important properties in town to identify and attract a mix of uses
for the redevelopment of those properties.
»In partnership with the City of Lawrence, evaluate the economic impacts of the Lawrence Municipal Airport to
determine options for maximizing economic benefits to both communities.
Mural on Merrimack College Campus
CHAPTER FIVE:TRANSPORTATION5
North Andover Master Plan84
Transportation
Chapter Overview
Purpose
»Describe the existing transportation network in terms of roadways, sidewalks, trails, bike facilities, and transit
options.
»Describe future transportation needs, safety improvements, and connections that residents desire.
»Identify locations and types of transportation improvements that could enhance local connectivity between
activity centers, housing, jobs, and open spaces.
Connections to Community Planning
Transportation is one of the few elements of the Master Plan that truly impacts everyone in the community on a daily
basis. No matter what form of transportation a resident utilizes, each day starts and ends with a trip to a destination
point accessed by walking, biking, driving, or taking public transportation. Most likely residents are using multiple forms
of transportation to get around each day. The transportation network also helps connect residents to jobs, housing,
municipal facilities, recreation fields, and open spaces across North Andover. As an integral component of community
development and activity, the transportation system needs to be accommodating to all different modes of travel and
accessible to people with different mobility needs. Connecting people to places is good for the local economy, good
for civic life, and good for continuing the social connectivity of the residents of North Andover.
5Transportation
KEY FINDINGS:
»North Andover is located directly along
I-495, and in close proximity to both I-93
and I-95.
»Traffic counts along major arterial routes,
such as Routes 114 and 125, have
remained flat or in some cases potentially
decreasing over the last five to ten years.
»The Town lacks sidewalks on most roads,
particularly those roadways east and south
of Great Pond Road.
»There are very few, if any, dedicated
on-street facilities for bicyclists in North
Andover.
»The Town does have an extensive network
of over seventy miles of off-street walking
and biking trails.
»While the Town does not have a commuter
rail station within its borders, stations in
Lawrence and Andover are close by.
»The Town is served by fixed-route and
commuter bus service from the MVRTA.
North Andover Master Plan 85
Transportation
Key Recommendations
1. Evaluate sidewalk gaps and prioritize new sidewalks based on their ability to
connect residents to schools, activity centers, civic spaces, and recreation and
open spaces in town.
2. Evaluate safety and congestion improvements along key roadway corridors and
intersection improvements to promote safer travel speeds, improve safety at key
intersections, and create a safer and more connected sidewalk network.
3. Evaluate the potential for including wider shoulders on roadways to improve safety
for cyclists where dedicated bike lanes or multi-use pathways may not be feasible.
4. Work with FONAT (Friends of North Andover Trails) to evaluate and prioritize off-
street trail development, connections, and trail crossings to and through open
spaces and recreation areas.
5. Improve Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) circulator routes and
frequency of those routes as a way to increase ridership.
Introduction
Transportation is critical to the functionality and life blood of a community. Transportation infrastructure ties people
and places together, and allows goods and products to flow and in and out of town. Regardless of where someone
lives, works, shops, visits, or goes to school their day begins and ends with a trip on some portion of North Andover’s
transportation system.
Looking at a map of North Andover’s roadway system, it is clear that the early network of streets focused almost entirely
on supporting residential, commercial, and industrial development on the north side of town. Since the early 1800’s
this was the economic and residential center of North Andover, with textile mills supporting jobs, and neighborhoods
springing up to house mill workers. The relatively tight, somewhat gridded street pattern in this area made it easier
and more efficient to move people and goods, as well as establishing denser neighborhoods to house workers and
their families. The tight cluster of local roadways and compact neighborhoods branching off Massachusetts Avenue
and Waverly Road are very different from the long, winding, dead-end streets and circular drives found in Out Country.
The large majority of development south and west of Andover Street and Great Pond Road occurred after 1980, and
the roadway network that was constructed to support that development is not well-connected. This makes it difficult
to support travel by other modes of transportation outside of a personal automobile, and has created a challenge in
North Andover of connecting the north and south sides.
North Andover Master Plan86
Transportation
Inventory & Existing Conditions
Vehicular Circulation and Safety
Roadway Patterns
North Andover is in a very interesting, and somewhat advantageous location compared to many other communities
in Eastern Massachusetts. The Town is situated between three major interstates: Interstate 495, Interstate 95, and
Interstate 93. While some may see the construction of these three interstates as having fueled the population growth
and development boom between 1960 and 1980, others see access to these transportation corridors as a benefit
for both economic development and access to employment. Unfortunately, North Andover only has direct access to
I-495, while the other two interstates require traveling along local and state roadways for access. North Andover’s
access points onto I-495 come via exits 43 and 44. There is a third full interchange onto I-495 at exit 42 just outside the
northwestern edge of town off Route 114. Finally, a fourth full interchange is located at exit 48 accessing Route 125 in
Haverhill. While this exit is quite a way north of town, drivers can access North Andover by traveling south on Route 125.
Primary ways to access I-93 from North
Andover are at interchanges with I-495, Route
133, and Route 125. For those traveling from
the center or south side of town, Route 125 is
the most direct way to access I-93. Accessing
I-95 is more challenging for those in North
Andover as it requires navigating local roads
to travel through Boxford on Boxford Street/
Lawrence Road to enter the interstate at exit
52.
Not unlike most outlying suburbs, the large
majority of residents in North Andover
commute to work by driving alone in a
personal automobile. Close to 84 percent of
North Andover residents have access to two
more vehicles at their place of residence,
while only 1 percent indicated they did not
have access to a vehicle.1 For those residents
not commuting alone in a personal vehicle,
approximately 7 percent carpool with others
to work, and 3 percent utilize some form of
public transportation.2 Another 3 percent of residents walk or bike to work. Interestingly, 6 percent, or 854 North Andover
residents, indicated they work from home.
1 ACS 2011-2015, Table S0801, “Commuting Characteristics by Sex”
2 ACS 2011-2015, Table B08101, “Means of Transportation”
FIGURE 5.1 - MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
North Andover Master Plan 87
Transportation
Arterials
Arterials are roadways that provide the highest level of
mobility at the greatest vehicular speed for the longest
uninterrupted distances and are not intended to provide
access to specific locations (this definition does include
interstates, but interstates are broken out in Table 5.1).
North Andover has several arterial roadways that make up
a portion of the transportation network. Route 114, Sutton
Street, and Route 125 (between Sutton Street and I-495 in
Haverhill) are classified by MassDOT as principal arterials.
While portions of Route 133, Peters Street, and Route 125
are classified as minor arterials.
»Route 114 is the primary east-west roadway facilitating travel across North Andover, and leads into Lawrence to
the west and Middleton to the east. Route 114 is generally a three-lane roadway with a center turn lane and one
through lane each in the east and westbound directions. There are portions of Route 114 that have as many as
five lanes, but those tend to occur at signalized intersections where turning lanes are warranted. The land use
composition along Route 114 is a mix of commercial and residential development with a combination of shared
and individual access points opening onto the arterial. Available traffic counts along a few segments of Route
114 show flat, and in some cases, declining traffic counts. For example, the stretch of Route 114/125 in front of
Merrimack College had a count of 43,438 vehicles per day in 2000, which has since declined to 39,114 in 2016.3
This represents a 10 percent decline. Route 114 was recently resurfaced, and new crosswalks and signals were
installed to help with pedestrian safety. Additional safety improvements are slated for this roadway along the
section between Waverly Road and Willow Street.
»Sutton Street serves as a direct connection between exit 44 off I-495 and Route 125. To the west, Sutton Street
becomes Merrimack Street in Lawrence providing a connection to the Lawrence MBTA station. To the east,
Sutton Street’s connection with Route 125 brings drivers to the Lawrence Municipal Airport and north to Osgood
Landing. Sutton Street is characterized by heavy truck traffic that services various industrial uses at such locations
as: the airport, the industrial area off Holt Street and Commerce Way, and the Sanitary District plant off Charles
Street. It has been noted that the interchange at Sutton Street and I-495 experiences heavy traffic during peak
travel times, and this is likely to continue or get worse as additional development occurs in both Lawrence and
North Andover.
»Route 125 is North Andover’s primary north-south arterial which connects the town to Haverhill and a major
interchange with I-495 at exit 51, as well as south to Andover and Wilmington eventually connecting with I-93
at exit 41. The nature of Route 125 changes a bit as one drives from the south to the north. The stretch of 125
between the Andover line and the intersection with Andover Street is comprised of a four-lane roadway with as
many as six lanes at major signalized intersections. As Route 125 turns north at Andover Street, it becomes a two-
lane arterial serving a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional properties along the way. The roadway
changes yet again where it intersects with Sutton Street across from the airport, going back to a four-lane
roadway all the way to the town’s border with Haverhill.
3 MassDOT traffic counts, 2000 and 2016.
Table 5.1 Classification of Roads in North Andover
Roadway Class Centerline Miles Lane Miles
Interstate 0.57 3.42
Arterial 19.75 47.48
Collector 21.42 40.15
Local 106.98 191.98
Total 148.71 283.04
Source: MassDOT, 2014 Road Inventory
North Andover Master Plan88
Transportation
»Route 125 has been the subject of several studies, the most recent was a road safety audit (RSA) conducted
by MassDOT in 2009. The RSA looked at the intersection of Route 125 and Massachusetts Avenue which has
significant traffic safety issues due to sight lines, lane configurations, intersection geometry, and outdated signal
equipment.4 According to the most recent 2018-2022 TIP document, this intersection is slated to be upgraded
in 2018 with a $3.6 million investment. The other substantial improvement that is getting ready for completion
now are the upgrades made to Route 125/114 in the vicinity of Merrimack College and the Royal Crest housing
development. The Town, State, and College partnered on a roadway improvement project that is not only
improving the space for vehicles, but also installing sidewalks and pedestrian signals to make crossing Route
125/114 much safer and easier.
»Route 133 traverses North Andover north to south starting at Sutton Street and heading south where it jogs
southwest at Route 125 heading into Andover. Route 133 is primarily a two-lane roadway which widens out at
major intersection to include additional turn lanes where necessary. This arterial roadway provides connections
to some key commercial and civic hubs in North Andover, including the Eaglewood Shops and related
commercial uses along Route 114/125, the North Andover Middle School, Kittredge Elementary School, and North
Andover High School, and the Lawrence Municipal Airport. Through initial discussions with Town staff, it was
noted that the signalized intersections where Route 133 crosses Route 125, and where Route 133 crosses Route
114 are congested and unsafe. The most recent crash data from MassDOT lists the intersection of Routes 133 and
114 as a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) high crash cluster, which means that intersection is in the
top 5 percent of all high crash clusters in the Merrimack Valley region.5
While the intersection of Routes 133 and 125 is not listed by MassDOT, it does not mean that local residents and
other drivers perceive this intersection to be unsafe.
4 MassDOT. Roadway Safety Audit, Route 125 and Massachusetts Avenue, September 24, 2009.
5 MassDOT, Top Crash Locations Data, HSIP Crash Clusters, 2012-2014.
Old Town Center
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L A W R E N C E
A N D O V E R
Transportation
Facilities
North Andover - Massachuses
0 10.5 Mile
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The maps made av ailable to the public by the Town of North Andover are
not legally re co rde d ma ps no r surv ey s a nd are not intended to be used
as such. Nor sho uld the y be used for nav igational, tracking or any other
purpo se requiring ex acting me asure ment of distance or direction or
pre cision in the de pictio n of geo gra phic features. The data provided may
be inaccura te o r o ut o f da te and a ny perso n or entity who relies on said
informatio n fo r a ny purpose whatso ever do es at their own risk. In no way
doe s No rth Ando ve r wa rra nt the accuracy, re liability or timeliness of any
of the data provided on these maps.
Date: 8/29/2017
Source s: Town of No rth Andov er, Ma ssGIS, MassDEP, Massachusetts DCR
EOEEA, MassDOT
Map Creator: Patrick McCafferty
MassDOT Roads
Administrative Type
Interstate
U.S. Highway
State Route
Hiking Trails
!!Considered BikeTrail
!(îé Commuter Rail Station
Abandoned Service ROW in Public Interest
Active Commute Rail Route
Lake
Cochichewick
North Andover Master Plan90
Transportation
Collector Roads
Collector roads funnel traffic from local roads to arterials, enhancing both mobility and access across around town.
Collector roads provide an additional layer of access to abutting properties compared to arterials, which usually have
limited points of access. In North Andover, major collector roadways include, but are not limited to, Massachusetts
Avenue, Waverly Road, Main Street, Andover Street, and the segment of Great Pond Road between Osgood Street
and the Boxford border. Minor collector roads in North Andover include Great Pond Road, Stevens Street, Salem Street,
Johnson Street, Dale Street, High Street, Osgood Street, and Pleasant Street. In and around Downtown North Andover,
Elm Street, High Street, Water Street, and Prescott Street are also classified as minor collector roadways.
Local Roads
Local roads provide access to abutting lands with little or no emphasis on mobility. Nearly 72 percent of the road miles
in North Andover are classified as local roads. These local roadways provide direct access to properties along them,
have slower posted travel speeds, and feed local traffic onto collector roads. Of the nearly 107 miles of roadway in
North Andover, only a little less than 11 percent are privately owned and have not been formally accepted by a public
entity. These roads tend to be part of residential developments where property owners or homeowners associations
pay for the maintenance of the road(s).
Roadway Safety
MassDOT’s Crash Data Files indicate that between 2012 and 2014 North Andover had nearly 1,100 crashes occur within
its borders.6 Since 2000, the total number of crashes each year averaged around 445, and declined to a low of 254 in
the year 2012. Since then, the number of crashes climbed again to reach 459 in 2014. This increase follows a similar
trend found in the Commonwealth as a whole, likely the result of more vehicles on the road coming out of the Great
Recession with more people back to work and more expendable income for travel and other leisure activities.
Of the 1,100 crashes reported by MassDOT between 2012 and 2014, 24 percent (267) resulted in one or more persons
sustaining a non-fatal injury. More than 64 percent of the crashes resulted in property damage, with no injuries.
During this three-year period, crashes in North Andover did result in three fatal injuries. In addition to collecting data
on individual crashes, MassDOT also compiles a list of high crash location clusters that feed into the Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) funding stream to improve the safety of roadways and intersections. MassDOT also
produces a top 200 crash listing across the Commonwealth to identify locations with critical safety needs. Fortunately,
North Andover did not have any locations that fall within MassDOT’s top 200 HSIP locations. However, there are several
HSIP crash clusters located along Route 114 between Willow Street and I-495, including a substantial cluster just west
of River Pointe Way before the I-495 ramps. The other major crash cluster was located at the intersection of Route 125
and Massachusetts Avenue. This location has been studied and recommended for TIP funding to address intersection
geometry and other safety issues.
MassDOT also reports crashes that involve pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users of the transportation
network. Between 2012 and 2014, there were no pedestrian or bicycle crashes reported in North Andover. This is not
to say they did not occur. Unfortunately, many crashes involving pedestrians/cyclists and motor vehicles go unreported,
particularly in cases where no injuries or substantial damage occurs. The disconnected nature of North Andover’s
sidewalk network and lack of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant intersection crossings also adds to the
challenges of pedestrian safety, particularly for those residents with disabilities.
6 MassDOT Crash Data Files, 2012-2014.
North Andover Master Plan 91
Transportation
Public Transportation
Buses and Local Shuttle Services
The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) began offering service in 1976, at which time North Andover
was one of the original four communities to get service. Since then, the MVRTA has expanded considerably and now
provides public transportation services to fourteen communities across the Merrimack Valley. The MVRTA currently offers
three fixed route services in North Andover. The primary route specific to North Andover is the Route 33 which leaves
the Buckley Transportation Center in Lawrence, travels down Merrimack Street/Sutton Street, down Main Street to Route
125, then heads south on Route 125 turning west on Route 114 with a final stop at the North Andover Mall. Outbound
buses from Lawrence to North Andover run every half hour from 5:30AM until 7:00PM, while inbound buses from North
Andover run every half hour from 5:23AM until 6:23PM. There is weekend service on this route which runs every hour
from 7:00AM to 6:00PM. The fare charge to ride the bus is $1.00 each way.
The other two routes that fall within North Andover are the 21 and 39A, which have stops at the North Andover Mall.
The Route 21 begins and ends at the Mall and provides service south to Andover via Route 133 and Main Street. The
Route 39A travels out of Lawrence along Route 114 and makes a stop at the North Andover Mall before terminating at
Doctors Park in Andover.
Ridership on the Route 21 and Route 33 buses increased between Fiscal Year 2010 and Fiscal Year 2015. Data from
the MVRTA showed the Route 21 bus’s annual ridership increasing from 18,994 to 23,728, while annual ridership on
the Route 33 bus increased from 76,083 to 95,162. Ridership numbers for the Route 39A bus are quite high and have
remained stable over the last five years. In FY 2010, annual ridership reached 135,541 and utilization remained strong
with 135,506 riders in FY 2015.7
Boston Commuter Bus
The other service operated by MVRTA is the North Andover Commuter Bus to Boston. The single inbound bus leaves the
West Mill on High Street in North Andover at 6:30AM, travels down to a flag stop at Massachusetts Avenue at 6:35AM,
and getting riders to Government Center in Boston by 7:28AM. There is one outbound bus that leaves Boston at 5:10PM
from State and Congress Streets and makes a stop at the State Transportation Building on Charles Street, and at
Bedford Street before heading to North Andover, arriving around 6:15PM. The cost for a one-way ride is $6.00 cash, or
$5.00 to use a Charlie Card. Monthly 10-ride passes can be purchased in advance for $50.00. The Town provides free
parking at West Mill on High Street as an incentive for taking the commuter bus to Boston. As this is a commuter service,
it only runs Monday through Friday and not on the weekend.
Senior Transportation Services
In addition to the local bus lines serving North Andover, the Council on Aging also offers shuttle van rides for seniors
and the disabled in town. The Town currently has one van and one driver, and will take seniors on shopping trips, field
trips, and trips to the Senior Center for daily activities and meals. Currently, medical trips are placing a much larger
demand on transportation services in town, to the point where the Senior Center is looking for more volunteer drivers
that could cover medical trips above and beyond what can be covered by the Town’s van service. North Andover is
also in the service area of Northern Essex Elder Transport, which is a volunteer driver program for seniors. Rides are
arranged through the local Council on Aging office and volunteer drivers provide door-to-door transportation to local
and out-of-town medical appointments when no other means are available.
7 MVRTA Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2016.
North Andover Master Plan92
Transportation
Nearby Public Transportation Options
While North Andover does not have a commuter rail station within its borders, there are nearby stations in Lawrence
and Andover. Both stations are located on the MBTA’s Haverhill Commuter Rail Line which offers direct service between
Boston and Haverhill. Most stations between Boston and Lawrence tend to be suburban in character, with Boston,
Lawrence, and Haverhill being the largest cities along the line. A weekday trip for a commuter between Lawrence and
Boston takes about an hour one way at a cost of $10.00 per one-way ticket. A trip between Andover and Boston takes
about fifty minutes, and costs $9.25 per one-way ticket.
The MBTA’s Haverhill Line had an annual average of 8,843 riders per weekday across all inbound and outbound trips.
The Haverhill Line has the sixth highest daily ridership of the fourteen MBTA commuter rail lines across the system. The
two stations closest to North Andover, the Lawrence and Andover stations, have seen fairly steady ridership numbers
according to MBTA ridership data from 2007 to 2013. The only exception was at the Andover station in 2011 which saw
a very large jump in ridership. In 2013, the Lawrence station averaged 772 riders per day which is much lower than
many of the high ridership stations across the system. For example, the Salem commuter rail station averaged over
2,100 riders per day in 2013 which is the most of any station in the system.8 The average annual weekday ridership for
all stations across the MBTA commuter rail system was 934 in 2013.
8 MBTA Blue Book, 2014.
FIGURE 5.2 - AVERAGE WEEKDAY COMMUTER RAIL RIDERSHIP
North Andover Master Plan 93
Transportation
Active Transportation
According to MassDOT’s most recent roadway inventory, sidewalk coverage in North Andover is extremely limited
outside of portions of Waverly Road, Salem Street, Johnson Street, Chestnut Street, Sutton Street, Route 125, and Route
114. Even on these roadways, sidewalks may be limited to certain segments or to only one side of the street. The
neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Waverly Road and Massachusetts Avenue have the most comprehensive
coverage in all of North Andover. As one travels east from the older historic center on the north side of town, sidewalk
coverage is almost non-existent making it very challenging for anyone east of Great Pond Road to get around without
a personal vehicle. The Town does not have many, if any, on-street bicycle facilities that would make it safer for people
to bike around North Andover. While many of the roadways in Out Country are certainly lower volume and safer for
cyclists, the narrow rights-of-way, topography, and curvilinear roadway design can create dangerous conditions for
biking.
The Town, through the Friends of North Andover Trails, has created and invested in over seventy miles of off-street
pathways and trails that serve primarily as recreational amenities. In the most recent “Guide to North Andover Trails”
booklet, there are sixteen destinations listed with detailed trails maps for each site.
North Andover has not yet taken advantage of MassDOT’s current Complete Streets Program9 that provides funding
to municipalities for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Towns can apply to MassDOT’s program once they have
adopted a Complete Street Policy, which should state the Town will make a concerted effort to design and construct
streets that include accommodations for all users of the transportation system including cars, bikes, pedestrians, and
public transportation. MassDOT will then provide funding for the Town to hire a consultant to develop a Complete
Streets Prioritization Plan that lays out priority projects the Town could undertake on their own, or with funding
assistance through MassDOT. The Prioritization Plan begins to develop a network of connections for pedestrians and
cyclists to make getting around town easier and safer.
While the Town does not yet have a Complete Streets Policy, it has taken advantage of MassDOT funding for Safe
Routes to School projects. In 2017, the Town completed the reconstruction of sidewalks along the North Andover
Middle School driveway entrance, Massachusetts Avenue, Greene Street, Parker Street, and adjacent neighborhoods to
create safer connections for children who want to walk or bike to school. These improvements included ADA compliant
wheelchair access, intersection re-alignments, new pavement markings, and better signage.
9 More information on MassDOT’s Complete Streets Funding Program can be found here: https://masscompletestreets.com
North Andover Master Plan94
Transportation
Planning Issues
Coordinating Land Use Decisions and Transportation
Improvements
Looking to the future, it is important that land use and zoning changes, and new development are closely coordinated
with transportation improvements. Development that the Town wants should not be hindered by substandard
transportation infrastructure. It is also important for the Town to consider how new development can be connected to
the transportation system in a way that allows people to get around without the use of a personal automobile. This
should include ensuring new development contributes to a connected pedestrian network and strengthens circulation
both within the development site itself, as well as connections to the town-wide transportation system.
Connecting People and Places
Discussions with Town staff and members of the public revealed that many people living in Out Country do not
feel connected to primary activity centers in North Andover, namely Downtown and the Historic Center. One of the
primary challenges facing North Andover from a transportation perspective is the sprawling nature of development
that took place after 1960. The town grew outward quite rapidly with a focus on large-scale single-family residential
development. Opportunities to create additional activity centers, such as one in the eastern portion of North Andover,
were not available at the time and limited by the zoning that was in place. Today, the transportation system, namely
roadways, is the way people are connected to the various place in North Andover. In the future, the Town should
consider ways to facilitate travel by all modes of transportation from the residentially-dominated Out Country area to
the commercial activity centers to the west.
Improving Access for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Sidewalk coverage in North Andover is spotty at best, and on-street bike facilities are almost non-existent. The rural to
suburban development pattern in North Andover, and relatively narrow roadways create challenges to implementing a
more well-connected network of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The Town has been successful developing more
than seventy miles of off-street walking and biking trails within open spaces and recreation areas across town, but
they are disconnected and primarily serve as recreational amenities instead of transportation assets. Moving forward,
the Town should look at prioritizing mobility corridors and safe cycling routes to better connect residents, jobs, activity
centers, and open space and recreation amenities. These mobility corridors could include sidewalks, on-street bike
facilities, or off-street shared use pathways that would serve both pedestrians and cyclists.
North Andover Master Plan 95
Transportation
Goals and Recommendations
Transportation Goal 1: Improve transportation connectivity, with an emphasis on
sidewalks, to make it safer for residents to access open space and recreation areas, civic
buildings and schools, and commercial centers in town.
»Evaluate sidewalk gaps and prioritize new sidewalks based on their ability to connect residents to schools,
activity centers, civic spaces, and recreation and open spaces in town.
»Leverage the Town’s sidewalk maintenance funds with Community Preservation Act-eligible projects to expand
the amount of funding available to improving connections to and from open space and recreation areas.
»Knit together Out Country with the commercial and civic centers in the northern portion of town by improving
signage, sidewalk and trail connections, and bike facilities.
»Adopt a Complete Streets Policy and apply to MassDOT’s Complete Streets Funding Program to secure funding
for a Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.
Complete Streets is a term used to describe roadway improvements that include facilities for all users of
the road including pedestrians, cyclists, driver, and transit riders. For example, if the Town is reconstructing
a road they should consider adding sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes or shared lanes in addition to the
improvements made for drivers. These incremental additions for other roadway users will start to chip away
at the sidewalk gaps and connectivity issues residents expressed during the Master Plan. The Town should
adopt a Complete Streets Policy which would require roadway designers to consider how accommodations
could be made for all roadway users. With some roadway projects there may not be enough right-of-way to
build sidewalks or add a bike lane, but designers would at least have to consider those accommodations before
determining they are not feasible.
»Continue the practice of working with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and MassDOT to identify and
fund Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements.
»Evaluate the feasibility of increasing crosswalk frequency and visibility on major travel corridors such as Route
114, Mass Ave, Route 125, and Chickering Road.
»Work with FONAT (Friends of North Andover Trails) to evaluate and prioritize off-street trail development,
connections, and trail crossings to and through open spaces and recreation areas.
»Couple sidewalk and crosswalk improvements with pedestrian-scale lighting to increase visibility and safety.
Transportation connectivity was a very important issue threading many elements of the Master Plan. To dive deeper, a
transportation connectivity map was developed to help the Town prioritize future transportation improvements.
North Andover Master Plan96
Transportation
Deep Dive: Transportation Connectivity
The Issue
North Andover grew outward very quickly over a period of twenty to
thirty years which resulted in a sprawling development pattern and
lack of connectivity for any means other than cars. Over time, the Town
constructed new sidewalks capitalized on Safe Routes to School funding
to better connect neighborhoods and schools. The Town, in partnership
with FONAT and other conservation organizations, also developed an
extensive and impressive network of off-street trails and paths primarily
serving recreational purposes. The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit
Authority (MVRTA) runs a commuter bus and a circulator route in town,
but both primarily serve the north and west sections of town and leave
other activity centers without transit service.
Looking forward, the challenge for North Andover is how best to build
up activity centers in town and connect them through a multi-modal
transportation approach. Using a Complete Streets vision, the Town
should consider how best to accommodate all users of the transportation
system as best as possible within the limited right-of-way available. This
may mean looking at a combination of sidewalks, on-street bike facilities,
off-street trails and paths, and transit connections to allow people to
travel from one part of town to another regardless of whether they have
access to a car or not. This also means thinking about transportation
options that support all residents regardless of age and ability. From
school children to seniors, everyone uses transportation in different
ways day to day. Providing those connections can mean access to open
spaces, recreation areas, jobs, daily needs and activities, housing, and
civic centers for those who need it most.
Forming a Connected Community
Feedback from the community placed transportation connectivity near
the top of the desires of North Andover residents. Neighbors want safe
places to walk, be connected to open spaces and activity centers, and
feel secure when their children choose to walk or bike to school.
The transportation connectivity map highlights several locations across
Town where infrastructure investments could be prioritized over the next
ten to fifteen years. This map focuses on walking, biking and transit
connections, as these may be more likely to fall to the wayside in lieu
of more substantial roadway and intersection projects. While traffic
and safety improvements for vehicles is important, we focus here on
walkability, recreation, social connectivity, and health.
The map starts with existing sidewalk, trail, and transit connections
and prioritizes locations where gaps exist. Mapping schools and
activity zones in town alongside existing infrastructure shows where
transportation connections could benefit residents and visitors alike.
Dashed lines and circles highlight specific locations in town where future
investment in transportation infrastructure would enhance connectivity
and link people and place.
North Andover Master Plan98
Transportation
Transportation Goal 2: Reduce vehicular congestion and improve safety along key travel
corridors, at major intersections, and along connecting roadways that provide access to
North Andover’s residential neighborhoods.
»Discourage traffic in residential neighborhoods using context-sensitive roadway design and traffic calming
solutions.
Residents of North Andover expressed deep concern over traffic and safety along neighborhood streets,
particularly as it relates to children walking and biking safely. Slowing cars down along neighborhood streets is
an excellent way to increase safety for other roadway users. The Town could consider adding flashing signage,
shrinking roadway widths, adding speed tables, lowering speed limits, or making slight modifications to the
geometry of roads to force drivers to slow down.
»Work with MassDOT to incorporate welcoming and beautification improvements to the anticipated improvement
project along Route 114.
»Evaluate safety and congestion improvements along key roadway corridors and intersection improvements
to promote safer travel speeds, improve safety at key intersections, and create a safer and more connected
sidewalk network. This should include conducting traffic counts on arterial roadways to ensure data is recent and
relevant.
»Evaluate the potential for including wider shoulders on roadways to improve safety for cyclists where dedicated
bike lanes or multi-use pathways may not be feasible.
Some roadways in North Andover simply are not wide enough to provide dedicated bike facilities like bike lanes
or multi-use pathways. In these cases, the Town could place painted shared lane markers on the roadway and
add share lane signs to warn drivers the travel lanes are to be shared with cyclists. These treatments are best for
lower speed, lower volume roads where sharing the lane with vehicles is safer for cyclists.
»Develop stronger zoning language and incentives to encourage shared access points, curb cut consolidation,
and connected parking across developed parcels.
»Work with MVPC to conduct a transportation corridor study for each of the entry points off I-495 into North
Andover to create a coordinated transportation solution for access into town.
»Pursue a more proactive approach to securing funding every five to seven years for local North Andover
transportation projects through the Merrimack Valley Transportation Improvement Program.
North Andover Master Plan 99
Transportation
Transportation Goal 3: Focus on making Downtown a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly
place with connected sidewalks, safe crossings, public gathering spaces, and a consistent
streetscape.
In addition to changing zoning regulations for Downtown, the Town should also consider infrastructure improvements
that will make the area more walkable, bike-friendly, and visually appealing. The key to an active and vibrant
downtown is creating a place people want to be. A healthy business mix, jobs, and housing are only part of the
equation. Wide sidewalks, safe crossings, lighting, landscaping, and gathering spaces are all components that make a
downtown attractive and inviting. Some improvements the Town may wish to consider for Downtown include:
• Extend high visibility crosswalks to additional intersections and mid-block crossing locations along
Main Street and Water Street.
• Evaluate the possibility of changing on-street parking configurations as a way to increase sidewalk
widths, landscape buffers, or add on-street bike facilities along parts of Main Street.
• Look for opportunities to construct curb bump-outs, particularly for mid-block crossing locations along
Main Street.
• Hire a consultant to evaluate and recommend possible streetscape improvements along Main Street
and Water Street.
• Continue to plan for and implement the undergrounding of utilities in the Downtown area.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of changing zoning along Main Street to vary front setbacks to provide
additional space for wider sidewalks, enhanced landscaping, and pedestrian gathering spaces.
• Use consistent streetscape treatments, sidewalk design, and wayfinding signage to connect
Downtown with the Mill District to encourage walking, gathering, shopping, and dining between both
areas.
• Review pedestrian ramps and building entrances for universal accessibility and prioritize accessibility
improvements.
Transportation Goal 4: Improve public transportation options to provide residents
and employees with choices for how they get around and access opportunities in North
Andover.
»Explore innovative ways to increase transportation services for seniors. This could include:
• Expand the hours of operation for Council on Aging transportation services.
• Explore regional options such as sharing vehicles, drivers, and dispatchers with nearby communities.
• Explore the feasibility of offering ride vouchers to seniors who could use ride sharing services to get
to medical appointments.
»Continue to push for a new MBTA commuter rail station at the Osgood Landing site if and when a redevelopment
proposal is in place that matches the community’s vision and goals for the site.
»Improve MVRTA circulator routes and frequency of those routes as a way to increase ridership.
»Evaluate potential ridership and cost impacts of adding a second (later) departure time for commuter buses to
Boston.
CHAPTER SIX:OPEN SPACE & RECREATION6
North Andover Master Plan102
Open Space & Recreation
Chapter Overview
Purpose
»Describe the Town’s existing inventory of open spaces and recreation assets.
»Discuss the opportunities and challenges of maintaining open space and offering a wide variety of recreation
amenities and programs.
»Recommend ways to preserve and connect passive and active open spaces across North Andover.
»Recommend changes that could lead to increased opportunity for physical activity and a broadening of
recreation programs for residents of all ages.
Connections to Community Planning
Open space and recreation amenities are components of a community that give it character and also serve as places
of social and human connection, as well as improving physical health and wellbeing. In North Andover, residents
have made a firm commitment to preserving open spaces and developing formal and informal trail networks to allow
residents to enjoy these natural spaces. As physical growth and population change continue in North Andover, the
Town will need to identify tools and policies that will help balance the preservation of open spaces with the changing
character of the community. The Town should use the Master Plan and the Open Space Plan as guides for identifying
priority preservation activities and ideas for opening additional recreation opportunities for residents.
6Open Space &
Recreation
KEY FINDINGS:
»North Andover has approximately 1,217
acres of town-owned open space, 661
acres of which are managed by the
Conservation Commission.
»Lake Cochichewick is the Town’s sole
source of drinking water and is a surface
water supply that requires protection. The
Lake adds to the appeal of North Andover
and also provides limited recreational
opportunities. These opportunities must
be carefully balanced with the protective
measures needed to maintain the town’s
water supply, including addressing runoff
and contaminants from neighboring
properties.
»Hiking trails are important aspect of North
Andover’s open space use.
»There are many options available in North
Andover for youth sports, recreation, and
programming.
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Open Space & Recreation
Key Recommendations
1. Create an Open Space and Conservation Committee supported by planning staff
with education/outreach as one responsibility.
2. Consider how the Town can best make use of the Merrimack River’s close proximity
and recreational opportunities by establishing a riverfront trail system, waterfront
parks, and/or public canoe or boat launch areas.
3. Develop a trail rating system that rates level of difficulty, accessibility, availability
of benches, barriers to wheelchair access, and more. There should also be a clear
distinction between walking trails and hiking trails.
4. Develop a conceptual plan for the North Andover Rail Trail that could then be
designed and funded in sections over time.
5. Continue to consider the creation of more athletic fields to support youth sports
including potential for use of private property.
Introduction
In 2016, the Town of North Andover’s Departments of Conservation and Planning prepared an Open Space &
Recreation Plan Update, with assistance from Brown Walker Planners, Inc. and the Merrimack Valley Regional Planning
Commission. This Plan “continues the ongoing efforts by the Town of North Andover to preserve and manage its natural
areas and to provide and maintain accessible parks and recreational areas for the enjoyment of the town’s residents,
workforce and visitors.”
Much of the information presented in this chapter of the Master Plan is excerpted from the 2016 Open Space and
Recreation Plan Update, unless otherwise noted.
The purpose of this chapter is to build on the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan, especially by exploring further
the use and management of open space and recreational lands and the opportunities for additional conservation and
recreational development. This element will also focus on strategies to link planning for open space and recreation to
other elements of the plan, both in terms of how these strategies contribute to growth and economic development and
in how to best manage their impact on town services and finances.
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Open Space & Recreation
Inventory & Existing Conditions
Defining “Open Space”
The term “open space” is sometimes used to refer only to those parcels that are permanently protected, such as town
conservation land or state forests and parks. For the purposes of this plan, “open space” will be used in the broader
sense to include any “undeveloped land with particular conservation or recreation interest,” whether or not it is
protected.1 The vast amount of undeveloped land throughout North Andover is a defining characteristic of the town, and
one that helps to make this community such an attractive place to live.
As referenced in the Open Space & Recreation Plan, protected open spaces are private or public parcels that
are permanently committed to conservation or recreation purposes by legislation, deed restriction or easement.
Unprotected open spaces are areas that are of conservation or recreation interest to the town, but are not permanently
protected as open space. Partially protected open spaces are areas that have a partial or temporary restriction on
development, such as Chapter 61 lands and some municipal parks or ball fields that could be, but are unlikely to be,
developed.2
Open Space Inventory
The Town of North Andover owns open land with various levels of protection. Municipal lands are generally managed
for conservation, recreation, and watershed protection. For the purposes of this section, “conservation” shall refer to
land used for wildlife habitat, resource management activities including forestry, and resource-based recreation such as
hiking.
The following are descriptions of North Andover’s more actively used town-owned open spaces.
The Cyr Recycling and Recreation Center is located in the extreme southern end of town and used by DPW as a
storage and leaf composting facility. Two soccer fields and two baseball fields are located on this property. Portions of
the Bay Circuit Trail traverse through this property, which connects the Boxford and Harold Parker State Forests in North
Andover. The Bay Circuit is a series of trails, totaling approximately 200 miles, which runs through fifty communities from
Ipswich to Duxbury.
James Swamp is a forty-eight-acre parcel with three soccer fields and a basketball court. This property is also heavily
wooded and contains hiking trails that were established 1998. The property also includes the Reynolds Cider Mill and
two outbuildings which were leased to an adjacent property owner prior to the donation of the land to the town in
1971.
Osgood Hill is part of the 153-acre Stevens Estate, which was purchased by the town in October 1995 through a Special
Town Meeting in order to permanently preserve the open space and protect the town’s water supply in the adjacent
Lake Cochichewick. The Stevens Estate is located entirely within the Lake’s watershed and includes both the four
remaining structures of the original Moses T. Stevens Estate as well as an extensive public trail system linking the parcel
to additional public trails and conservation lands. The Stevens Estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
and is managed as part of the town’s Community and Economic Development Division. The Main House is available for
1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Open Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook, page 3. This is the approach favored by the Division of Conservation Services
guidance for open space planning.
2 The Town of North Andover 2016 Open Space & Recreation Plan Update, page 39, 2016.
North Andover Master Plan106
Open Space & Recreation
conferences, weddings, and other special events, while the
other structures remain unused and are in need of extensive
repair and renovation. The parcel is within the Residential-1
Zone and does not have a conservation restriction in
place. The 1995 Town Meeting approval also allowed for
disposition of a portion of the Stevens Estate land and
buildings for potential development.
Patriots Memorial Park, or Memorial Park, is located directly
across from the Stevens Library. This park is dedicated to
the men and women of North Andover who, during the
town’s two hundred and seventy-five years of existence, have
provided patriotic services of either a civic or military nature.
This property was a gift to the town from the Stevens family.
The park was restored to its original Olmsted Park design by
the North Andover Improvement Society in the 1990s and the
society continues to maintain the park today.3
The Town Common was created between 1880 and 1956
as various parcels were acquired and existing structures
removed. The site is a popular picnic spot and walking
area, and is also the setting for various special events and
recreational programs.
For many years the Town Farm/Forest was North Andover’s
largest tract of municipal open space. The town purchased
the original 126 acres from Mr. Samuel Jenkins in 1856 and
used it as the community’s poor farm for approximately 100
years. Pine plantations are also located on this property,
which may have been the work of the Civilian Conservation
Corps in the 1930s. Additional acquisitions expanded the
Town Farm/Forest over time, with the most recent one, the
Leland Parcel, added in 1985. Seekamp Environmental
Consulting completed a Town Farm/Forest management
plan for the North Andover in 2000. Although not originally
purchased for watershed protection purposes, 120 acres of
the Town Farm now serve this vital purpose. The property
is also an important recreational site and is the home of
Gallagher Fields, a baseball and soccer field complex built
in the late 1990s. The Town Forest is also the home of the
North Andover Youth Services (NAYS) Ropes Course. This low
and high challenge course is a community treasure utilized
by over 1,000 youths per year. The town converted a portion
of the parcel on the north side of Dale Street to active
recreation with the construction of an additional soccer field
in 2012.
3 North Andover Improvement Society, http://www.naimprovement.org/history
Table 6.1 Town-Owned Open Space Not Managed
by Conservation Commission
Name Acres
American Legion Beach 1.71
Aplin Playground 1.96
Boxford Street 74.73
Bradstreet School 1.09
Bridle Path 3.51
Candlestick Road – Giallanella 2.02
Carl Thomas Park 4.77
Carter Field Road 12.02
Cricket Lane 9.61
Cyr’s Recycling Center and Recreational Fields 88.3
Dale Street 1.24
Granville Lane 4.47
Great Pond Road 8.03
Greene Street 2.33
Grogan Field 4.01
Ingalls Street 4.62
James Swamp & Reynolds Playground 48.16
Jared III PRD 5.14
Johnny Cake Street 3.23
McEvoy Park 4.28
Olympic Lane 0.89
Osgood Hill 150.29
Patriots Memorial Park 2.69
Pine Ridge Road 1.65
Pleasant St – Dam and Lakefront 3.04
Salem Forest V PRD 27.49
Settler’s Ridge PRD 5.52
Seven Oaks – Sugarcane Lane PRD 18.42
Town Common 8.61
Winter Street 2.09
Wintergreen Drive 3.32
Youth Center/Drummond Playground 6.64
Total 555.55
Note: The B&M Playground property is not listed in this table
because it is not owned by the Town. It is a former railway line
where portions are owned by the MBTA and National Grid.
Source: North Andover Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2016
North Andover Master Plan 107
Open Space & Recreation
The Mazurenko Farm Conservation Area was purchased from the
Mazurenko Family in December 1988. This parcel was classified under
Chapter 61A as agricultural farmland. When the landowner attempted
to develop the parcel, the Town exercised its option to purchase with
the assistance of a one million-dollar grant from the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The Mazurenko farmhouse was destroyed by fire in 1986
and previously occupied the location of the existing parking lot. The
primary purpose of this acquisition was water supply protection, as the
entire 104-acre site lies within the Lake Cochichewick Watershed, and
the extreme stress on the water supply caused by development in the
watershed was the driving force behind the purchase. Other pertinent
reasons for the acquisition include the preservation of agricultural lands
and wetlands, wildlife habitat, and natural and recreational resources.
The North Andover Conservation Commission manages the Mazurenko
Farm Conservation Area under a comprehensive management plan
completed in March of 1991.
Rea’s Pond is located off Great Pond Road / Route 133 and is adjacent
to Mazurenko Farm. This was the first piece of conservation land
purchased by the Town in 1975. The fifteen-acre site includes a pond that
provides prime habitat and solitude for the great blue heron and is also
a popular fishing spot.
The town has taken control of portions of the Shawsheen River
floodplain in lieu of taxes as they serve a valuable flood control function
and protect important wildlife habitats. Additional land donations
received as part of a subdivision approval have expanded this
conservation area and a trail system has been created along the river.
The town also owns two small parcels along the Merrimack River. One
acre on Riverview Street is the site of a proposed boat ramp. Plans for the construction of the boat ramp have now
been put aside due to lack of public support. The other site includes a public well located on an eight-acre parcel next
to the river. However, this site is not in use as the water would require treatment to be of potable quality. This well may
be used in the future if needed.
Foster Farm (which includes Bruin Hill) was purchased in 1998 through an action of Town Meeting. The 92.72 acres of
vacant farmland and woods was purchased from the estate of Earl L. Foster under the provisions of Chapter 61A. The
property is comprised of three parcels designated as the following:
»Parcel A are under the control of the School Committee as a site for a future elementary school.
»Parcel B & C are managed by the Conservation Commission for agricultural preservation and recreation.
Half-Mile Hill and Summit are located off Osgood Street behind Edgewood Farm, between Osgood Hill and Weir Hill.
Combined, the parcels consist of approximately eighty acres and include 880-feet of frontage along Lake Cochichewick.
The acquisition of Half-Mile Hill was funded in 2002 with assistance from The Trust for Public Lands, a $250,000 State
Self-Help Open Space Grant, and Community Preservation Act Funds. In 2004, the town purchased the Half-Mile Hill
Summit, and in 2006, the town purchased the adjoining Sunny Ridge property. Similar to the acquisition of Half-Mile Hill,
The Trust for Public Land and Community Preservation Act Funds assisted the town with this process. In 2012, the town
expanded the site with the purchase of the Ousler parcel fronting on Osgood Street, in the process connecting Half Mile
Table 6.2 Town of North Andover Open
Spaces Managed by the Conservation
Commission
Name Acres
Brookview Estates PRD 32.36
Carter Hill 30.22
Foster Farm and Bruin Hill 57.85
Foster Street 15.46
Foxwood PRD 31.39
Gray Street 3.13
Half Mile Hill 19.45
Lost Pong PRD 7.17
Mazurenko Farm 104.7
North Andover Estates PRD 22.43
North Andover Heights PRD 9.82
Pinewood PRD 14.45
Rea Street – Rear 1.29
Rea’s Pond Conservation Area 13
Riverview Street 1.05
Stevens Street 1.03
Town Farm/Forest 175.47
Windrush Farm 120.95
Total 661.22
Source: North Andover Open Space and
Recreation Plan, 2016
North Andover Master Plan108
Open Space & Recreation
Hill with Osgood Hill. The Half Mile Hill parcels are retained for watershed, agricultural and conservation preservation,
and for open space and trail connection. In addition to being under the care and custody of the Conservation
Commission, The Trustees of Reservations and Essex County Greenbelt hold Conservation Restrictions on the Half-
Mile Hill and Summit parcels to assure that the premises will be retained in perpetuity in its natural, scenic, and open
condition.
The twenty-seven-acre Carter Hill was purchased in 2001 with the assistance of The Trust for Public Lands and a
$250,000 State Self-Help (now LAND) Open Space Grant. Carter Hill is located off Bradford Street and is bounded by
Barkers Farm, Mazurenko Farm Conservation Area, and open space required under Planned Residential Developments
(PRD) at Hickory Hill and Settler’s Ridge. While the primary purpose for acquiring this land was to preserve one of the
last undeveloped drumlin/farmland vistas in North Andover, other benefits include watershed protection, proximity to
other open space parcels for trail connection, unique aesthetics/historical value, and highly valued wetland/wildlife
habitat.
The approximately 140 acre Windrush Farm, located off Lacy Street adjacent to Boxford State Forest, was acquired
using a combination of Community Preservation Act Funds, assistance from the Trust for Public Lands, and a State
Self-Help (now LAND) Open Space grant in 2009. The property was formerly part of an active therapeutic equestrian
center and working horse farm of the same name and is a mix of upland and wetland forested areas with an extensive
trail network that is still utilized by the adjacent farm for therapeutic riding programs. The parcel is entirely within the
Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program’s BioMap Core Habitat and Estimated and Priority
Habitat for Rare Species. The site is in the care and custody of the North Andover Conservation Commission and the
Essex County Greenbelt Association holds a Conservation Restriction.
Conservation Leadership
»Conservation Commission - The Conservation Commission administers the Wetlands Protection Act and the
Town of North Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations. It examines potential impacts any proposed
activity may have on identified wetland resource areas.
»Friends of North Andover Trails (FONAT) - FONAT is a not-for-profit, community-based organization dedicated
to preserving and supporting North Andover’s public trail system. FONAT members volunteer their time to
maintain and promote existing trail systems, identify new potential trails, and raise awareness of the options and
opportunities for hiking and walking trails within the community.
»The Trustees of Reservation (TTOR) – TTOR preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional
scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. They manage over 25,000 acres of land around the
Commonwealth.
»Greenbelt - Also known as the Essex County Land Trust, Greenbelt’s mission is to preserve farmland, wildlife
habitats, and scenic landscapes. The organization focuses on land conservation, land stewardship, and
community engagement and is currently responsible for almost 17,000 acres of land in Essex County.4
Unprotected Land of Conservation Interest
Many unprotected lands in North Andover are important contributors to both the town’s character and the preservation
of its natural resources. The town continues to consider options for acquiring or otherwise protecting open space
parcels based on resource protections needs and recreational opportunities. The Open Space Advisory Committee’s
1995 recommendations of appropriate criteria, with some modifications, are still valid and propose that the following
criteria be used in evaluating land for future conservation or acquisition purposes:
4 Greenbelt Essex County’s Land Trust, http://www.ecga.org/
North Andover Master Plan 109
Open Space & Recreation
»Land adjacent to a Lake Cochichewick tributary
»Land within the boundaries of the Lake Cochichewick Watershed District
»Land abutting existing/protected open space
»Farmlands
»Land with development risks (i.e. private ownership chapter 61, 61A, and 61B, or Agricultural Preservation (APR)
status, town property)
»Unique aesthetics, historic value, and/or community character
»Feasibility of a trail network & adjacent network(s)
»Unique wildlife, wetlands, river corridors, and/or riparian habitat values as depicted on the North Andover
BioMap and Living Waters Map produced by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)
Recreation Facilities and Programs
Inventory of Recreation Facilities
The majority of North Andover’s public recreation facilities are under the ownership and management of its various
departments. The following inventory is listed in alphabetical order and the acreage devoted to recreation is estimated
for each facility. The total estimated acreage of the nineteen recreation facilities is approximately 244 acres. These
facilities include twenty-one soccer fields/multipurpose fields, sixteen basketball courts, thirteen baseball fields, twelve
playgrounds, eight softball fields, six tennis courts, two football fields, two skateboarding areas, two track fields, one
volleyball court, one ropes course, and one swimming facility.
»American Legion Beach / Stevens Pond (North Andover Youth and Recreation Services) - Located at 522
Pleasant Street, American Legion Beach, also known as Stevens Pond, is a public beach open for nine weeks in
the summer to North Andover residents with season or day passes. It opens every day from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.,
with certified lifeguards on duty at all times. The pond offers swimming lessons and special events and activities
for families, as well as a playground, and is managed by Youth & Recreation Services.
»Aplin Playground - Located at 18 Clarendon Street, Aplin Playground consists of 1.8 acres of recreation space
including a baseball field, basketball court, skateboarding area, and playground. The playground is managed
by both the Recreation Department and the Department of Public Works.
»North Andover Recreation Complex - Located between Atkinson Elementary at 111 Phillips Brooks Road and
the North Andover Middle School at 495 Main Street, the fields complex covers over 27 acres and includes two
soccer/multipurpose fields, a baseball field, two softball fields, and a football field with a surrounding track.
Town Meeting recently approved six million dollars of CPC funding for this project.
»Carl Thomas Playground - Located at Dana Street and Marblehead Street, this 5.23-acre property includes three
baseball fields, a basketball court, and a playground, and is managed by both the Recreation Department and
Department of Public Works. The playground also has a concession stand, bleachers, and picnic tables.
»Carter Farm Soccer Fields - Located at 176 Carter Field Road, these three soccer fields spread across
approximately five acres. Although constructed as part of a residential subdivision, they are available for use by
the general public.
»Chadwick Fields / McEvoy Field - Located between Chadwick Street and Sutton Street, this location
encompasses three acres and includes three softball fields and a playground that are managed by both the
Recreation Department and Department of Public Works. This site also includes a snack shack, restroom facilities
and basketball hoops.
North Andover Master Plan110
Open Space & Recreation
»Cyr Recycling and Recreational Center - Located at the southern end of town, this eighty-eight-acre recreation
facility has two soccer fields/multipurpose fields and two baseball fields. As previously noted, portions of the
site are also used by the Department of Public Works as a storage and leaf compositing facility. The Bay Circuit
Trail, a trail system that crosses through fifty communities from Ipswich to Duxbury, also traverses this property to
connect the Boxford and Harold Parker State Forests in North Andover.
»Drummond Playground - Located at Milk Street. and Johnson Street, this park encompasses five acres and
includes a softball field, basketball court, and playground.
»Foster Farm Soccer Fields - Located at 150 Boxford Street, this ten-acre site includes two soccer fields/
multipurpose fields.
»Franklin School - Located at 2 Cypress Terrace, Franklin Elementary School encompasses 8.8 acres and contains
two baseball fields and a playground.
»Gallagher Field - Located on Dale Street, the athletic fields span three acres and include a soccer field/
multipurpose field and a baseball field.
»Grogan’s Field – The 4.7-acre property located at Baldwin Street and Gilbert has a baseball field, basketball
court, and playground. The property also houses a storage hut for the football team.
»J.N. Herman Youth Center - Located on Johnson Street, the youth center opened in 2000 on a three-acre site
which includes a basketball court and skateboarding area.
»Kittredge School - This elementary school located at 601 Main Street has 6.5 acres of open space that includes
a softball field, basketball court, and playground.
»Lake Cochichewick - Limited recreational use, including boating (by permit) and fishing, is allowed under new
lake usage and boating guidelines updated by the Board of Selectmen in September 2016. Public boat racks will
be available beginning in 2o17.
»North Andover High School - North Andover’s High School is located on a 44.5-acre parcel with two soccer
fields/multipurpose fields, a baseball field, a softball field, a football field, a basketball court, six tennis courts, a
volleyball court, and a track.
»Reynolds Field - Located near the intersection of Rea Street and Johnson Street, this park spans six acres and
contains three soccer/multipurpose fields, a basketball court, and a playground.
»Sargent Elementary School - Located at 300 Abbott Street, the school has a one-acre recreation area
that includes a soccer/
multipurpose field, a
basketball court, and a
playground
»Thomson School – The three-
acre site is located at 266
Waverly Road and includes a
playground and softball field.
»Town Farm/Forest – The
North Andover Youth Services
(NAYS) Ropes Course is
located within the Town
Forest. The course includes
both low and high challenge
areas and is utilized by over
1,000 youths each year.North Andover High School Track
North Andover Master Plan 111
Open Space & Recreation
Inventory of Recreation Programs
Hiking Trails
North Andover has many miles of scenic hiking
trails located on numerous public and private
properties. These and many other local trails
in North Andover are available year-round for
hiking, picnicking, nature walks, bird watching,
and in the winter, cross-country skiing, and
snowshoeing. A limited number of trails are
also used for horses.
In the past, some trails on town-owned
properties were developed and maintained
by the North Andover Trails Committee (NATC).
Since 2007, the town has been assisted in its
trail development and maintenance efforts by
the Friends of North Andover Trails (FONAT),
a not-for-profit, community-based organization
dedicated to preserving and supporting North
Andover’s public trail system. Working under
a five-year agreement with NATC, FONAT
members volunteer their time to:
»Maintain the town’s many miles of trails
by running monthly trail workdays.
»Promote and raise awareness of
North Andover’s trails and protected
open space via maps, trail guides
and community event listings, as well
as guided walks and participation in
community events.
»Identify new trail opportunities and
community projects.
In 2014, FONAT received a grant to design
and install kiosk signage at ten sites. The
kiosks identify the sites, trails, and use
guidelines and allow for posting of additional
information as well. In 2015, FONAT published
“A Guide to North Andover Trails” which is
available for purchase through their website,
the Conservation Department and at various
locations throughout town.
Table 6.3 identifies the sites of existing trail
systems in North Andover, as well as the key
sites proposed for additional trails in the future.
Table 6.3 Town of North Andover Developed Public Recreation
Trails
Property Ownership Number of Trails
Bay Circuit Trail Private, Town, and State
Owned 1
Boxford State Forest Department of Conservation
and Recreation 10+
Boston Hill Brightview North Andover 1
Bruin Hill*North Andover 1
Carter Hill North Andover 2
Essex County
Railroad**
North Andover, National Grid,
and others NA
Farnsworth
Reservation
Essex County Greenbelt
Association 1
Foster Farm North Andover 2
Foster Farm (Parcel
C)**North Andover NA
Half Mile Hill and
Summit*North Andover 2
Harold Parker State
Forest
Department of Conservation
and Recreation 10+
James Swamp North Andover 4
Mazurenko Farm North Andover 5
Merrimack River Trail North Andover NA
Molly Town Department of Conservation
and Recreation 1
Molly Town PRD/
Harold Parker State
Forest**
Commonwealth of
Massachusetts NA
Rea’s Pond North Andover 4
Shawsheen River North Andover 2
Sevens-Coolidge
Place, Weir Hill**Trustees of Reservations NA
Town Farm North Andover 1
Town Forest North Andover 1
Ward Reservation Trustees of Reservation 5+
Weir Hill Trustees of Reservation 8+
Windrush Farm North Andover
4+ with other
trails to be
developed
*Trails to be developed
**Planned and Potential Future Public Recreation Trails in 2016
Source: North Andover Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2016
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Open Space & Recreation
The first trail listed, the Bay Circuit Trail, is a permanent trail connecting thirty-seven communities in Massachusetts. It
enters North Andover through Harold Parker State Forest and runs along the southern border of the town to Boxford
State Forest, where it joins other trails there to continue east. Many of the other trails listed here include connections
between parcels to provide improved access to scenic locations.
Athletic Programs
North Andover has a wide variety of community athletic programs run both by the town and local non-profit
organizations. These programs include the following:
»North Andover Soccer Association - The North Andover Soccer Association is a nonprofit dedicated to providing
a safe, healthy forum for kids to play recreational soccer. It is a volunteer run organization offering soccer
programs for kids from four years old through their teenage years.
»Little League Baseball - North Andover’s Little League has Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions, offering programs
for players of all ages and abilities.
»North Andover Booster Club - The North Andover Booster Club includes basketball, football, cheerleading,
wrestling, volleyball, softball, and field hockey.
»North Andover Youth Hockey - The North Andover Youth Hockey League offers hockey teams for boys and girls
of varied ages. Players are evaluated by the Board of Directors and placed on teams each year.
»North Andover Lacrosse Association - The North Andover Lacrosse Association offers youth lacrosse programs
for boys and girls of all ages, placing players on teams of like ability.
»North Andover Youth Track and Field –North Andover Public Schools’ Community Programs include a spring and
fall track and field program for fourth through eighth graders who are interested in trying out sprinting, distance
running, throwing, and jumping events.
»Middle School Cross Country Program – A co-ed program for students in 6th through 8th graders interested in
competitive running which generally runs from September through November.
»Everyone’s a Player - A 501(c)3 non-profit, this organization offers assistance to underprivileged youth in the
Merrimack Valley to enable them to participate in organized sporting programs.
»Andover/North Andover YMCA - Programs included at the Andover/North Andover branch of the Merrimack
Valley YMCA include swimming, synchronized swimming, youth basketball league, dance, gymnastics, and other
youth exercise classes and programs.
»Figure Skating Club - The North Andover Figure Skating Club is a non-profit organization located at Brooks
School, offering instruction to many ice skating levels for youth.
»Excel Ski and Snowboard Program - North Andover Public Schools’ Community Programs holds a six-week
winter program providing skiing and snowboarding lessons for third-fifth graders and sixth-eighth graders at the
Bradford Skiing Area.
»Summer Sports Clinics and Leagues - North Andover Public Schools’ Community Programs provides summer
clinics in basketball and other sports for youths during the summer months.
North Andover Master Plan 113
Open Space & Recreation
Parks, Recreation, and Community Programs
North Andover has a wide variety of park and recreational areas serving both the active and passive recreation needs
of the community, as well as community education programs. These programs include the following:
»North Andover Youth and Recreation Services - A non-profit organization that provides North Andover’s young
residents with adventure programs, support services, social/recreational programs, court-related services, and
student run programs.
»North Andover CAM - North Andover Community Access & Media, Inc. provides local community access television
by and for the residents of the town.
»Boy Scouts – North Andover is part of the new Spirit of Adventure Boy Scouts Council created in 2015 with the
merger of the former Yankee Clipper and Boston Minuteman councils. The new council serves nearly 13,000
youths in seventy-six communities and runs six year round camps in its region.
»Girl Scouts - The Girl Scouts of Spar and Spindle Council serves young girls across the North Andover area.
»North Andover Foundation for Education - The purpose of NAFE is to provide North Andover’s public schools with
the resources necessary to enhance curriculum, programs, and services beyond those that are supported in the
annual budget.
»North Andover Schools Enrichment Council – The NASEC is a non-profit volunteer organization that raises money
for in-school cultural and educational programs in the Sciences and Humanities at North Andover’s elementary
and middle schools.
Entrance to Harold Parker State Forest
North Andover Master Plan114
Open Space & Recreation
Planning Issues
Continue Efforts to Expand Recreation Opportunities
at Water Resources
Protecting the town’s water supply while also allowing recreational use of Lake Cochichewick is a common theme both
in the town’s existing plans and resource documents as well as in community discussions. Lake Cochichewick is one of
the town’s premier natural resources and the beach at the adjacent Stevens Pond is a well-used community resource.
The Lake is also the town’s only water source, however, and a careful balance is necessary to meet the needs of both
water protection concerns and any new or expanded recreational activities in the watershed area.
Furthering Conservation Efforts within Lake
Cochichewick Watershed and Other Important
Community Resource Areas
North Andover has worked hard to preserve the surviving open space in the Lake’s watershed as well as prime open
space and natural resource areas elsewhere in the community. The level of development in the town, however, will
inevitably place more pressure on North Andover’s remaining undeveloped and unprotected resources. Many of these
open spaces are significant landscapes which add to the character of the community. Once lost, these resources can
never be replaced. It is important that the town continue its efforts to protect these landscapes by using all the tools at
its disposal, including CPA funding, easements and conservation restrictions, and partnerships with local and regional
non-profits. The recommendation of forming a committee to look more closely at issues impacting the Lake has been
referenced in prior Master Plans, but not acted upon thus far.
Promote Awareness of the Community’s Open Space
Resources and Trails
North Andover has an extensive network of hiking trails, many of which are not well known by the community in general.
While some of North Andover’s trails are maintained by the Essex County Greenbelt and the Trustees of Reservations,
including Weir Hill, Ward Reservation, and the Stevens-Coolidge Place, others are on public land and rely on volunteers
and organizations such as FONAT to promote and preserve them. FONAT has developed a detailed and well-illustrated
guide to the community’s trail systems and open space resources. Promoting and encouraging the enjoyment of these
open space and recreational resources can build community commitment for their further preservation.
North Andover Master Plan 115
Open Space & Recreation
Goals and Recommendations
Open Space and Recreation Goal 1: Promote awareness of North Andover’s open space
resources, from its farm lands to its conservation areas and trails, to encourage the
continued preservation of the community’s natural landscape.
»Work closely with FONAT to design and install a wayfinding system for North Andover’s publicly-accessible
conservation areas. Develop online itineraries, maps, and suggested routes that promote interactions with nature.
»Create an Open Space and Conservation Committee supported by planning staff with education/outreach
as one responsibility. Include membership seats for FONAT and representation from other organizations, as
appropriate.
When Massachusetts enabled the local establishment of conservation commissions in 1957 through the
Conservation Commission Act (MGL c.40 s.8C), conservation commissions were designated as the official local
entity charged with the protection of a municipality’s natural resources. Prior to this act, a municipality could
acquire lands for active recreational development but not for natural resource conservation purposes. With
enactment of the 1957 law, acquiring and protecting land for conservation purposes became a valid municipal
purpose and this was the primary purpose of local conservation commissions. However, in 1972 with the
enactment of the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c.131 s.40), conservation commissions were given the duty of
processing wetlands permit applications. This task became all-consuming for many conservation commissions
– a board of volunteers - and they were less able to focus on their original mandate to acquire and protect lands
for conservation. In response, many municipalities have created open space committees that are responsible
for identifying land to protect through municipal acquisition, conservation restrictions, or other open space
conservation methods. Open space committees are specifically formed for this task and related tasks such
as creating and maintaining a current Open Space and Recreation Plan, natural resource management, trail
upkeep, conservation restriction monitoring, and other related activities. Open space committees often have
one or more members appointed by the conservation commission and other members appointed by the
Board of Selectmen. (Source: Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC), http://www.
maccweb.org/page/AboutConCommMA, accessed 4/30/18)
Open Space and recreation Goal 2: Expand recreational opportunities in the Town’s
waterfront areas, from its many ponds and Lake Cochichewick to its underutilized
riverfront access, as appropriate and without impeding the protection of water quality and
habitat.
»Investigate establishing public recreational access to the Merrimack River via the Shawsheen River trail and boat
ramp.
»Consider how the Town can best make use of the Merrimack River’s close proximity and recreational
opportunities by establishing a riverfront trail system, waterfront parks, and/or public canoe or boat launch
areas.
»Assess feasibility of Stevens Pond as a year-round recreational area with ice skating, along with kayak,
paddleboard, and sailing lessons and rentals.
North Andover Master Plan116
Open Space & Recreation
»Investigate, through a lake or watershed oversight committee (in conjunction with land use and drinking water
functions), what level of recreational activity can be allowed on Lake Cochichewick without adversely harming the
water supply and consider how to provide public recreational opportunities on and around the Lake within those
limitations.
Open Space and Recreation Goal 3: Promote and create interconnectedness of open space
by advancing a network of trails and sidewalks that provide access to a wide range of
recreation and natural amenities throughout North Andover.
»Identify locations and create handicap accessible walking paths in natural areas and create management plans
for each conservation area that address access for persons with disabilities.
»Develop a trail rating system that rates level of difficulty, accessibility, availability of benches, barriers to
wheelchair access, and more. There should also be a clear distinction between walking trails and hiking trails.
»Develop a conceptual plan for the North Andover Rail Trail that could then be designed and funded in sections
over time.
»Continue to support the work of the Friends of North Andover Trails, Essex County Greenbelt, Bay Circuit Alliance,
Trustees of Reservation, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, and others create trail connections throughout
North Andover and connecting to neighboring communities. Priorities should include:
• Leonhard Farm connection through to Anderson Drive in Boxford
• Windrush Farm
• Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill to Lake Cochichewick5
Open Space and Recreation Goal 4: Develop athletic and outdoor facilities and programs
that address the needs and interests of North Andover residents of all ages from pre-
school and toddler programs to youth sports to senior classes and activities.
»Continue to consider the creation of more athletic fields to support youth sports including potential for use of
private property.
»Consider options to expand space available for youth services programs either at the youth center site or off site
in shared facilities.
»Organize more community-wide events in the Downtown area and other central locations (e.g. Town Common).
5 Funded May 2017 through a CPA grant to add boardwalks and signage.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
HISTORIC, CULTURAL, &
NATURAL RESOURCES7
North Andover Master Plan118
Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources7Historic, Cultural,
and Natural
Resources
KEY FINDINGS:
»North Andover’s development history
is shaped, by its natural resources and
prominent landscape features – hills and
farmland.
»North Andover has 53 heritage landscapes
and 8 priority heritage landscapes.
»North Andover has 16 Wetland core
habitats, or important intact wetlands
habitats necessary to promote the
long-term persistence of Species of
Conservation Concern,
»North Andover has the third largest
forest core habitat in the region, an area
spanning 2,352 acres that identifies the
best examples of large, intact forests,
are least impacted by roads and
development, and provide a critical
habitat for numerous woodland species.
»At 564 acres, Lake Cochichewick is the
largest lake in Essex County and the
town’s sole source of drinking water and
require
»The Massachusetts Historic Properties
Inventory includes 409 properties from
North Andover, ranging in age from 1662
to 2005.
»354 of the sites listed in the MHC Inventory
are further listed on the State Register of
Historic Places.
»North Andover has three Historic Districts
and twelve individual properties listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
Chapter Overview
Purpose
»Describe the Town’s existing inventory of historic and
cultural assets.
»Describe the important characteristics of the Town’s
natural environment and resources.
»Identify policies and strategies to preserve historic structures and cultural resources and bolster local capacity to
work toward these strategies.
»Identify policies and strategies for preserving and enhancing the Town’s natural features and ensuring best
practices in environmental protection are implemented.
North Andover Master Plan 119
Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Connections to Community Planning
The history and culture of North Andover is coveted and valued by its residents. This is evidenced by the fact that the
Town has worked to preserve historical structures and neighborhoods, and has taken steps to secure and display
historic artifacts that were under threat of disappearing. Places like Old Town Center and Machine Shop Village harken
back to the unique development and industrial history of North Andover. Natural resources are also extremely important
to residents. Not only is Lake Cochichewick the source of drinking water, it’s also a natural amenity to be viewed and
used by all. Going forward, the Town should continue to work to preserve historic, cultural, and natural resources by
instituting policy changes and development regulations that protect the features that make North Andover special.
Key Recommendations
1. Acquire or otherwise protect priority open space parcels from development as
identified through the most current Open Space and Recreation Plan.
2. Create a local Historic Preservation Master Plan to identify resources for stronger
protection of historic resources, improvements to strengthen effectiveness of
existing historic and neighborhood conservation districts, and protection of historic
town records.
3. Partner with Trustees of Reservation and the Historical Society to expand the
visibility of North Andover’s publicly-accessible historic resources by coordinating
events, holding joint house and facilities tours, and collaborating on joint programs
and volunteer activities.
4. Use the community’s historic spaces and resources as venues for community events
and arts programs.
5. Establish a clear set of policies and procedures for communicating regularly with
property owners enrolled in the state’s three current-use Chapter 61 programs to
enhance the possibility of permanent conservation solutions.
Introduction
Visual clues to the history of North Andover can be found throughout the community, illustrating its development from
an early Colonial agricultural community to the residential suburb it is today. North Andover’s history lies not just in its
historic structures and homes, but also in the natural resources, landscapes, farms, and wilderness areas which define
and give character to the town. North Andover’s development pattern and its interaction with the natural environment
is central to its story. Until well into the twentieth century, North Andover’s residential, commercial, and industrial
centers focused almost exclusively on the water resources of North Andover’s northern half. Farms dotted the rolling,
open landscape of the south, but much of the terrain remained undeveloped woods and wetlands until the post WWII
housing boom of the mid- and late-twentieth century. This distinctive development pattern of tightly packed buildings in
the north and low density, wide open spaces in the south remains visible today, and is characterized in the local name
for southern North Andover of Out Country.
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Preservation of these historic and natural resources, both built and natural, is a longstanding focus of North Andover’s
planning efforts. Home to both a well-established historic district and one of the first neighborhood conservation
districts in the state, North Andover has a track record of finding creative solutions to its preservation goals which also
meet the needs of the community. In the same manner, the town’s abundance of trail systems, public lands and water
resources have long been cherished and protected by the community. The town has a supportive network of non-profit
organizations which assists in preserving both its historic and natural assets, as well as strong community sentiment
for saving and reusing its existing resources. This community focus has led to a wide variety of preservation and
conservation successes, from finding creative new uses for its industrial buildings to adopting new legislation to protect
its natural resources to supporting the efforts of local farms to evolve with the times.
Despite the success of these programs, North Andover also faces the development pressures seen throughout the
region and continues to look for new solutions to protect their natural and historic resources. Building new and stronger
preservation programs to address these dangers and ensuring that supporting the informed and engaged community
behind them are critical elements to securing North Andover’s historic and natural resources for the future.
Inventory & Existing Conditions
Historic Resources
North Andover’s historic resources encompass the full history of the community from its start as an early inland
settlement with an agricultural base to its nineteenth century identity as a thriving industrial center. These resources
illustrate four centuries in the development of the community and include residential homes, mill buildings, outbuildings,
bridges, roadways, stone walls, cemeteries, landscapes, structures, and archaeological artifacts. Most of these historic
resources are in the northern half of the community, where the Town Common, commercial downtown area, and
earliest farms are found. The vast portion of Out Country stayed largely undeveloped well into the twentieth century.
Today, however, those farm and forest lands include winding subdivisions of single-family homes and more recent
condominium developments.
North Andover saw a sharp rise in development in the mid-twentieth century as families moved away from city centers
in search of the American Dream. Although the influx in residential development caused the loss of many acres of
farmland and changed the character of much of North Andover, the community’s core sites and neighborhoods were
preserved through a combination of private initiatives and public efforts in which the town partnered with a variety of
local, regional, and statewide organizations to achieve its preservation goals.
Historic preservation is a common element in North Andover planning initiatives. In 1986, the town established
the Old Center Historic District Bylaw, adopting its first and only local historic district. The town’s prior master plan
studies and open space and recreation plans recognized the importance of its historic assets and identified general
recommendations and goals relating to their preservation. The North Andover Historical Society, founded in 1913,
actively works to support the history and preservation of the community, and published its most recent of several
histories of the community, A Good In-Land Town by Stephen J. Roper, in 2001. More recent planning efforts include the
town’s participation in the Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program in 2005, which developed the North
Andover Reconnaissance Report for the Essex County Landscape Inventory, and the Machine Shop Village Masterplan,
which proposed measures to preserve, promote, and enhance the area’s historic resources. A study report and
guidelines for the creation of a Neighborhood Conservation District in Machine Shop Village followed in 2006.
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Historic Community Centers
North Andover’s first residents were Ipswich and Newbury farmers who settled the Old Center area in 1643, spreading
north along the Cochichewick and Merrimack Rivers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and to the west and
south of the commercial centers in the twentieth century.1 Each era of North Andover’s development centered on a
different area of the town, creating four distinct historic areas – Old Town Center, Downtown, Machine Shop Village,
and Tavern Acres. Today, each community center presents a unique set of resources, opportunities, and challenges.2
Until their division in 1855, the center of the Andovers was located in the current Old Town Center. The site of the town’s
first meeting house in 1645 and earliest community center, it is now at the center of North Andover’s only historic district.
The Old Center Historic District is a Chapter 40C local historic district established in 1986 to preserve and protect
the former town center. It is overseen by the Old Center Historic District Commission, which reviews and approves all
exterior changes to the District’s seventy-five buildings.
Old Town Center is home to several First Period (pre-1725) houses as well as the fifth meeting house, the North Parish
of North Andover, built in 1836.3 The distinctive gothic revival church stands at the southwestern corner of the Town
Common at the center of the historic settlement area. Interestingly, the large triangular commons by which the area
is now known is not original to the neighborhood. For centuries, North Andover’s town common was little more than
a narrow strip of land running along Andover Street from the Meeting House to the Hay Scale building. The current
Common was constructed by the North Andover Improvement Society in the 1920s 4 and required the reconfiguration
of the area. Buildings were removed and historic structures relocated to accommodate the new open space and
landscaping. The public space is now ringed by Federal and Greek Revival structures from the Old Town Center’s
eighteenth and nineteenth century development, the former textile museum and history museum buildings of the North
Andover Historical Society, and a small nineteenth century commercial district comprised of the historic Brick Store
(1829) and the old Hay Scale Exchange (1890).
The Trustees of Reservations’ Stevens-Coolidge
Place is located to the west of the common and
the Kittredge Estate and Old Burying Grounds
stand amongst the town’s earliest homes
and estates to the north of the Common on
Academy Road.
North Andover’s Machine Shop Village
developed along the Cochichewick Brook to the
north of the Town Common in the nineteenth
century.5 Beginning in 1802 with the construction
of the first of North Andover’s three woolen
mills, the area grew into the industrial heart of
the community. Soon after, the mills switched to
producing the machinery for textile production,
and by the 1830s the Davis and Furber
company was operating in the area as the
largest manufacturer of textile machinery in the
1 North Andover Reconnaissance Report, Massachusetts Landscape Inventory Program. Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation, 2005.
2 Unless otherwise noted, historic information in this section was gathered from the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s MACRIS database for North Andover and
from notes from the Core Assessment meeting on Historic and Cultural Resources held on July 31, 2017.
3 History of North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, http://www.northparish.org/learn/
4 A History of the North Andover Improvement Society, http://www.naimprovement.org/history
5 Machine Shop Village Neighborhood Conservation District Study Report, 2006
Machine Shop Village Neighborhood
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country. Residential neighborhoods sprung up to accommodate the mill’s many workers, including the “Yellow Row” of
eight double cottages on Water Street built in the 1830s. Primarily multifamily in nature, the housing in this area included
a variety of styles such as one and a half story Federal duplexes, two story double houses, and six unit tenements.
More elaborate Greek Revival homes appeared beginning in the 1830s to house the mill owners, evolving into more
elaborate Second Empire and Stick Style homes as the century wore on. The textile industry boomed during the Civil
War, ushering in a golden period of industry in North Andover which lasted through the 1880s. It was during this period
that the true center of the community shifted from the Old Town Center north to the Machine Shop Village. By the 1870s
the new village had a school union hall, an engine house, and three churches, as well as a growing commercial area
located along Water Street between Main Street and Elm Street.
More public buildings and institutions followed in the later years of the nineteenth century, but few of these buildings
survive today. The mills began their slow decline during the Great Depression of the 1930s and the last operating mill,
the Stevens Mill, closed in 1970 and was later demolished. The Machine Shop Village area went into a steady decline,
its Davis and Furber mill and many residential structures saved only by a lack of development interest in the area. In
recent years, the area has made a dramatic turn beginning with the redevelopment of the former mills into an office
and commercial complex. In 2006, the town established the Machine Shop Village Neighborhood Conservation District
to protect the area from significant change and demolition.
North Andover’s Downtown area lacks the clear development history and image of the other two community centers,
but is undoubtedly the modern commercial hub of the community. Today the area includes a mix of nineteenth and
twentieth century development – late nineteenth century Victorian style wood frame commercial structures, former
homes converted into residential use, and mid and late twentieth century commercial infill development. At the heart of
the Downtown area is the Town Hall and former Fire Station, now redeveloped into a single structure. The two structures
share the same materials and design but were built at different times – the fire station having been constructed in 1907
followed by the Town hall in 1925. The overall complex was designed to create a unified focal point for the downtown
area and provided the first civic space in the commercial core. The structures continue to serve the same purpose
today, although the styles and uses of the surrounding structures have changed.
North Andover’s fourth community center, Tavern Acres Historic District, is a twentieth century planned subdivision
located off Main Street between the Downtown and Old Center areas. Developed in the 1920s, Tavern Acres contains
twenty Colonial Revival, Dutch Revival and Arts and Crafts style homes designed and situated to provide views into
the adjacent Olmstead Brothers designed Memorial Park located at the southern end of the neighborhood. The first
neighborhood to plan for automobiles, Tavern Acres homes were designed with garages and marketed to those mill
executives who had the means to live several miles from their offices. Added to the National Register in 1995, the
District also includes the 1907 Stevens Memorial Library, located at the far side of the park, and the Patriots Monument
located within Memorial Park. The area was proposed for designation as a local historic district but never approved.
Historic Buildings
North Andover’s historic buildings include examples of residential, civic, institutional, commercial, agricultural, and
industrial structures from the early eighteenth through the twentieth century. While a few are owned by the town
or non-profit organizations which provide both preservation and public access, the majority of these buildings are
privately owned. The variety of architectural styles present in North Andover range from the elaborate Second Empire
and Victorian styles of the late nineteenth century to the many Vernacular style mill workers homes surrounding the
downtown and commercial centers. Many of these buildings have been well maintained or restored and retain original
architectural details, windows, and doors. In other areas, particularly those neighborhoods that suffered the most from
North Andover’s period of industrial decline in the second half of the twentieth century, there is a greater mix of historic
homes updated with modern synthetic siding and significant alterations which removed or obscured historic details.
Other historic structures in these same neighborhood’s exhibit signs of benign neglect which if left unchecked could
result in the future loss of the community’s historic fabric.
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Residential Buildings
North Andover’s historic residential buildings span more than three centuries and represent a diversity of architectural
styles, building forms, and scales. In keeping with its early development, North Andover has eight examples of First
Period (pre-1725) timber framed residential structures. Most of these homes are still residential structures but one, the
Parson Barnard House, is a museum house preserved by the North Andover Historical Society. North Andover has
excellent examples of Federal style architecture, such as the exquisitely detailed and preserved Kittredge Mansion
(located on Academy Road in the Old Center Historic District), and numerous high style Georgian, Greek Revival,
Italianate, and Shingle style homes built throughout the nineteenth century for the wealthy mill owners and their
executives. The popular Romanesque Revival style also makes an appearance here in the home of the Stevens family
on Osgood Hill.
Other early homes in North Andover changed radically over time, reflecting the changing nature of the community and
its residents. Although it remained in one family from 1729 through the 1960s, Stevens-Coolidge Place evolved in the
early 1900s from two Italianate style farmhouses into a single high-style Colonial Revival home, mirroring the change
in the property as it transitioned from a family farm to an elegant agricultural estate. While many properties in North
Andover saw similar conversions, few of these
early nineteenth century estates remain today.
More common in North Andover’s residential
neighborhoods were restrained and Vernacular
versions of these styles built at smaller scale,
or in multi-family settings, for the workers
and tradesman in the community. Beyond the
commercial areas, the town’s agricultural areas
were characteristically dotted with traditional
gable-roofed farmhouses. While some of these
survive with their Colonial detailing intact, it
is more common to find examples of early
homes updated with Greek Revival porticos and
Italianate detailing to match the popular finishes
of the period.
Many of these have survived with their immediate
surroundings still intact, providing a clear visual
impression of the structure and its outbuildings as
they functioned historically.
North Andover also has abundant examples of
twentieth century residential architecture in the suburban developments which sprang up around the Downtown area
and Old Town Center in the 1920s and 1930s. While still marketed to local executives, these homes are much smaller
in scale in comparison to their nineteenth century predecessors and include Colonial Revival, Dutch Revival, Arts and
Crafts, Four Squares, and Craftsman bungalows buildings. While early efforts were made to document North Andover’s
historic structures, few have been inventoried or reviewed over the last twenty years, making their current condition
largely unknown.
Old Center Hall in Old Town Center
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Outbuildings
North Andover’s many surviving barns, both large and small, are perhaps the best reminders of the rural nature of the
community for much of its history. With the industrial activity located almost exclusively in one corner of the town, the
remaining land remained largely rural until well into the twentieth century. Substantial barns are still visible throughout
the community, and many are still in active agricultural use. Others have been converted into storage or garage space,
as have many of the smaller outbuildings which also dot the North Andover landscape. One of the largest surviving
barns, the 1871 “Lakeview Farm” stock barn believed to be the largest stock building ever constructed in North Andover,
survived for many years as the Auditorium for the Brooks School before its demolition in 2017. Another unusual example,
the ca. 1833 Hay Scale Building adjacent to the Town Common, is maintained by the North Andover Historical Society
as part of its museum space. Unfortunately, the exact number of these structures, and their preservation status, is not
clear. Early inventory forms often omitted any mention of historic outbuildings present on the property. While new
inventory forms are more inclusive, few of North Andover’s existing properties have been reviewed recently enough to
benefit from this change. Multiple properties within the Old Center Historic District include barns and early outbuildings
which are protected by the District’s designation.
Civic Buildings
Few of North Andover’s early civic buildings have survived to the present day, and those that have generally date back
only to the early twentieth century. Of the many civic buildings constructed by generous mill owners during the second
half of the nineteenth century, none are standing today, nor are any of the town’s earlier schools.
It is interesting to note that despite North Andover’s long history as an established community, its first Town Hall and
Fire Station were not constructed until 1925. Its construction allowed all town offices and functions to be in one location
rather than scattered throughout the town. Built in the Flemish Renaissance Revival style popular to municipal buildings
of this period, the two uses shared a pair of nearly identical buildings joined by a common pedimented vestibule.
The new complex established a civic presence and public
gathering space in the heart of the Downtown area. Even
the police station was located here in its early days,
although it was later moved and replaced with the social
service center. In 2016, the town undertook a substantial
renovation project which expanded the town hall offices
into the now former fire station, maintaining the joint use
and identity of the buildings and breathing new life into the
civic space.
Another distinguished civic structure is the ca. 1907 Stevens
Memorial Library. Built in the Italian Renaissance Revival
style, the ornate structure of red brick and terra cotta with
copper moldings and roof accents is the focal point of the
adjacent Memorial Park and surrounding neighborhood.
Although a circulating library had existed in various
town buildings in prior years, this was the library’s first
permanent location and was designed to house the town’s
records as well. Two new wings were added to the original
building in 1969 and it was expanded again in 1994 to meet community needs.
Stevens Memorial Library
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Two less common civic structures also warrant mentioning in
this section. Osgood Hill, also known as the Stevens Estate, is a
substantial late nineteenth century estate built by Moses Tyler Stevens,
on a hill overlooking Lake Cochichewick. Stevens, who donated
the above mentioned Stevens Memorial Library to North Andover,
was one of the community’s leading businessmen as well as a US
Congressman. The estate includes the ca. 1886 Romanesque Revival
brick manor house as well as a gatehouse, carriage house, stables,
and gardener’s house (now demolished) on 153 acres of open space.
The Stevens family owned the land until 1953, when it was given to
Boston University. The University used the property as a conference
center until 1993 and in 1995, the town stepped in to save the property
from development. The Stevens Estate is now a town department and
the main house is regularly rented out for conferences and events. The
town is considering potential future uses for its accessory buildings,
many of which are in need of repair and renovation, and the site itself
is an important open space resource with numerous trail systems.
The last civic structure of note is the Harold Parker State Park
Headquarters building located on the town’s southwestern border with
Andover. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in 1937, the
Rustic style building is the central administration building for the state
park. Other structures constructed with CCC assistance in the 1930s
include the Berry Pond Pavilion and stone walls, the Stearns Pond
dam and picnic area, and numerous park walkways and general
improvements.
Commercial Buildings
Most of North Andover’s historic commercial buildings were built in the Downtown area in the mid to late nineteenth
century to meet the needs of the growing mills and their workers. Then and now, North Andover’s Main Street is a
commercial corridor with late nineteenth century Shingle, Queen Anne, and Vernacular wood frame buildings on either
side housing stores and offices on the first floor with residences above. While many of these buildings remain, most
have seen their storefronts, siding and architectural details altered over the years. Many have also been removed or
substantially altered to make way for twentieth century commercial structures and uses, some of them several times in
as many years. For example, the existing strip mall located across from the Town Hall was built in the 1980s in place
of a ca. 1960s grocery store, but was substantially updated in the early 2000s to its current form and uses. Although
several of the Machine Shop Village’s industrial mill buildings have survived to be converted into commercial uses, it’s
original commercial structures did not survive the area’s decline in the nineteenth century. In the Old Town Center, the
ca.1829 Brick Store and ca. 1890 Hay Scale Exchange are reminder of the town’s first commercial center.
Industrial Buildings
North Andover’s history and development are deeply tied to the textile industry of the eighteenth and nineteenth
century. While many of North Andover’s early mills and industrial buildings have been demolished, several examples
remain that speak to the history of the community. One of the earliest surviving mills is the Scholfield Woolen Mill in the
Downtown area near the Merrimack River. The ca. 1802 one-story wood frame building was built as a wool carding mill
and spinning/weaving shop by two brothers who later became extremely influential in the textile industry.
Stevens Estate
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Davis and Furber Machine Shop at the corner of Water Street and Elm Street is a nearly intact example of a mid-
nineteenth century industrial mill complex and the only set of nineteenth century mill buildings still standing. All varieties
of textile machinery were manufactured within the ca. 1860 Greek Revival style brick buildings, contributing significantly
to North Andover’s late nineteenth century industrial boom. The mills were shut down in the mid-twentieth century and
left vacant for multiple years before being converted into office and commercial space. Today the Davis and Furber
mill buildings are once again thriving as a popular destination within the Machine Shop Neighborhood Conservation
District. The main building houses a public museum space showcasing some of its original machinery and equipment
and the various new uses have required few significant alterations to the buildings.
Just as these industrial powerhouses were fading away, a new industry was on the rise in North Andover. 1600 Osgood
Street, now known as Osgood Landing, was built in 1955 for Western Electric and was for many years the town’s
largest employer.6 A classic example of contemporary mid-twentieth century commercial architecture, the enormous 1.5
million square foot facility manufactured telecommunications components for Western Electric, later Lucent Technologies,
until its close in 2003. By 2008, the building had reopened as a multi-tenant commercial and industrial center, leaving its
mid-century modern exteriors intact.
Churches
New England’s town centers are often characterized by their central
churches and tall white steeples. North Andover is no exception.
At the eastern edge of the Town Common sits the North Parish
Church of North Andover. Built in the old town center, the North
Parish Church was constructed in 1836 in the Gothic Revival style,
an uncharacteristic choice for a meeting house both at the time
and today. Finished in white painted wood flushboard rather than
clapboards, the structure has a square tower at the center of its front
façade topped at each corner with a spire, surrounding a larger
central spire at its center. Each corner of the structure is also topped
with its own separate spire. Despite its eclectic exterior, the interior,
made up of former pieces of earlier meeting houses, exhibits more
traditional Federal and Georgian style architectural elements. The
Unitarian Universalist parish is still active today and is working with
the North Andover Historical Society to maintain the early records of
the community.
The steady development of the community to the north of the
Old Town Center led to the construction of new churches there to
meet the growing community’s needs. The landmark Trinitarian
Congregational Church at 72 Elm Street was built in 1865 through the
beneficence of Davis & Furber and its owners, marking the separation
of the industrial community from the rural Old Town Center to the
south. Designed by Architect John Stevens, the Romanesque Revival
building uses flushboarded wood construction to imitate masonry
and has narrow buttresses and distinctive eaves, brackets, and round
arched windows with label molding. The elaborate, three-stage tower
and steeple rising from the center of the front façade is a landmark
visible from surrounding towns in the Merrimack Valley.
In addition to the Trinitarian Church, two other churches from the mid-nineteenth century still stand in Machine Shop
6 Osgood Corridor Redevelopment Plan, 2013.
North Parish Church
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Village. The Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1849 at the corner of Water and Main Streets, is now the home of St.
Gregory’s Armenian Apostolic Church. St. Michael Roman Catholic Church was built in the Victorian Gothic style
in 1868 on Water Street, but moved to Main Street in 1886 where it grew to include a parochial school, rectory, and
convent. The existing complex has been substantially renovated in recent years.
The ca. 1881 Shingle style St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was the first to be constructed away from the established town
centers. Located midway between the Old Center and Downtown areas, the church’s congregation included many of
the community’s wealthy industrial owners and quickly grew to include the French Memorial Building, Parish Hall, and
Rectory.
Heritage Landscapes
Heritage landscapes are defined as those special places created by human interaction with the natural environment
that help define the character of a community and reflect its past. These landscapes are dynamic and evolving,
depicting how the natural environment influenced the land use patterns of a community, reflecting the history of the
community, and providing a sense of place. North Andover has a wealth of these landscapes which are central to its
community character.
The 2005 Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program’s North Andover Reconnaissance Report identified fifty-
three heritage landscapes and eight priority heritage landscapes for further study. The sites suggested cover a wide
spectrum of experiences and range in size and scale from indivudual properties to collections of farms to networks of
scenic roadways.
»The Acre - located near the Scholfield Mill and is bounded by Ashland Street, Ferry Street, and the Merrimack
River. The area is part of North Andover’s early industrial history and includes buildings, structures, and objects
from the early and mid-nineteenth century.
»Brooks School Campus - located on the banks of Lake Cochichewick, the campus inhabits the former Lakeview
Farm estate of William A. Russell. A family summer estate and Holstein breeding farm, the site was converted
into a preparatory boarding school in 1926 by the Rev. Endicott Peabody. The scenic property includes both
historic landscapes and structures converted into school facilities, such as the ca. 1761 Daniel Foster House, the
1885 Queen Anne style William A. Russell House, and a ca. 1871 former stock barn.
»Historic Farms dot North Andover’s rural areas and contribute to both the visual landscape and historic
character of the community. The Reconnaissance Report recognizes three farms for their contribution to North
Andover’s landscape.
• The Barker Farm is the second-oldest farm continuously owned by the same family in New England.
The 195-acre property was a dairy farm for many years but today only its corn fields are in active use.
The picturesque agricultural landscape of Barker Farm stretches along Barker and Bradford Streets.
• The Calzetta Farm on Johnson Street was purchased by the town in the mid-2000s. A portion of the
site has since been used for the Sargent Elementary School and the rest remains open agricultural
fields.
• Boston Hill Farm on Rt. 114 is a 1,000-acre property with a Greek Revival farmhouse, many attached
sheds, orchards and a market or farm stand. The remains of a saw mill are reported to be on the
property as well.
»Lake Cochichewick - one of North Andover’s most picturesque assets and the source of its drinking water, the
564-acre Lake Cochichewick is in northeastern North Andover. Great Pond Road was laid out specifically to take
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advantage of the beautiful vistas across the lake and these heritage landscapes are important to the character
of the town. Within the watershed are Weir Hill, Osgood Hill (the Stevens Estate), Mazurenko Farm, Rea’s Pond,
Half Mile Hill, and Carter Hill. The town and local Friends groups maintain trails and walkways surrounding the
Lake, in recent years providing additional access and vantage points.
»Scenic Roads - the vistas of the farms, estates, hills, and waterways found along North Andover’s many roads
are heritage landscapes worthy of preservation. The topography of North Andover, particularly the many hilltops
and the valleys through which the Cochichewick Brook flows, are viewed from these scenic roads as are many of
the Georgian and Federal residences of its early history.
»Second Burying Grounds - the Second Burying Grounds is located on Academy Road north of the Town Common
and is a contributing element of the Old Center Historic District. The burying grounds is set back from the road
and is defined by a prominent stone wall with granite coping running along the western edge. The entrance to
the burying grounds is marked by two sets of granite posts set within the break in the distinctive stone wall.
»Shawsheen River - the Shawsheen River divides North Andover and Lawrence, flowing along the town’s western
edge into the Merrimack River. Although important to the history and development of the community and a
potential resource for trails and open space opportunities, at present the river can only be viewed from a few
vantage points and has no physical public access.
»Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill - the 153-acre Stevens Estate was built for Moses Tyler Stevens and named
Osgood Hill for Stevens’ wife’s family, the Osgoods, who had owned the land. Originally chosen for its view
overlooking the Stevens Woolen Mills, the property retains its commanding views and element of surprise as one
passes through the 1886 gatehouse and ascends the driveway to the ca. 1886 Romanesque Revival main house.
Mature trees screen certain areas and add to the views of others.
Historic Structures
In addition to its historic buildings and landscapes, North Andover is also visually enhanced by the historic structures
found throughout the community. The Massachusetts Historical Commission’s MACRIS database lists 26 historic structures
in North Andover7 including the stone bridge over the Cochichewick Brook at Sutton’s Mill and the Olmstead Brothers’
designed Patriot’s Memorial Park and George H. Simonds Estate, Broadfields, at 121 Great Pond Road. The list also
includes two sets of less commonly found historic structures, both located in the Harold Parker State Forest. In the mid-
1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built Stearns Pond, including its Causeway/Dam and Picnic Area, and
Berry Pond, which has a Picnic Pavilion and a man-made beach area supported by historic stone retaining walls. Both
the ponds and their man-made elements are included in the town’s list of Historic Structures.
North Andover is expected to have many other historic structures yet to be formally identified and documented.
For example, the many stone walls within the community, surviving mill spillways, dams, bridges, etc., are largely
unrecorded. Often these features are taken for granted, but they give North Andover its unique features and are
reminders of a past that should not be lost to time. These features can have a significant impact on the quality and
character of the community, and should be recognized and protected.
7 The MHC’s MACRIS database also lists structures which were found to be non-contributing elements of otherwise historic properties including the 1970s-era swimming
pool and ball court at the Stevens Estate and four I-495 ramps over the Shawsheen and Merrimack Rivers and Sutton Street that are included in a 1987 Statewide
National Register review of historic bridges as being “Conditionally Not Eligible” for listing as they were less than fifty years old.
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Scenic Roads
Many of North Andover’s roadways retain their historic alignment and narrow width, winding through the landscape
and providing scenic views over open fields and forested land. These scenic roads provide tangible reminders of the
town’s past, and many are lined by historic elements such as stone walls and early farmsteads. The North Andover
Heritage Landscape Reconnaissance Report called out multiple roadways for their scenic viewscapes and historic
character, including Academy Road, Andover Street, Barker Road, Osgood Street, Stevens Street, Great Pond Road
the former mill area routes of Main Street, Water Street, Elm Street, and High Street, and the town’s oldest street, Court
Street. Adoption of a scenic roads bylaw was recommended in the 2005 Reconnaissance Report.
The Reconnaissance Report also recommends that the town complete an inventory of each rural roadway with a
description and photographs, that the town consider adoption a scenic overlay district or flexible zoning standards to
protect significant views and create a no-disturb buffer on private properties adjacent to scenic roadways, and that
policies and implementation standards be adopted for future road maintenance and reconstruction to preserve that the
unique and rural character of North Andover’s scenic roadways.
Other Resources
Historic Objects
Although North Andover is one of the oldest communities in the
Commonwealth, its recognized historic objects all date from the
mid-nineteenth and early twentieth century. The MACRIS database
lists twenty-six historic objects within the community. Twenty of
these resources can be found in the Ridgewood Cemetery and
include family plots, monoliths, gravestones, markers, and memorial
benches. First established in 1849 by many of North Andover’s
founding families, the still actively used Cemetery was added to
the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. At that time, the
site was listed as having nineteen contributing historic objects, six
historic structures, two historic sites and three historic buildings.
The remaining six historic objects include two statues – the
ca. 1956 Christ the Teacher statue at Merrimack College and
the ca. 1916 statue of Philip Brooks in the Town Common. Two
others are memorials dedicated to North Andover’s veterans –
the ca. 1913 North Andover Soldiers and Sailors Monument near
the corner of Osgood and Main Streets and the ca. 1921 World
War I Memorial in Patriot’s Memorial Park. Lastly, two historic
markers are recognized as historic objects. Installed in 1907 in
recognition of the family’s contributions to the community, the
Kittredge Memorial is in the Town Common near the Charles Wilcox
Blacksmith Shop Marker, installed more recently in 1974 to note the
historic former resident.
Phillips Brooks Statue
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Historic Burying Grounds and Cemeteries
North Andover’s historic Ridgewood Cemetery, also known as the Andover Cemetery, is the town’s largest and most
cohesively developed cemeteries. Established in 1849 by twenty-two of the community’s leading families, the garden
style cemetery was designed in the tradition of Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. In contrast to the historic burying
grounds which are laid out for efficiency rather than design aesthetics, Ridgewood was laid out as a garden cemetery.
It was designed by landscape architect Ernest W. Bowditch and crafted to have a tranquil, natural setting where visitors
could both commemorate loved ones and linger to experience the art and nature on display. The third and final formal
cemetery developing in North Andover, Ridgewood Cemetery has grown to encompass forty-six acres but remains
privately owned.
The two cemeteries which predated Ridgewood are the North Parish Burying Grounds, now known as the Old Burying
Grounds, and the Second Burying Grounds of North Parish. Located on Academy Road at the top of the hill adjacent
to the Town Common, the Old Burying Grounds was established by North Andover’s first residents in 1642. It holds an
excellent collection of 18th century gravestones made by well-known local Essex carvers and is believed to be the final
resting place of Anne Bradstreet. One of most prominent poet and writers in the English colonies, Ann Bradstreet was
the first Puritan, and first North American writer, to be published in 1650. The Old Burying Grounds were the town’s only
public cemetery until 1817, when the Second Burying Grounds was opened to the east on Academy Road. Although
no historic survey information is available for the Second Burying Grounds, a recent Eagle Scout project catalogued
499 internments in the cemetery, with the most recent burial taking place in the 1980s. Both burying grounds were
historically owned by North Parish. ]Today, the town owns the Old Burying Grounds and looks to the North Andover
Historical Commission and Old Center Historic District for assistance in its protection and maintenance. The North
Andover Historical Society partners with the Commission and North Parish to hold tours of the burying grounds and
has developed a digitized record of the grave markers and burials. Both burying grounds are included within the Old
Center Historic District.
Many communities also have smaller family or neighborhood cemeteries for early residents who lived far from the town
center. The Berry Farm Cemetery in the southern half of North Andover on land that is now part of the new Berry Farm
Apartment Complex, is the only such cemetery recorded in the community. With its first burial in 1783, the cemetery has
a long history with the prominent farming families of early North Andover and remained in use until 1875. Although not
a cemetery or burying grounds, the Seth Farnham Grave Site is located not far from the Berry Farm Cemetery, where
the rest of his family is buried. At his death in 1800, Seth requested to be buried under a tree on the family farm and
his gravesite remains there still. The site is now somewhat lost to the surrounding vegetation but its stone marker is still
visible today.
Archaeological resources
North Andover is believed to have been used as a seasonal hunting ground by Native Americans prior to its colonial
settlement. Prehistoric sites are typically found near water sources and are common along the Shawsheen, Merrimack
and upper Ipswich Rivers. Although no large-scale or town-wide archaeological survey has been undertaken in North
Andover, it is reasonable to assume that the town has similar archaeological sites given its numerous waterways and
ponds. Per the Massachusetts Historical Commission, there are known archaeological sites along Lake Cochichewick’s
current shoreline, and probably more along its original shoreline, which is now flooded. 8
Archaeological sites are generally not made public due to concerns for their safety and security. Any significant
archaeological sites identified in North Andover are included in the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC)
Inventory of Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth. This confidential inventory contains sensitive information and
is not a public record as required under G.L. c.9, s. 26A (1).
8 North Andover Open Space and Recreation Plan, Section 4.6 Prehistoric Resources
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Natural Resources
North Andover’s natural resources are as important to the unique character of the town as its historic, architectural,
and archaeological ones. It is important that any measures to protect and preserve North Andover’s history include
provisions which also consider its historic landscapes and natural resources.9
Geology
The glaciers of the last ice age indisputably impacted the natural landscape of North Andover as can be seen in the
large oval-shaped hills, or drumlins, for which the town is notable. Drumlins are made of stones, boulders, clay, and
other materials dropped by the glaciers as they moved past and result in North Andover’s other distinctive glacier
feature, the irregularly shaped bogs and swamps created when the drumlins disrupted the area’s drainage patterns.
One hill, Claypit Hill, is believed to be a kame, also glacier made but of different materials, which was later shaped
by the environment into the form of a traditional drumlin. The southern half of North Andover is largely made up
of ground moraine, a thin sheet of till over bedrock, which when combined with the bogs and swamps in the area,
creates broad wetlands. Generally, the land of southern North Andover has significant development restrictions, which
begins to explain why so little of it was developed during the first three centuries of the town. Only in recent years, with
the increasing value of land in North Andover and the greater Boston area, has it become cost effective to consider
building in North Andover’s Out Country.
North Andover has two major bedrock zones. The Merrimack belt along the northern portion of town, which consists
of metamorphosed sandstone and siltstone, and the Nashoba Zone, which consists of Andover granite and Sharpners
Pond Diorite. A major structural fault, the Clinton-Newbury fault, runs diagonally southwest to northeast through North
Andover. The fault has not been significantly active for over 250 million years, but does have small quakes along its
length from time to time.
Soils
North Andover includes four major associations of soils:
»Paxton-Woodbridge-Montauk Association soils are primarily found on hills and sloping uplands such as the
highland over Lake Cochichewick and the watershed between the Ipswich and Shawsheen Rivers
»Canton-Charlton-Sutton Association soils are found on the tops and sides of low hills and are considered suitable
for agriculture and residential development
»Charlton-Rock Outcrop-Medisaprists soils are found in the southern most areas of North Andover and are
associated with wetlands
»Hickley-Windsor-Merrimac soils are found along the Shawsheen River, Merrimack River, and Mosquito Brook,
drain well, and are suitable for agriculture and residential development
9 Unless otherwise noted, all information in this section is taken from the North Andover Open Space and Recreation Plan
North Andover Master Plan132
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Landscape Character
North Andover has two distinctive landscapes for which it is noted – its drumlin hilltops and its farmlands. The dozen
drumlins spread out across the town have shaped its development over time. For many years, the lack of infrastructure
and construction constraints protected these highpoints from development and made them available to the public
for expansive views of Boston, Mount Monadnock, and the Merrimac and Nashoba Valleys. The town’s first Open
Space Plan called out these hilltops as distinctive historic resources, noting that the untouched hills gave the town
an open appearance and contributed both to the skyline and very nature of North Andover. Since that time, many of
North Andover’s planning documents have called for the preservation and protection of the town’s hills, although no
formal action was ever taken. Of the eight prominent hills noted in the town’s 1972 Comprehensive Plan, two are now
completely developed and three are partially developed with some open space preserved as a result of the permitting
process. Three remaining hills – Weir Hill, Osgood Hill, and Carter Hill – are now permanently protected open spaces.
Farms have been a defining element of North Andover’s landscape since the first days of the community. Only in the
last fifty years has their prominence been reduced and the open landscapes filled in with residential development.
Family farms are both historic and natural resources which are now endangered and quickly disappearing from North
Andover. In 2016, North Andover had 929.98 acres of agricultural land in Chapter 61A, a 26% decrease from the amount
under protection in 2000.10 Although this designation gives the town a right of first refusal when the property is sold,
it does not guarantee the land’s future preservation. To survive, creative solutions are necessary. Many surviving farm
fields are now town owned and leased to area farmers, both reducing the pressure of rising land values on the farmer
and protecting the open space in perpetuity for the public. At Smolak Farm, the working farm has been recreated as a
tourist destination and event space.
Water Resources
The abundant water resources of North Andover are one of its defining characteristics and has led the development of
the community since its earliest days. The proximity of major rivers and abundant streams, ponds, and the lake helped
to create the industrialized center in the north, while the wetlands, swamps, and bogs of the south prohibited early
development and preserved the natural landscape. Recent years have seen these traditional patterns shift abruptly,
however, as land prices and high demand make even the most questionable areas susceptible to development and
change.
10 North Andover Open Space and Recreation Plan, page 21.
Creighton’s Pond
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Watersheds and Surface Waters
North Andover is located at the juncture of three watersheds – the Merrimack River, the headwaters of the Ipswich River,
and the headwaters of the Parker River. In general, south North Andover drains into the Ipswich River while the northern
half drains into the Merrimack River, including its two sub-drainage areas, the Shawsheen River and Cochichewick
Brook. As previously mentioned, these waterways played a key role in the development of North Andover. While their
days of powering industry are long gone, their necessity to the community is now greater than ever.
Lake Cochichewick, the town’s largest body of water and sole source of drinking water, has its own regulated watershed
area. The Lake Cochichewick watershed plan was developed after stormwater contamination was discovered in the
Lake in 1986. Under the plan, changes were made to the town’s zoning bylaw, board of health rules and regulations,
and wetlands regulations to strengthen protections over the area, and the town took action to acquire open space
within the watershed, manage street sweeping, and extend the sewage system. In 1999, a Watershed District was
enacted with three zones that established the level of development allowed based on the site’s proximity to the high-
water mark of the Lake. This combination of actions has resulted in a healthy natural environment and safe drinking
water supply. Today, approximately 30% of the watershed area is protected open space which is either owned by the
town or has a conservation or agricultural preservation restriction over it. Two regional organizations – the Trustees
of Reservations and the Essex County Greenbelt Association – also own land for conservation purposes within the
watershed.
Wetlands and Vernal Pools
North Andover’s hilly terrain and wet valleys have created a landscape where wetlands are common features,
particularly in the southern section of town. North Andover’s wetlands serve as the headwaters of three significant local
rivers – the Ipswich River, Parker River, and Cochichewick Brook. They contain a wide variety of environments including
marshes, wet meadows, shrub swamps, wooded swamps, flood plain and bog communities.
Understanding the importance of wetlands to the health of the watershed and the need to protect them from
contamination and development, the town has worked diligently over the years through its Conservation Commission
to monitor the health of these landscapes and enforce their protections. North Andover’s Conservation Commission
is responsible for overseeing and enforced both the Wetlands Protection Act and North Andover’s own Wetlands
Protection Bylaw and Regulations since they were passed in the 1970s. These regulations were further enhanced in
1991 with the passage of Comprehensive Wetlands Protection Regulations which require:
»a 25 ft. No Disturbance Zone from the edge of a wetland area
»a 50 ft. No Build Zone from the edge of any wetland area
»a 50 ft. No Disturbance Zone from the delineated edge of a vernal pool or pool habitat
»a 75 ft. No Build Zone from the delineated edge of a vernal pool or pool habitat
»a 100-ft. septic system setback from the delineated edge of a vernal pool or pool habitat
The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program’s BioMap2 was completed in 2012 and identifies the core
habitats of native biodiversities which are most in need of protection. The BioMap2 identified 16 wetland core habitats
and 8 vernal pool core habitats in North Andover. In addition, local volunteers have located and confirmed one
hundred certified vernal pools in North Andover. Nine of the vernal pools located in the Harold Parker State Forest have
also been certified as containing state-listed species.
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Aquifers and Flood Hazard Areas
North Andover has no groundwater sources for its public water supply. Although the town is working with adjacent
communities to ensure water supplies for emergency conditions, those communities also do not have groundwater
sources.
North Andover’s location within the floodplain of the Merrimack and Shawsheen Rivers has long made it aware of the
need to protect the flood storage capacity of its natural resources. In 1979 the town adopted floodplain zoning which
restricts development within the flood plain. In addition, the town has worked to acquire parcels in the Shawsheen River
and Merrimack River floodplains to both control flooding for 100-year storms and provide open space and recreation
capacity at other times.
Ecological Resources and Biodiversity
Vegetation
An area’s vegetation defines how a location is experienced and used. North Andover’s vegetation can be divided into
five resource categories:
»Non-Forested Resources - old fields and meadows are typically non-forested resources, any area defined by the
absence of trees. These locations are home to a diverse population of plants, animals and birds but are also
some of the most vulnerable to invasive plant species infestations. Invasive plants can quickly take over these
areas, killing native species in the process and ultimately changing the habitat and viewscape.
»Forest Resources - although about 53% of North Andover is forested, this figure includes treed residential suburbs
and misrepresents the true extent of undeveloped forest area in North Andover. The town’s remaining forests
are primarily located in its southern section on lands that are either permanently protected or unbuildable. The
BioMap2 program recognized the southeast section of the community as a Forest Core area of 2,352 acres which
is believed to be the third largest in the ecoregion. A forest core area is defined here as the best examples of
large, intact forests that are least impacted by roads and development, providing critical habitat for numerous
woodland species. In North Andover, these forested areas are typical young forests of Southern New England
as no old growth trees remain in North Andover after two hundred years of agricultural development. While
there are some older trees on individual properties throughout town, these are considered exceptions or “legacy
trees.” Participation in Chapter 61, which protects forested areas, is low in North Andover, with only 72.67 acres
enrolled in 2016. These forests are threatened not only by possible development but also by introduced pests,
infestations, and air pollution which are weakening and destroying native species.
»Public Shade Trees - public shade trees are found in all areas of North Andover, at its municipal and public
buildings, schools, parks, and cemeteries as well as in the right of ways of many streets. These trees contribute to
the public streetscape and shape how the town and its facilities relate to the public.
»Agricultural Land - less of North Andover is characterized by agricultural land today than in past years, but
their contribution to the character of the town cannot be underestimated. Agricultural lands once dominated the
natural landscape, and today still provide both local food and natural habitats for area wildlife. Today these
lands are primarily used for hay and field crops and are both natural and historic resources to the community.
»Wetland Vegetation - North Andover’s many wetlands include a wide range of vegetation ranging from small
herbaceous plants to larger, woody species and trees. These habitats provide important food sources for
hummingbirds and butterflies, and include many species of rushes, waterlilies, mosses, etc. depending on the
character of their varied locations.
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Rare Species: Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern
North Andover has fifteen rare vascular plant species that have been identified by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage
& Endangered Species Program (NHESP). However, only six of these plants have been documented since 2000. The
table below is taken from the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan and details the rare and endangered plant
species of North Andover. The second table below lists the endangered vertebrate and invertebrate animal species in
North Andover.
Table 7.1: Rare Vascular Plant Species in North Andover as of March 28, 2014
Scientific Name Common Name Status Most Recent
Observed
Aristida purpurascens Purple Needlegrass Threatened 2000
Betula nigra River Birch Watch List 2011
Botrychium oneidense Blunt-lobed Grape-fern Watch List 2008
Catamagrostis pickeringii Reed Bentgrass Endangered 1880
Cardamine bulbosa Spring-Cress Watch List 1900
Carex buxbaumii Buxvaum’s Sedge Watch List 2010
Carex exilis Bog Sedge Watch List 2010
Carex typhina Cat-tail Sedge Threatened 1879
Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet Threatened 1885
Corema conradii Broom Crowberry Watch List 1866
Gentiana andrewsii Andrews’ Bottle Gentian Endangered 1916
Liatris scariosa var. novae- angliae New England Blazing Star Special Concern 1884
Lipocarpha micrantha Dwarf Bulrush Threatened 1957
Nabalus serpentarius Lion’s Foot Endangered 1936
Source: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife – Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program
Table 7.2: Rare Vertebrate and Invertebrate Species in the Town of North Andover as of March
28, 2014
Scientific Name Common Name Status Most Recent Observed
Vertebrates
Ambystoma Blue-spotted Salamander Special Concern 2004
Hemidactylium scutatum Four-toed Salamander Delisted 2002
Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier Threatened 1956
Clemmys Guttata Spotted Turtle Delisted 2000
Emydoidea blandingii Blanding’s Turtle Threatened 2012
Notropis bifrenatus Bridle Shiner Special Concern 1962
Invertebrates
Callophrys Hesseli Hessel’s Hairstreak (butterfly)Special Concern 1989
Callophrys irus Frosted Elfin (butterfly)Special Concern 2005
Crangonyx aberrans Mystic Valley Amphipod Delisted 1990
Eubranchipus intricatus Intricate Fairy Shrimp Special Concern 2010
Euchlaena madusaria Sandplain Euchlaena (moth)Special Concern 2004
Somatachlora kennedyi Kennedy’s Emerald (dragonfly)Endangered 1973
Somatochlora linearis Mocha Emerald (dragonfly)Special Concern 1973
Source: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife – Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program
North Andover Master Plan136
Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Historic and Natural Resource Planning
Local Preservation Capacity
North Andover has three local commissions dedicated to preserving the community’s historic and cultural resources –
the North Andover Historical Commission, the Old Center Historic District Commission, and the Machine Shop Village
Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. In addition, the Conservation Commission oversees North Andover’s
natural resources. All four oversee the regulatory processes and procedures which protect the town’s many historic and
natural resources. At the same time, these commissions also work to educate and inform the public on the importance
of these resources to the town’s community character. The North Andover Historical Society, a local, private non-profit
organization, also assists with this work, and owns and maintains several historic structures as well as the town’s
historical records. While these groups are entirely separate in their missions and daily work, their common goals and
locations allow for overlap in programs and activities.
Other town agencies involved in preservation activities include the North Andover Community Preservation Committee
(CPC), which oversees distribution of the town’s Community Preservation Fund for historic preservation projects, the
Stevens Memorial Library Board of Trustees, which maintains the historic Stevens Library building and collections, and
the North Andover Town Clerk’s office, which is engaged in the preservation-based efforts of maintaining its historic
documents and records. Additionally, the Trustees of Reservations are active in North Andover’s historic preservation
through their stewardship of Stevens-Coolidge Place, an elegant, early twentieth century agricultural estate and country
home.
The commission, friends groups, and non-profit organizations that work to protect the town’s natural resources are also
highly involved in protecting its open space, providing walking trails and supporting other recreational options for
those spaces. To avoid repetition, these organizations are not detailed below but are listed in the Open Space and
Recreation chapter which follows.
Town Commissions
The volunteer-based North Andover Historical Commission serves as the official municipal agency responsible for
community-wide historic preservation planning and advocacy. The Commission’s activities include overseeing the
town’s Demolition Delay Bylaw and working with the town and private homeowners to preserve and protect resources
from demolition and development. The Historical Commission is an advisor to the town on all historic preservation
issues, and has worked in recent years to preserve and restore the Old Burying Grounds. The Commission is also
currently working with the Massachusetts Historical Commission to ensure that the Farnham Grave Site and Berry Farm
Cemeteries are protected from new development in the area. The Commission works closely with the North Andover
Historical Society in its programs and advocacy work.
The Old Center Historic Districts Commission (HDC) is responsible for the local historic district established under G.L.
c. 40, § 8D surrounding the Town Common and the town’s earliest community center. The primary work of the HDC is
to review and approve changes to properties within the local historic district and to provide guidance to residents,
municipal boards, and town commissions working within the boundaries of the historic district to ensure that all any
necessary changes are made in a manner that is appropriate to the period, character and design of the resource
property and surrounding district. The Machine Shop Village Neighborhood Conservation District Commission
has a similar mandate in that they oversee the preservation of properties located within the Machine Shop Village
Neighborhood Conservation District. Established by local bylaw, a neighborhood conservation district is similar to a
local historic district but is less restrictive, allowing small scale changes to be at the owner’s discretion while protecting
the property from demolition or significant alterations which would alter or destroy the building’s historic and/or
architectural character.
North Andover Master Plan 137
Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
The Stevens Memorial Library is housed in its original ca. 1907 red brick Italianate Revival building and is a public
institution charged with promoting the historical, social, and cultural development of the town. The library’s Board
of Trustees oversees the library, which has expanded to provide additional community space and services but has
preserved the historic interior of its central rooms and distinctive exterior features.
The Town Clerk is responsible for maintaining the town’s public records, which date back to North Andover’s
incorporation.
Local Private Non-Profit Organizations
The North Andover Historical Society was established in 1913 as
a privately supported, non-profit educational organization with a
mission dedicated to preserving North Andover’s local heritage. The
Society owns and maintains three historic structures including the
ca. 1789 Johnson Cottage, the ca. 1715 Parson Barnard House, and
the ca. 1833 Hay Scales building. Located on the Town Common
in the Samuel Dale Stevens Memorial Building, the Society has
developed both children’s and adult programs, interactive tours,
lectures, workshops, exhibits, craft demonstrations, architectural
walking tours, and publications to bring North Andover’s historic to
life for the community. The Society is also the keeper of the town’s
historic resource information and assists the North Parish with the
maintenance and preservation of its early town records. The Society
is supported by a full-time staff which includes an Executive Director,
Curator for Archival and Research Materials, and a Collections
Manager.
Regional Preservation Organizations
The Trustees of Reservations is a statewide organization dedicated
to protecting and preserving the places and landscapes which
make Massachusetts unique. The Trustees own and operate over
100 properties in the state, including three in North Andover –
Stevens-Coolidge Place, Weir Hill, and the Ward Reservation on the
Andover/North Andover border. The Trustees sites are open to the
public on a regular basis with four miles of walking trails at Weir
Hill, an interpreted historic house and gardens at Stevens-Coolidge
Place, and ten miles of walking trails and access to the Bay Circuit trail from the Ward Reservation.
North Andover is also a member of the Essex National Heritage Area, a non-profit organization focused on preserving
the unique character of Essex County and the thousands of historic, cultural, and natural places that define it. The
area was established by act of Congress in 1996 and includes 34 communities and 500 square miles of Northeastern
Massachusetts. The goal of the organization is to provide connections between these communities and develop
programs and initiatives to support and highlight their historic resources and places.
North Andover Historical Society Building in Old Town Center
North Andover Master Plan138
Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Local Regulations, Policies and Initiatives
North Andover has engaged in a variety of planning initiatives relating to historic preservation and the protection of
its natural resources. In the town’s previous master plan and open space and recreation plans, historic resources are
highlighted and general goals and recommendations established to preserve the town’s historic character. The town
has not completed a municipal historic preservation plan, but other studies have established priorities for historic
survey efforts and recommendations for historic district and neighborhood conservation district designations. In many
instances, these recommendations remain relevant today.
As noted in previous section, specific information on the regulations, policies, and initiatives to protect and preserve
North Andover’s natural resources are included in the Open Space and Recreation chapter that follows.
Historic Resource Inventory
Cultural resource inventory forms identify historic resources and provide basic information on the age, history and
architectural significance of the buildings, structures, objects, and areas of significance to a community. They provide
the foundation for all further preservation planning efforts, and many communities undertake historic resource surveys
as the first step to further preservation initiatives. North Andover has 409 properties included in the MHC’s Inventory
of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth.11 However, this number can be misleading. Some of
these resources include detailed information on a single property, while others are Area forms, which record numerous
properties in a single neighborhood in less detail. A building or structure listed on an Individual Form may also be
included in an Area Form, leading to the same property being counted more than once. A review of North Andover’s
existing inventory information on MACRIS shows that many of the forms are over thirty years old and are incomplete,
leaving large holes in the information available about the current preservation needs of the community.
Resources identified in North Andover’s inventory date from 1662 to 2005. Paper inventory forms are located at
the North Andover Historical Society and are available to view and download on the Massachusetts Historical
Commission’s searchable MACRIS online database at www.mhc-macris.net.
A review of the table below shows the town’s inventory broken down by the two areas defined in MHC’s MACRIS –
North Andover and North Andover Center. Additionally, the age of the resources in North Andover is shown in Table 7.4.
11 As recorded in the MHC’s online MACRIS database
Table 7.3: North Andover Properties included in the
MHC’s Historic Resource Inventory
Resource Type North Andover North Andover
Center
All Types 235 117
Areas 4 4
Buildings 217 80
Objects 2 23
Structures 12 7
Burying Grounds 0 3
Source: MACRIS database as of August 22, 2017
Table 7.4: Age of Properties in North Andover’s
Historic Resource Survey
Date of Resource Number of Resources in
Inventory
1600 - 1699 3
1700-1799 24
1800-1899 133
1900-1999 85
2000-2017 1
No Date Listed 165
Source: MACRIS database as of August 22, 2017
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Historic Landscape Inventory
In the mid-2000s, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) embarked on a project
to inventory heritage landscapes in communities throughout the Commonwealth. The DCR worked with residents
and officials to identify and prioritize heritage landscapes present in their community.12 In 2005, the North Andover
Reconnaissance Report identified 53 heritage landscapes in North Andover under categories including Agriculture,
Burial Grounds and Cemeteries, Institutional, Industrial, Natural Features, Open Space/Parks, Residential, and
Transportation. Of the 53 heritage landscapes included in the plan, eight resources are designated as priority heritage
landscapes for preservation consideration. The priority heritage landscapes include The Acre, Brooks School Campus,
Farms (Barker, Boston Hill, and Calzetta), Lake Cochichewick, Scenic Roads, Second Burying Grounds, the Shawsheen
River, and the Steven Estate at Osgood Hill. For each heritage landscape, the report provided general preservation
recommendations, many of which are still relevant today.
National Register of Historic Preservation Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects
that are significant in America history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. North Andover has three
National Register Historic District (North Andover Center, Machine Shop Village, and Tavern Acres), seven properties
that are individually listed on the National Register, and five properties which are both individually listed on the
National Register and included in the First Period Buildings of Eastern Massachusetts Thematic Resource Area. It is
highly likely that many other areas in North Andover are eligible for listing in the National Register. However, neither the
Massachusetts Historical Commission nor the Town of North Andover currently maintain a list of such properties.
State Register of Historic Places
The State Register of Historic Places is a compendium of all properties in Massachusetts that are afforded some level
of preservation protection through historic designation. In North Andover, this includes all of the properties in the Old
Center Historic District and the Machine Shop Village Neighborhood Conservation District, as well as those listed above
on the National Register of Historic Places. In all, North Andover has 354 resources included on the State Register of
Historic Places.
12 MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program: North Andover Reconnaissance Report, 2005.
Table 7.5: National Register Properties in North Andover
Name of Property Address Date Listed # of Resources
Ridgewood Cemetery 177 Salem Street 2/8/2016 30
922 Dale Street 922 Dale Street 3/9/1990 1
Carlson-Frie-Tucker House 140 Mill Road 3/9/1990 1
Col. John Osgood House 547 Osgood Street 3/9/1990 2
Timothy Johnson House 18-20 Stevens Street 3/9/1990 1
Samuel Frie House 920 Turnpike Street 3/9/1990 1
Kittredge Mansion and Francis Kittredge Barn 56 Academy Road 12/12/76 2
Abiel Stevens House 280 Salem Street 6/23/83 1
Osgood Hill – Moses Tyler Stevens 723 Osgood Street 2/5/1999 9
George Kunhardt Estate – Campian Hall 1518 Great Pond Road 4/22/1976 1
Parson Barnard House 79 Osgood Street 9/6/1974 1
Samuel Osgood House 440 Osgood Street 12/30/1974 1
Source: MACRIS database as of August 22, 2017
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Community Preservation Act
North Andover adopted the Community Preservation Act in 2001 with a 3% surcharge on local property taxes. These
funds have allowed the town to do a great number of projects over the last fifteen years, including much needed
restoration and stabilization work on town-owned historic structures including the Stevens Estate, Town Hall, Fire Station,
and Stevens Memorial Library. CPA funds have also preserved historic records and recorded historic properties on the
National Register of Historic Places. Below is a full list of the historic preservation projects funded to date by North
Andover’s Community Preservation Act funds.
Preservation Restrictions
A preservation restriction (PR), under M.G.L. c. 184, ss. 31-33, can be placed on both public and private resources.
Similar to a conservation restriction for natural resources, a PR runs with the deed of a historic property and it is one of
the strongest preservation tools available. Historic properties acquired with CPA funds and privately-owned resources
supported by CPA funds are required to have a preservation restriction placed on them to ensure a public benefit.
North Andover has nineteen resources on eight properties under preservation restrictions. Ten of these resources are on
the Stevens Estate on Osgood Hill. Other properties include the George H. Simonds Estate (Broadfields), Phillips Manse,
Samuel Osgood House, Parson Barnard House, North Parish Church, and Rev. Bailey Loring House and Farm.
Local Regulations
Demolition Delay Bylaw
North Andover’s Demolition Delay Bylaw applies to any building not already located in a local historic district which is
one hundred years or older.13 The North Andover Historical Commission oversees this bylaw and has the authority to
institute a one-year demolition delay on any building found to be historically significant. During the delay period, the
Historical Commission works closely with the property owners to encourage the preservation and reuse of the building
if possible. To date, the Demolition Delay process has been initiated twice. While demolition delay remains a powerful
community tool, there are limits to its abilities. The most successful projects are ones where both sides use the delay
period to work together towards a mutually beneficial goal.
Local Historic Districts Act
North Andover established its first and only local historic district under Chapter 40C in 1987 for the Old Center Historic
District.14 Local historic districts are the strongest protections available to a community for preserving their historic
structures and community character. In a local historic district, any change to the exterior of a structure that is visible
from a public way must be reviewed and approved by a Local Historic District Commission. North Andover’s Old
Center District preserves and protects many of the communities most significant historic resources, and its presence
has undoubtedly assisted in preserving the character of an area which would otherwise have been subject to
redevelopment. The town has considered local historic districts in other areas such as the Tavern Acres district, but has
not moved forward to create any further local historic districts at this time.
13 General Bylaws of the Town of North Andover, Chapter 82
14 Ibid., Chapter 125
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Table 7.6: Preservation Projects funded by the Community Preservation Act
Project Name Project Description Date
Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill
Copper Gutters and Rainspouts 2002
Water Service and Sprinklers 2003
Fire Protection System 2004
Gate House Restoration Phases 1 and 2 2005, 2009
Plant House Restoration 2005
Restore Windows and Historic appearance 2007, 2008
Master Plan for property 2011
Refurbish outside walls 2012
New Roof and Flashing 2013
Restoration of Stained Glass 2014
Restore Bathrooms and Stabilize Carriage House 2015
Stevens Memorial Library
North Entry Restoration, Phase I and II 2003, 2004
Restore roof and replace windows 2006
Roof Restoration 2016
Town Hall Renovation Project 2002
Town Common Historic Restoration Project 2003, 2007, 2010
Old Burying Grounds Restoration Project 2002
Machine Shop Village Historic District
Historic Streetscape Improvements Master Plan 2004 and 2005
Grant Application for MassHighway funds 2006
Historic Signage and Streetscape improvements 2009
North Parish Church Steeple and Foundation Restoration 2004
Scholfield Mill Site Restoration 2003
Foundation, Interior and Exterior Restoration 2013
Old Center Preservation Project Preservation of Historic Open Space (joint project with OS
funds)
2014
Old Police Court Restore Historic Jail for Senior Center 2008, 2009
Grogan’s Field Building Restore High School Athletic Building 2009
Hayscales Building Restoration Engineering Study and Exterior Restoration 2009, 2010
Main Street Fire Station Restoration Restoration of Building 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015
Historic Records Preservation Project Preserve records to 1861 (Phases 1-5)2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Ridgewood Cemetery Restoration Phases 1, 2,3,5 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
National Register Application 2013
North Andover Historical Society
Building Preservation
Master Planning Phase to restore structures 2011, 2013
Second Burying Grounds Restoration of Site 2013
Bradstreet School Memorial Preserve engraved stones and construct memorial 2015
Parson Barnard House and Barn
Structural Renovations
Repairs to the foundation and upper floors 2016
Sources: North Andover CPC Website and Community Preservation Coalition Website, August 22, 2017
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Neighborhood Conservation Districts
In 2008, North Andover established the Machine Shop Village Neighborhood Conservation District to provide a means
of preserving and protecting the former mill village area and the industrial, commercial, and residential buildings
that it contains.15 Unlike Local Historic Districts, which require approval for every exterior change, a Neighborhood
Conservation District has no review over smaller changes, but steps in on projects involving major alterations or
demolition. Considered by some to be a “light” version of a local historic district, it is a creative solution for protection
areas where the restrictions of a local historic district may be overly burdensome or unnecessary.
Preservation Education and Interpretive Activities
North Andover’s preservation community seeks to foster a greater appreciation of the town’s heritage and historic
assets through a variety of educational outreach initiatives. The North Andover Historical Commission defines education
and outreach as two elements of their mission in the community, and their events and activities both at their historic
sites and throughout the community work to achieve these goals. The North Andover Historical Commission partners
with the Historical Society in this work whenever possible. The Machine Shop Village Neighborhood Conservation
District Commission used CPA funding to develop and install a signage program to provide information on the
development of their district. The Old Center Historic Districts Commission also works with the Historical Commission
and Historical Society to promote the history of the town center and burying grounds.
Both the Historic Districts Commission and the Historical Commission have expressed interest in expanding their
education outreach efforts to encourage more appreciation of the town’s history and historic artifacts.
15 Ibid. Chapter 134
North Andover Master Plan 143
Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Planning Issues
Documentation and Protection of Historic and Natural
Resources
To protect its historic and natural resources, North Andover must first identify what resources are present. The town’s
historic resource inventory is out of date and incomplete. The town’s preservation program would benefit from a
concerted effort to develop and implement a plan for a community-wide survey of North Andover. Ensuring that these
efforts include all resources types, eras of significance, and geographic locations is important.
Increasing Education and Awareness of Historic and
Natural Resources
A common theme in talking with representatives of North Andover’s Historic Districts and Commissions is the need to
raise awareness in the community on the impacts of change on the town’s historic character. Traffic, infrastructure, and
modern technology are elements which can dramatically impact an historic neighborhood through incremental changes
and it is important to educate the community about the history of an area and the importance of its elements before
they are damaged or lost. Education programs sponsored by the Historical Society are a great resource in this area but
more programs are needed to prevent the loss of additional resources. Perhaps the Town could create a historic and
cultural map that acknowledges the history of North Andover and its important cultural resources. Education programs
that are targeted at protecting the drinking water supply would also benefit the town and residents.
Preserving Historic Landscapes, View Sheds and
Scenic Roadways
North Andover’s winding roads, scenic hilltops and open expanses of water and fields are some of its most distinctive
visual elements. Few protections are in place, however, to protect these resources from change. The 2005 North
Andover Reconnaissance Report includes a list of recommended actions such as establishing a scenic roadways bylaw,
developing access points to local waterways, and completing additional survey work to better understand the historic
resources themselves. As development in North Andover continues to grow, it is important that these character-defining
elements be identified and protected before they are lost. Including these resources when considering plans to protect
and preserve the town’s historic structures will ensure that the historic character of the community is preserved for the
future.
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Preserving North Andover’s Key Waterbodies and
Views
Despite the town’s success in curbing further contamination of, and developing protections for, Lake Cochichewick
and its watershed, it is anticipated that the lake views, open space, and larger lots in the area will continue to draw
development to the watershed. Even during the recession of 2008-2013, land within the watershed was developed at a
faster pace than land outside of the watershed, and the town must carefully monitor the water supply and its adjacent
properties to ensure its protection in the future.
Increasing Awareness of Lake Cochichewick
Watershed Protection District and Best Practices
Along the same lines as noted above, preserving the character of North Andover’s waterbodies and in particular, the
quality of its water supply in Lake Cochichewick, can be assisted by better education on the goals of the watershed
protection district and its “best practices” which include limiting fertilizer use, capturing runoff from roofs and driveways,
creating rain gardens, and developing a buffer zone adjacent to water sources to prevent yard waste or other
materials from entering the water. This work should also include town goals, such as updating the street sweeping
and storm drain cleaning plans for the roads within the District and installing signage to make resident aware of the
District’s boundaries and the impact of their actions on water quality.
Lake Cochichewick
North Andover Master Plan 145
Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Goals and Recommendations
Historic and Natural Resources Goal 1: Comprehensively identify, prioritize, and protect
North Andover’s character-defining historic and natural resources, including buildings,
structures, documents, artifacts, areas, landscapes, views, and scenic roadways.
»Acquire or otherwise protect priority open space parcels from development as identified through the most current
Open Space and Recreation Plan.
»Create a local Historic Preservation Master Plan to identify resources for stronger protection of historic resources,
improvements to strengthen effectiveness of existing historic and neighborhood conservation districts, and
protection of historic town records.
»Complete an Historic Structures Report for the Stevens Estate including outbuildings and landscapes, as well as
possible reuse options.
»Develop a program for displaying North Andover’s historical artifacts from the former Lowell American Textile
History Museum. Artifacts could be loaned to the Town and displayed through rotating galleries at Town Hall, the
Library, or other locations across town.
Historic and Natural Resources Goal 2: Raise community awareness and foster
preservation by creating opportunities for North Andover’s youth, families, and residents
of all ages to experience and learn about the community’s historic, cultural, and natural
assets.
»Nurture and support an ongoing relationship between the Historical Society and school department, especially
regarding the third-grade local history curriculum to create opportunities for local field trips, classroom guests,
and other educational opportunities about local history.
»Organize clean-up days for historic burial grounds and clean-up/community service days at the Historical Society
properties.
»Develop a historic and cultural asset map that highlights resources around North Andover.
»Use the community’s historic spaces and resources as venues for community events and arts programs.
»Develop a partnership between the Town’s historic sites, parks, and open spaces and its performing and visual
arts programs.
Historic and Natural Resources Goal 3: Develop stronger connections between the
Historical Society, town government, and local residents by supporting the Society’s
community stewardship and education programs and publicizing their role in the
preservation of North Andover’s public history.
»Partner with Trustees of Reservation and the Historical Society to expand the visibility of North Andover’s publicly-
accessible historic resources by coordinating events, holding joint house and facilities tours, and collaborating on
joint programs and volunteer activities.
»Partner with cultural organizations and non-profits like Windrush Farm, Rolling Ridge, and Merrimack College to
expand cultural programming and events for North Andover residents.
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Historic and Natural Resources Goal 4: Protect the quality of natural resources including
North Andover’s hilltop topography, natural landscapes, intact ecosystems, biodiversity,
and water quality, especially Lake Cochichewick, the community’s source of drinking
water.
»Establish a clear set of policies and procedures for communicating regularly with property owners enrolled in the
state’s three current-use Chapter 61 programs to enhance the possibility of permanent conservation solutions.
»Seek additional funding to preserve and maintain the Town’s conservation lands and Lake Cochichewick by
pursuing private funding sources, such as corporate partners, university research projects, or creating an open
space improvement fund that developers can pay in to.
Lake Cochichewick is a vital natural resource and public facility for North Andover. The lake provides drinking
water, recreation amenities, and a natural feature to collect runoff and support wildlife. The Watershed
Protection District that regulates the area around the lake have not been updated since 1987 and should be
reviewed for relevancy. Additional information on that process is provided on the proceeding pages.
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Historic, Cultural, & Natural Resources
Deep Dive: Watershed Protection District
Map Showing the Existing Watershed Protection DistrictOverview
Lake Cochichewick serves as North Andover’s sole
source of drinking water. As such, the Town has made it
a priority to protect the water source using a watershed
protection district to:
“preserve the purity of the ground water, the lake
and its tributaries, maintain the ground water table,
and maintain filtration and purification of the land,
while conserving the natural environment and
protecting public health, safety and welfare”.
Today, much of the land around the lake is used for
single-family residential and open space/recreation
purposes, with a few pockets of institutional and
commercial uses interspersed. Since 1987 when the
first Watershed Plan was completed, substantial
investments have been made to connect properties
across North Andover to water and sanitary sewers
to reduce reliance on groundwater wells and septic
systems. Today, there are roughly 50 properties that
remain on septic which is down from 396 in 1996.
To ensure Lake Cochichewick continues to serve as a
high-quality water source for the Town, the Master Plan
is recommending that an updated Watershed Plan be
developed. This plan should build on the great work
that has been done to date, but also look at new and
innovative water protection measures that could be
put in place to ensure responsible development and
pollution control into the future.
Opportunities for Improvement
While the Watershed Protection District has helped
maintain high standards for surface and ground water
in and around the Lake, there may be additional
best practices and regulations the Town may wish to
consider. Early action steps for the Town include:
»Hire a consultant to update the1987 Watershed
Plan to review the boundaries of the Watershed
Protection District, the permitting requirements and
process, and recommendations for best practices and guidelines for protecting water quality in the district. Compare
water quality results over the last 30 years to gauge the effectiveness of protective measures.
»Review current Mass DEP regulations for water protection and ensure North Andover’s bylaw meets or exceeds minimum
standards.
»Review the effectiveness and necessity of permits from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Planning Board for
large and small size projects in the non-disturbance buffer area (150 to 250 foot buffer from mean high water mark of the
lake).
»Update the existing Watershed Protection District regulations in the Zoning Bylaw to reflect the recommendations and
implementation of an updated Watershed Plan.
»Work with large land owners along the lake to consider conservation restrictions or use restrictions. These include the
Brooks School, North Andover Country Club, Rolling Ridge, Edgewood, and more.
»Deputize one department or staff member to oversee the protection of the lake and implement the recommendations of
the updated Watershed Plan. The Town could also consider creating a Lake or Watershed Committee.
CHAPTER EIGHT:
PUBLIC FACILITIES &
SERVICES8
North Andover Master Plan150
Public Facilities & Services8
Public Facilities
& Services
KEY FINDINGS:
»The Town takes a systematic approach to
maintaining and updating its facilities.
»The Town provides a wide range of
services to its residents including full-
time police and fire services, street
maintenance, curb-side solid waste and
recycling services, snow removal, and
public water and sewage.
»Town facilities include a newly renovated
Town Hall, Police headquarters, new
Central Fire Station and Fire Station 2,
DPW facilities, a Senior Center, eight
public schools, a Youth Center, public
library and multiple facilities for outdoor
recreation.
»The Town prides itself on providing
efficient and cost-effective services. It
recently achieved an AAA bond rating.
»The increase in the senior population
will result in a need for additional senior
programming, a new expanded senior
center, transportation, and senior housing.
These needs are in the process of being
addressed.
»Significant public facilities projects are
underway or recently completed including
adding 16 Kindergarten classrooms to
the Early Childhood Center and the North
Andover Recreation Complex Project.
Chapter Overview
Purpose
»Describe the Town’s municipal facilities and the services offered.
»Through discussions with staff, residents, and elected officials, identify potential shortfalls and needs over the
next ten to fifteen years.
»Develop a set of recommendations to help the Town chart a path toward addressing future facility and service
needs based on potential growth and change.
North Andover Master Plan 151
Public Facilities & Services
Connections to Community Planning
Town facilities and services are critical to the everyday lives of the people, businesses, and visitors of North Andover.
Maintaining the facilities and providing essential services are core functions of town government. Understanding how
the community may change over time and what needs may arise are essential to planning for shifts in services or future
expenditures. The Town will need to respond to changes like servicing new development, changing demographics,
infrastructure needs, demands on recreation fields, and shifts in the local economy. Understanding how the Town may
change over time will allow staff and elected leaders to plan accordingly for how to address future needs.
Key Recommendations
1. Continue to prioritize the update, repair, and renovation of the Town’s public
buildings and schools as needed.
2. Provide appropriate facilities and services for an increasing aging population,
including strengthening connections between the Council on Aging, the School
Department, and the Youth Center to reach isolated seniors and expand the
opportunities for inter-generational off-site programming (wellness, recreation and
opportunities to socialize); especially for Young Energetic Senior (YES) population
interested in fitness and wellness.
3. Encourage the Youth Center to expand programming and, if necessary, space both
on-and off-site.
4. Make “green” or environmentally-friendly improvements to existing Town buildings
where feasible, including the use of renewable energy sources such as solar.
5. Actively recruit volunteers that represent a greater gender, age and ethnic diversity.
Introduction
This chapter identifies and describes the public facilities and services that the Town of North Andover provides to its
residents and businesses. As the Town continues to develop and improve, municipal services may need to change to
reflect the needs of the community. Aging facilities will need to be replaced and/or upgraded. Existing Town services
will need to be adjusted and adapted to meet various codes, changes in technology, and changes in available
methods for increased efficiency. New services and facilities may be needed to accommodate a growing elderly
population. These changes will impact the way in which services are provided, the buildings which house them, as well
as their capital needs. Ultimately, these changes may impact the Town budget as well.
The Town has been very deliberate and systematic about maintaining, renovating, and replacing aging facilities and
has been able to allocate funding to keep up with their current Facilities Plan. The quality of services is reportedly
excellent and residents reportedly get a good value for their tax dollar.
The Town Charter, enacted in 1986, provides for an Open Town Meeting, Board of Selectmen and Town Manager
form of government. North Andover has one of the largest open Town Meetings in the State, with an average of
approximately 500 people participating (over the last 10 years), yet they are able to complete all discussions and
decision-making in one night.
North Andover Master Plan152
Public Facilities & Services
The most recent Facilities Master Plan for North Andover was completed in 2012. Town-owned sites were assessed in
order to develop alternatives for redeveloping or relocating Town departments and facilities. The sites were evaluated
individually as well as collectively to determine how they could best meet the needs of municipal departments and
serve the North Andover community. The Plan recommended the following capital improvement projects:
»Replacement of Old Police Station with new School Administration Building (complete)
»New Gym at Kittredge Elementary School (complete)
»New Central Fire Station at Town-owned High School Site (complete)
»Renovation of former Central Fire Station for Community and Economic Development Division along with
renovation of Town Hall (complete)
»Renovate DPW Garage and make site improvements (completed)
»Expansion of Senior Center (in process – new location approved)
»New Kindergarten Classrooms (in process-design and construction funded)
Inventory and Existing Conditions
The Town has a total of 214,659 square feet of municipal buildings and 731,750 square feet of school buildings for a
total of 946,409 square feet.
Table 8.1 North Andover Public Facilities Building and Site Address
Facility Site Address Size (Square Feet)
Atkinson School 111 Phillips Brooks Road 45,200
Early Childhood Center & Kindergarten Classrooms 115 Phillips Brooks Road 36,900
Franklin School 2 Cypress Road 53,500
High School 430 Osgood Street 320,000
Kittredge School 601 Main Street 36,500
Middle School 495 Main Street 150,000
Annie L. Sargent School 300 Abbott Street 71,500
Thomson School 266 Waverly Road 42,00
School Administration Building 566 Main Street 7,500
Town Hall 120 Main Street 23,286
Senior Center 120 Main Street 7,400
Public Works Building 384 Osgood Street 27,000
Police Department 1475 Osgood Street 20,673
Central Fire Station 795 Chickering Road 14,500
Fire Station #2 9 Salem Street 6,000
Stevens Memorial Library 345 Main Street 20,000
Youth Center 33 Johnson Street 15,300
Stevens Estate 723 Osgood Street 36,500
Water Treatment Plant 420 Great Pond Road 26,000
Schofield Mill (Thrift Shop)172 Sutton Street 1,000
Stevens Pond Beach Pavilion Pleasant Street 1,000
North Andover Master Plan 153
Public Facilities & Services
Town Offices
Town Hall
The renovation and expansion of the Town Hall building was
completed in October of 2016. The result is a very aesthetically
pleasing and better functioning building. The Senior Center
is currently located behind the building but there are plans to
relocate it elsewhere in town. There is also a municipal parking lot
is located behind Town Hall.
Public Meeting Spaces
A variety of public meeting spaces are located in various facilities
throughout the Town. Discussions with Town staff revealed
availability of space is satisfactory.
Community Access and Media
North Andover’s community access television (NACAM) films most
of the Board and Committee meetings and broadcasts them live.
Links to the various recordings are available on the website1
1 http://northandovercam.org/our-channels/govcam/schedule/
The Town Hall building accommodates
the following departments:
Administration and Finance
»Accounting and Budgeting
»Assessor
»Human Resources
»Information Technology
»Tax Collector
»Treasurer
»Town Clerk
Town Manager/Board of Selectmen
»Licensing
»Purchasing
»Boards & Committees
Community and Economic Development
»Conservation Department
»Building Department
»Health Department
»Planning Department
»Zoning Enforcement Department
Community Services
»Veterans Services
Boards and Committees
»The Board of Selectmen and the Town
Manager are the primary appointing
authority for the Boards, Committees, and
Commissions. Also, the Town Moderator
is an elected position and is the actual
appointing authority of the Finance
Committee.
Elder Services and the Senior Center are located
in a building attached to the Town Hall.
Table 8.2 Public Meeting Spaces
Name of the Facility Capacity (approx)Comments
Town Hall
50 BOS Meeting Room
8 Conference Room 1
10 Conference Room 2
Schools Each of the schools has space available for
community use (cafeteria, auditorium, etc.)
Police Headquarters 20
Stevens Estate 100 Function Room
Library
75 3 meeting spaces, but
usually not available
for non-library use.
50
15
School Administration
Building 30
Space has and/or has
access to audio visual
equipment.
Senior Center 75
Space has and/or has
access to audio visual
equipment.
Youth Center 15
Mostly used for Youth
Center activities but
also by the public at
large when available.
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Public Facilities & Services
Municipal Parking Lots
North Andover has one municipal parking lot located behind Town Hall. The lot primarily serves both staff and visitors
going to the Senior Center and Town Hall. There are a total of 81 parking spaces available.
Schools
North Andover’s schools are a critical public service and represent a
significant percentage of the town’s budget. North Andover’s schools
have a very good reputation, in fact many residents report moving to
North Andover specifically for the schools. In addition to the quality of
the education, North Andover also has free all day Kindergarten.
North Andover has an Early Childhood Center (Pre-K), five elementary
schools, one middle school, and one high school. The Middle School,
Early Childhood Center and two elementary schools (Atkinson and
Kittredge) are located in what is referred to as the “school cluster,”
on Main Street. Two other elementary schools – the Thomson (one-
half mile) and Franklin (eight-tenths of a mile) – and the High School
(on-half mile) are located in close proximity to the school cluster.
Sargent School is the only school not located near the cluster, and is
the newest school and is located further south and east of the school
cluster. The School Administration is housed in a new building located
on 566 Main Street within the school cluster area.
»Average class sizes are slightly above ideal standards,
particularly in the elementary schools where the Department of
Education typically recommends smaller class sizes:
»Elementary schools: 23-24 students/classroom
»Middle School: 28-29 students/classroom
»High School: 21 students/classroom
The school’s population is slightly more diverse than that of the Town’s overall population with 76.9% of students being
White, 8.8% Hispanic and 8.1% Asian. Additionally, 8% of the students report that their First Language is Not English
and 1.8% are English Language Learners. Other selected populations include 15.2% Students with Disabilities, 26.1%
with High Needs, and 12.7% Economically Disadvantages students. Currently, 18% of students are eligible for a free
or reduced lunch, but in two elementary schools close to 50% of the students are eligible.2 The Town has centralized
its special needs resources so that those children with severe physical limitations are accommodated at the Sargent
Elementary School. Children are brought here in small school vans with handicap accessibility.
A study conducted in 2016 looked at the classroom and other needs of all the elementary schools and determined that
future renovation work should focus on the following schools in the order in which they are listed: Franklin, Atkinson, and
Kittredge.
2 Massachusetts Department of Education School District Profiles: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/general/general.
aspx?topNavID=1&leftNavId=100&orgcode=02110000&orgtypecode=5
RAISE (Respect, Achievement,
Inclusion, Service & Empathy)
These values are taught to students of all
ages. As the community has become more
diverse, teaching these values has become
even more important relevant.
For 15 years the schools have been
promoting values through a “RAISE”
program: Respect, Achievement,
Inclusion, Service & Empathy. Students
are encouraged to be high achievers and
productive citizens and to demonstrate
RAISE values every day. Educators present
the school children with opportunities for
academic and social-emotional growth that
build on the community values and beliefs.
North Andover Master Plan 155
Public Facilities & Services
Enrollment
With the exception of Sargent School, which can accommodate an additional 35 students, the other four elementary
schools are at capacity. Currently, there are an average of 23.5 students per class in the elementary schools. The School
Department has set a goal to reduce this to 19.6 per classroom. To help meet this goal, the Town has relocated all the
kindergarten classes to an addition to the Early Childhood Center where it is anticipated that the average Kindergarten
class size will drop to 20. Relocating the kindergarten classes to the Early Childhood Center has allowed the Elementary
Schools to reintroduce dedicated spaces for Library, Music, and Art.
As it stands today, the Middle School is reportedly currently over capacity, while the High School is under capacity and
can accommodate an additional 100 students.
Table 8.3 North Andover Public Schools
School Location Grades # of students
(2016-17)Student/ Teacher Ratio Facility Condition
Early Childhood
Center
115 Phillips
Brooks Road Pre-K Plans to expand to include all
Grade K classrooms
Atkinson
Elementary
111 Phillips
Brooks Road K-5 549 17.0 to 1
Add classrooms
Some renovations needed
Needs sprinkler system
Franklin
Elementary
2 Cypress
Terrace K-5 477 15.9 to 1
Replace portables
Add classrooms
Some renovations needed
Needs sprinkler system
Built in 1957 and has not been
updated since
Kittredge
Elementary
601 Main Street K-5 296 17.2 to 1 Oldest school, in need of
updating
Replace portables
Add classrooms
Sargent
Elementary
300 Abbott Street K-5 552 15.4 to 1 All physical special needs
students accommodated
Can accommodate an
additional 35 students
Thomson
Elementary
266 Waverly
Road
K-5 362 14.9 to 1
Middle School 495 Main Street 6-8 1,139 16.1 to 1 Plans for a science wing
extension & renovation
High School 430 Osgood
Street 9 -12 1,391 16.0 to 1
Completed in 2004
Can accommodate an
additional 100 students
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Public Facilities & Services
Total Enrollment
Current (2016-2017) enrollment in the seven schools is 4,788 students in
Grades PK-12. As is evidenced by Table 8.4, enrollment has increased
slightly over the past decade.
Early Childhood Expansion Project
After reviewing several scenarios3, the School Committee decided to
address the relatively large class sizes in the elementary schools by
creating the kindergarten complex. This was accomplished by clustering
all kindergarten classes in an addition to the existing Early Childhood
Center (ECC). The funds for this project came from traditional borrowing
($2,175,000) and the use of reserves ($4,000,000). These reserves are the
direct result of the Town’s work to contain costs over the last 5 years. As
a result, no town services were adversely impacted and no tax Override
(actually called a “Debt Exclusion” in this case) vote was required to
construct this new facility.
The new addition means that the ECC now accommodate students ages 3-6 (Pre-K-K). The goal is to maintain a class
size of no more than 21.
All kindergarten will be full day with before and after school programming available as well. One advantage of this
option over other options is that it did not require redistricting. For first grade, students will attend their neighborhood
schools. Classrooms will be balanced so that each group of children represents children from all 5 elementary schools.
This way when children transition to first grade they will know some other children at their neighborhood school.
Public Safety
Fire Department
The Town is served by two fire stations. The Central Station, which was originally built at the turn of the previous
century, was located on Main Street adjacent to Town Hall. As the town grew, the Johnson Street Station was
constructed in 1971 to service the areas outside of downtown (Out Country). In 2015, a new Central Station was built
and located at 795 Chickering Road.
Even though both Fire Stations are within approximately one mile of one another, according to the Fire Chief they are
well located in that they are able to stay within the industry standard response time of within 4–6 minutes. There is a
small part of the Town, the “non-hydrant district,” where mutual aid is required when there is a need for service.
Station 2 is in need of more apparatus storage, an additional bay, a woman’s bathroom, a gear room, and separate
sleeping quarters. There is reportedly room for expansion on the Salem Street site, although the site poses a number
of challenges. The Department would like another garage to store cars and other equipment. There are currently 2
ambulances in service. Most medical calls are to senior housing complexes as well as opiate overdoses; both have
been slightly increasing. As the senior population continues to grow, there may be a need for a third ambulance.
Currently the Department uses mutual aid with surrounding communities when a third ambulance is needed.
3 The architects explored 2 other options - 1) adding additional classrooms at Kittredge, Atkinson and Franklin; and 2) adding a Kindergarten complex to Franklin. Other
options that were suggested were building a 5th grade wing to the Middle School or building another elementary school. The kindergarten complex attached to the ECC
was the most cost effective option and required the least amount of time to complete.
Table 8.4 School Enrollment Trends
Year PK-12 Enrollment
2007-2008 4,546
2008-2009 4,604
2009-2010 4,614
2010-2011 4,638
2011-2012 4,687
2012-2013 4,765
2013-2014 4,800
2014-2015 4,799
2015-2016 4,714
2016-2017 4,788
Source: North Andover School Department, North
Andover School District- Enrollment Projection
Model
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Staff
The Fire Department is staffed by the Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Prevention lieutenant, eight line lieutenants, forty-four
firefighter/EMTs, one Administrative assistant.
Apparatus
The Department owns and maintains the following pieces of apparatus: Three staff/command vehicles, three Engines,
one ladder, three ambulances, one forestry vehicle on order, and one utility vehicle pick-up.
Calls for Service
The graph below illustrates that there is no real trend with regard to the overall number of calls for service, however,
Rescue and Emergency Medical Service calls are by far the largest in number and percentage of total number of calls.
Total Calls for service during the period between January 1, 2012 and July 7, 2017 was 22,597. Of these, the large
majority were “Rescue and Emergency Medical Service” calls.
Emergency Medical Service
The North Andover Fire Department is the designated Emergency Ambulance Service Provider for the Town of
North Andover, responding to 4,127 fire rescue & emergency medical calls in 2016, with two state certified class 1
(transporting) ambulances, one stationed at each of the two fire stations – Central Station at 795 Chickering Road,
and Station 2 at 9 Salem Street. Two Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians staff each of the ambulances. Since
2015, all three Engines and the Ladder truck are certified class 5 (non-transporting) ambulances. This designation
allows the Firefighters/EMTs on these trucks to begin care of a patient with all the same equipment as the transporting
ambulances, until one arrives. Currently there are fifty-five uniformed personnel on the Department and all are EMTs4.
4 Since 1983, it is a job requirement that new firefighters must attain and maintain their EMT certification. If they are promoted to Lieutenant, they may drop their
certification. This certification is in Basic Life Support (BLS).
FIGURE 8.1 - FIRE DEPARTMENT CALL VOLUMES
Table 8.5 Fire Department Calls
for Service
Call Type Percent
False Alarms and False
Calls 13.3%
Fire 2.7%
Good Intent Calls 3.6%
Hazardous Conditions
(No fire)3.7%
Other Types of
Incidents 1.7%
Overpressure, Ruptures,
Explosion, ensuing fire)0.1%
Rescue & Emergency
Medical Service 65.6%
Service Calls 9.2%
Severe Weather and
Natural Disasters 0.1%
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Since the mid-1980s the fire department has charged for ambulance service. The Board of Selectmen sets the rates
annually. Paramedic services are provided for a fee through the Lawrence General Hospital – Advanced Life Support
Unit (ALS), which is dispatched according to protocol.
Unique Care Alert Reporting System
The Police and Fire Department provide an opportunity for people with special needs to register with the Departments
so that first responders have information regarding the individual’s special needs in advance of a crisis. This allows for
a swift and educated response that can help in times of crisis, evacuations and other incidents requiring emergency
response.
Anyone who has a special need, health challenge or disability such as, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism,
Seizure Disorder, Mobility or Cognitive Impairment, or other medical condition, who would like first responders like
police, EMTs and fire department to know of their special needs are eligible for this service. Residents can register with
the nurse at one of North Andover public schools or with the Police Department.
Police Department
North Andover provides its residents with full-time police service. The Police Department Headquarters at 566 Main
Street was originally built in 1970 and was relocated to a new and larger renovated facility on Osgood Street in 2010.
The facility is reportedly adequate with the exception of needing a garage and carport.
The Police Department can accommodate 45 sworn personnel and currently has 41, but anticipate at least this many
in the next academy in September. There are 9 communication officers full time, three part-time and three civilian
personnel, administrative director, records clerk and chief’s administrative assistant. The Police Department currently has
twelve marked cars, four unmarked cars, and four undercover vehicles, one motorcycle as well as a Bicycle patrol.
Calls for Service
Calls for service reportedly fluctuate and peaked in 2014. They slightly decreased in the following year and have been
relatively stable since.
The numbers of crimes committed in general has been decreasing. More specifically larceny, breaking and entering,
and domestic abuse have been steadily decreasing, while incidents of assault and battery have remained relatively
stable5.
The number of opiate overdoses has created a new set of challenges for police officers and has required them to
obtain additional skill sets (akin to social workers). Additionally, it is anticipated that the new marijuana law when put
into effect will affect the Department’s workload.
Information from the Town indicates that over the last five years or so there has been a decline in criminal activity in
North Andover overall and especially in the categories of Larceny and Burglary, the two most common calls for the
Police Department’s service.
The trend in decreasing crime is also evident when comparing calls for service between Januray and October in the
years 2016 and 2017.6
5 North Andover Police Department
6 The data for 2017 was requested in October of 2017, so data from 2016 is provided only until October in this table so as to compare the same time period.
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Technology
The Police Department uses technology in a number
of ways to make policing more effective and
efficient. The electronic sending and receiving of
information has made investigative police work more
effective. Information can be sent to other agencies
instantaneously which can help to solve cases
quicker than before. And data can be transmitted
to Officers on patrol to assist them during traffic
stops. Additionally, residents can download forms
that they would otherwise have to travel to the police
department for. They can also schedule appointments
or station tours via email or report problems in their
neighborhood or somewhere else in Town that may
not need immediate attention or use the email as a
follow-up to a previous phone call.
Community Services
Stevens Memorial Library
North Andover’s public library is located in an historic
building at 345 Main Street that was constructed in
1907. Two wings were added to the building in 1969,
and then in 1994 an 18,000-square foot extension
was added to the building. The building is a total of
20,025 square feet on two floors and has a seating
capacity of 125 patrons. There are two dedicated
spaces, one for children and one for young adults.
There are also three meeting spaces.
Funding for the library comes from a variety of
sources including: the Town Budget, State Aid, interest
from Library Endowment Funds, and the Friends of
the Steven Memorial Library. The Stevens Library is
part of the regional inter-library loan network, the
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.
Staff
In 2016, the Library had 26 staff positions, 7 full-time
and 19 part-time staff members as well as a number
of volunteers.
Circulation
During FY ‘15 the Stevens Memorial Library circulated almost 215,000 items. They had over 21,000 registered borrowers.
Inter-library loans, both borrowed and provided, totaled 59,140 in FY 2015, an increase of 10% since FY 2010. Actual
visits to the Library have increased to over 185,000 annually with over 3300 visits per week, and the 3 meeting spaces
were used by the Library, town officials, civic, social and cultural groups more than 675 times during that same year.
FIGURE 8.2 - POLICE CALL VOLUMES 2013-2016
FIGURE 8.3 - POLICE CALL VOLUMES 2016-2017
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The Library’s collection continues to change according to technological advances and the patterns of patron borrowing.
While the total number of holdings has increased significantly over the last ten years (from 119,603 in FY2008 to 243,426
in FY2016), the number of books has decreased (from 105,658 in FY2008 to 88,663 in FY2016). Simultaneously the
number of e-books has increased significantly. (from zero in FY2008 to 142,240 in FY2016)7.
Programs
The library offers a wide range of programs for all ages. Program announcements are posted on the Library’s website
main page and Facebook account. Programs are also listed on the Library website Calendar of Events. A children’s
room provides a setting for programs and story-hours for younger patrons. The library is open seven days a week
between Labor Day through Memorial Day; during the summer it is closed on weekends.
The Library has three meeting spaces, the largest of which can accommodate 75 people. A children’s craft room can
accommodate 15 people and the local history room, 50. These are in constant use and are therefore, not available for
non-library use.
The national trend is that the public library is increasingly becoming more of a community center. The Stevens Memorial
Library Strategic Plan (PY2018 – FY2022) recognizes the need to develop beyond traditional roles, incorporate
technological changes, and respond to demographic changes. Additionally, there is a growing need for libraries
to provide a free community resource for people to access information that is relevant to their lifestyle choices (e.g.
health, finance, education). The changing role is evident in the changes in the way the library is used by the community
(for example, fewer materials are
circulated, but library visits, presumably
for accessing information and attending
programs has increased) evident in
Table 8.6.
As the population has become more
diverse a number of English language
learners (primarily Chinese and Arabic-
speaking grandmothers) use the library
for their lessons. There are no foreign
language collections, but these can be
accessed through the regional borrowing
system if desired.
Technology
The Library first provided Wi-Fi in 2005 and has upgraded its Internet access speed. The total number of personal
computers has increased from 6 in FY2008 to more than four times that many (27) in FY2016. The Library continues
to replace computer terminals as necessary and as funding permits and tries to keep technology as up-to-date as
possible.
The Library involved stakeholders (teens, seniors, book club members, parents of young children, etc.) in a series of
focus groups to understand what patrons may expect from the institution in the future. Working with the Library staff and
Library Trustees, the Strategic Plan developed the following six goals for the 21st century library:
7 from Stevens Memorial Library Strategic Plan (FY2018-FY2022), page 12.
Table 8.6 Stevens Memorial Library Activity (FY08 - FY16)
Category FY 2008 FY 2012 FY 2016
Number of Borrowers 28,568 17,604 22,018
Materials Circulated 218,273 227,893 208,326
Inter-Library Loans Received 21,967 35,038 37,837
Inter-Library Loans Provided 16,312 21,531 19,140
Information & Reference Transactions 24,549 29,318 24,841
Public Computer Usage 804 1,295 520
Library Visits 161,070 180,008 185,589
Programs Offered 396 427 420
Source: Massachusetts Collection, ARIS Report as cited in the Steven Memorial Library
Strategic Plan (FY2018-FY2022)
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»Expand our patrons’ access to global information resources, regardless of format.
»Collaborate with groups and organizations in our community and beyond to provide shared and enhanced
services and programs.
»Promote and support lifelong learning regardless of age or interest.
»The Library will be a one-stop source to help direct patrons to needed information.
»Provide a welcoming, flexible physical space to support a wide range of activities.
»Be prepared to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of our community.
The evolving expectations of residents regarding their library is also evident in their responses to a survey administered
as part of the Strategic planning process. Two examples are:
»In response to the question “If the Library could do anything to improve your Library experience what would it
be?,” one third of the respondents replied: “More downloadable eBooks, audios, movies, music and magazines.”
»When asked what the Library’s priorities should be, most respondents chose options that involved programming,
mainly supporting the school curriculum by providing homework help and other programs and building
partnerships with the schools and others to expand the programming at the library.
Many of the issues identified in the Library’s FY2006-FY2010 Long Range Plan have been addressed, however, some
such as the need for additional parking (reportedly patrons number one complaint is a lack of parking) and patrons’
desire for additional small group study spaces have yet to be provided. There are currently 38 parking spaces and
they are reportedly always full. There is no more land for expansion. The library is considering offering off-site
programming at “satellite locations” such as the schools on Saturdays. Different kinds of spaces being considered
include maker spaces and homework and tutor help centers. The library will expand its efforts to collaborate on
programming with both the Council on Aging and the schools as one way of meeting the increase in demand.
As the library relocates some of its book collection it will create space for a STEM program. As the library’s role
changes, staffing needs, especially the staff’s skill sets, will also change. The expected trend is that the public service
desk will be used more and more as a resource for a range of requests including questions regarding STEM, media,
digital literacy, citizenship, etc. Reportedly, one of the library’s biggest challenges is keeping up with technology.
Council on Aging/Senior Center
The Council on Aging has five full-time salaried employees, including the Director. It is located at the Senior Center in
a building adjacent to the Town Hall on Main Street. The Center opened in 1984. In 1997 the Town doubled the size of
the facility by adding three function rooms and a commercial kitchen. The building also operates as a warming station
for the elderly.
The Center operates weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 PM and occasionally in the evenings. The mission of the Council on
Aging is: “to advocate for older adults, to identify their needs, to meet their health, economic, social and cultural needs,
to encourage maximum independence and to improve their quality of life.” It fulfills its mission by providing a range
of programs and services to the growing elderly population. These include crafts, exercise, educational events, health
services and opportunities to socialize. Lunch is served daily at 11:45 AM.
Currently there is a lack of space designated for specific programs that as programming increases, becomes
problematic. Additionally, there is a lack of storage space and space for private conversation. An additional issue
is the number of parking spaces is reportedly inadequate, but also the number of small accidents that occur in the
parking lot is reportedly extremely frequent.
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As the senior population continues to grow, the Senior Center will need to expand both physically as well as in terms of
programming. The senior population can be divided in a number of groups, each with different needs. These include
the YES (Young Energetic Seniors), the older/frail individuals with healthcare needs and assistance with activities of
daily living, the socially isolated, and those with dementia. The Senior Center currently tries to meet the needs of all
the Town’s seniors. It provides a wide range of programming including fitness, socializing and helps seniors access
resources. Daily luncheons provide opportunities for socializing. Elder Service of Merrimack Valley provides Meals on
Wheels (meals are heated in the kitchen at the Senior Center).
The sheer number of seniors in the near future will result in the need for an expanded Senior Center at the newly
designated location on Sutton Street, sharing space with the community at large may be more desirable in that it
promotes more natural inter-generational interaction. Looking to the future, the baby boomer generation is not as
interested in age-segregated activities and is more interested in fitness and socializing. Developing off-site activities
(kayaking, biking, hiking) for active seniors may be another option for expansion of programming.
The Council on Aging has considered establishing a memory café and may explore AARP dementia-friendly community
designation in the future.
There is a lack of “next step activities” and affordable housing for seniors (need to encourage through density/zoning).
Currently there are a few complexes including:
»An Assisted Living step down complex with 134 units
»Edgewood Independent and Assisted Living is currently planning an expansion to include 40 Alzheimer’s units
»Sutton Hill Center nursing home
Para-transit transportation services are needed especially for medical visits. Currently, the following services are
available to North Andover senior citizens:
»Some volunteers (from the Northern Essex Elder Transport (NEET) Program) currently provide some rides
»Senior center provides 2 vans that take elderly residents to the grocery store and on field trips
»The regional transit authority does NOT provide a RIDE-like program. The MVRTA provides service through the
EZ Trans program. ADA EZ Trans services are provided to those persons with disabilities that meet the definition
of eligibility as established under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This definition relates to the physical
or cognitive impairments that prevent use of the MVRTAs fixed route bus system. All participants must be certified
through the MVRTA Office of Special Services. This service is only available within the three-quarter mile corridor
on each side of an MVRTA fixed bus route.
Youth and Recreation Services/Youth Center
The Director of Youth and Recreation Services manages the Youth Center, coordinates all athletic fields, organizes
concerts in the common, movies and oversees swimming in Stevens Pond. Programs are funded by using a
combination of funds, donations and Town budget. The town includes funds for the Youth Center in the operating
budget. Additionally, there is a revolving fund that receives monies through registration and membership fees. The
Center also utilizes the services of a consulting firm to conduct fundraising to supplement these funds. The Youth Center
building and Steven’s Pond facilities are maintained by the Department of Public Works.
Youth Center
The Youth Center, which opened in the year 2000, replaced an historic white house and red barn in the historic district
and the new building reflects this architectural heritage. The Center has a large gymnasium, computer room, game
room, lounge area, multi-purpose room, fully operational kitchen, conference room, and weight room.
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The Youth Center is located on 4 acres. The
grounds are comprised of a basketball court,
street hockey rink, playground, softball multi-
purpose field, beach volleyball, garden, passive
recreation space and a parking lot for 75 cars.
The Center is used 6 days a week and is located
within walking distance of the Middle School, High
School and 3 elementary schools. On Saturdays,
it is open from 1:00 – 4:00 PM for 4th-6th graders
and from 4:00 – 8:00 PM for middle and high
school students.
The Center is used primarily by 6th-12th graders
for recreation, socializing and academic
counseling. The Middle school students reportedly
see it more as a “clubhouse,” dropping by and
then finding something to do, while the high
school students tend to come for a specific program/recreation, resulting in most middle school students spending more
time at the Center. A large number of middle school students walk to the Youth Center directly after school.
Membership numbers per year are steady at 580-640 per year. The Center consistently services over 3,000 elementary
through college age residents each year. The programs are located both inside the building as well as off-site and are
usually sold out. In 2016, the Center reached 95% capacity on all programs offered. The building is open 6 days a week
with an average of 180 kids per day, that is, a minimum of 100-120 per day to a maximum of over 400 on the busiest
days (in the summer).
Membership is open to North Andover’s middle and high school residents and allows them to visit the Youth Center
after school Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 4:00-8:00 PM. A membership is $100 for September 2016
through August 2017. Non-members can participate in specific programs for a fee. A wide range of programs
include Step Up, Book Buddies, Comic Book Club and Gardening as well as a series of field trips. A 7-week Summer
Playground program for grades K-8 and summer programs including basketball league, sailing, filmmaking and
climbing adventures as well as several field trips for mountain biking, hiking among several other activities.
A listing of the Youth Center’s activities and events are posted on the Town website, disseminated by way of a
newsletter and sending members emails with relevant information.
The Youth Center is staffed by five full-time employees – the Director, an Assistant Director, and 3 Program Coordinators.
Staffing is supplemented by hiring 20 high school and college students during the school year. Part-time seasonal hiring
is based on programming and need and can reach up to 100 high school and college students in the summer.
The Director of Youth Services has a long-range facility plan for deferred maintenance and other facility needs. He
has identified a need for additional space both for storage as well as for additional programming. There are plans
to expand Arts and Music programming and not enough space to accommodate these. The Center plans to explore
using space at the schools for expanded programming. If would be difficult to expand on-site. Storage needs (both for
staff and student personal belongings) could be accommodated by a small addition to the back of the building (where
some buildable land is located).
North Andover Youth Services Van
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Stevens Estate
The Stevens Estate, an historic mansion
constructed in 1886, is comprised of four structures
and 153 surrounding acres, and is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. It was bought
by the Town in 1995 in order to preserve the vast
majority of the 153-acre parcel as open land. It is
used for weddings, baby showers, conferences,
and other events. Reportedly over 50 weddings
a year are held at the Estate. The Library also
projects family movies under the tent during the
summer months.
The facility is managed by the Office of
Community and Economic Development as an
enterprise fund; however, certain maintenance
costs are needed beyond the revenue generated
by hosting events. Due to the age of the building
and its historic nature mean that repairs and
maintenance costs are relatively high. While some of the deferred maintenance is covered by revenue from events,
the periodically seek Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds from the Town are periodically sought. Some of the
bathrooms were recently renovated on the second floor.
The Estate is comprised of four buildings: the main building (23,000 sq. ft.) where most of the capital improvements
have been made, the Stable which is currently empty (but had been in use as a rental facility approximately 10 years
ago and, has been mothballed to protect it, but needs renovating (and a purpose), the Gatehouse (vacant and not
handicap accessible) and the Garage (Emergency Management) currently stores an emergency vehicle here. Only the
Main House is currently in use. Winter access is one of the concerns cited for this reuse.
Daily operations of and functions at the Estate are run by a full-time Director who reports to the Director of Community
and Economic Development. Other staff include a part-time Events Manager, part-time bartending staff, part-time
laborer to set-up/break down functions and some volunteers. DPW plows the driveway. The facility is served by public
water, sewer, gas and electrical utilities.
A Facilities Master Plan that includes an existing conditions report was prepared for the estate in 2012. There is a
function room that was attached to the main house in the 1960 and, while it lacks charm and any historical significance,
it provides necessary space for the operations of the facility. Further, while profits were much higher when the kitchen
at the main house was available for use, currently events are catered which reduces revenues accrued to the Town.
In fact, in 2009 the Town issued a RFP to privatize the management of the Estate’ function facility but there were no
bidders reportedly due in large part to the inadequate kitchen. There are several reports that provide descriptions and
cost estimates of needed repairs and maintenance for the main house and the other structures at the Estate.
The Estate needs an overall vision to help determine its future use and resource allocation. The open space at the
Estate is not formerly protected through any recorded instrument (e.g., conservation restriction). There has been some
private interest expressed in the estate (e.g., boutique hotel), but no definitely commitments have been made. A
Committee is expected to be formed to focus on the future of the Estate.
Entrance to the Stevens Estate
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Stevens Pond
The Town Beach is located at Steven’s Pond (522 Pleasant Street). The Pond is managed and maintained by the
Director of Youth Services and Recreation who is in the process of developing a Long-Range Plan for the area.
Reportedly there is a need for upgrading some of the equipment such as the diving raft and there is a desire among
residents to introduce canoe and kayak rental on the pond.
Stevens Pond is open seven days a week for nine weeks during the summer starting at the end of June. It is open
every day from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM with certified lifeguards on duty at all times. There is a gate attendant checking
passes as it is for residents use only. A season family pass costs $75, while a daily pass costs $12. Swimming lessons
are provided and reportedly it is one of the few places where residents from all parts of the Town gather and mingle.
Stevens Pond also offers special events for families, and they plan to have programs around activities with nature as
well as athletic programs. In the past, they have done sand castle contests, nature hikes, game day and tie-dye shirt
day.
Playing Fields
The North Andover Fields Committee oversees the athletic fields in Town. The Director of Youth Services directs their
efforts, deals with permitting and works with youth groups and DPW to implement the North Andover Field Adoption
program whereby youth groups are responsible to help cut grass, fertilize and otherwise maintain the fields. A
Comprehensive Plan guides the maintenance of existing fields.
In addition to the fields on the school grounds that are the responsibility of the School Department, the Town has
14 different playing fields. The North Andover Recreation Complex described below will help to fulfill some of the
remaining need for playing fields. The Director of Youth Services and Recreation estimates that once the project is
completed, there will be a need for 2 additional multipurpose fields.
The High School is in the process of upgrading its turf fields (both upper and lower). DPW cuts the grass at the schools.
North Andover Recreation Complex
A multi-million multi-generational park is
planned for the School Cluster. It is expected that the
park will be completed over the next three (3) years
and will include walking trails for the elderly, bocce,
playing fields, an amphitheater for concerts, and
facilities for nature classrooms. It is anticipated to be
the largest park of this type in the State.
The Town owns the land, but uses are controlled by
the School Department. Schematics are complete and
it is estimated that $6-$10 million will be needed to
completely transform the site. $600,000 was recently
approved for the final design of the park.
Plans for the North Andover Recreation Complex
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Playgrounds
The Town recently completed a process involving the PTO’s and other stakeholders to evaluate and rank all of
the Town’s 11 playgrounds. Improvements were prioritized and $100,000 has been committed for each of the 11
playgrounds. One of the playgrounds needed additional improvements so $200,000 has been allocated. Each of
the playground improvement projects will also be supplemented by the PTO’s private fundraising efforts. An annual
amount of $75,000 has been allocated to DPW for maintenance of all of the playgrounds.
Trails
There are approximately 70 miles of trails in Town. In many cases, they are not connected and do not represent
a cohesive system. The trailhead signs have recently been updated. There is a desire to prioritize making trail
connections to the downtown.
The trails are maintained by an all-volunteer group of residents called the Friends of North Andover Trails (FONAT).
FONAT is a non-profit organization that does not receive any funding from the town. They have published an 84-page
guidebook with maps and detailed town-owned trail descriptions, publish a quarterly email newsletter, and collect input
via an on-line interactive map on their website. 8
Veterans’ Services
The Veterans’ Services office is located in Town Hall on Main Street. This office offers assistance to veterans and their
families in obtaining financial aid and claiming benefits from the federal Veterans’ Administration. The department
also arranges for special vehicle plate registrations for veterans, maintains veterans’ graves and places markers and
flags as relevant. The department also provides information regarding VA-insured housing loans, directs an emergency
financial assistance program, and coordinates funerals.
Veterans’ Service is part of a regional district with Boxford and North Andover and services approximately 33 veterans
some of whom are homeless and suffer from food insecurity issues. There is a mobile unit that delivers food from the
Senior Center. There has also been an increase in substance abuse among the younger veterans and a need for
affordable veterans’ housing.
The office provides services on a regular basis including many community visits. Additional storage is reportedly
needed for storage for files and donations of household and other items. The Town is exploring potential scenarios to
provide more efficient office space.
8 FONAT (Friends of North Andover Trails) website: http://www.fonat.org/newsletter
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Public Services and Utilities
Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works facility houses both
administrative and field operations at 384 Osgood Street and
has been there since 1976 (prior to that it was located in Town
Hall). In addition to traditional DPW duties, the Department
also operates the Water Treatment Plant and oversees
the management of the Youth Center. It also and shares
responsibility (with the Youth Center Director) for electricity
payment and maintenance for the Stevens Pond site and
building.
Responsibilities
The Department of Public Works provides the following
services:
»Superintendent of Highways and Utilities is responsible for road maintenance, snow removal, grading,
resurfacing, drainage, sweeping and fleet maintenance, sidewalk paving and repairs.
»Weekly solid waste collections.
»Recycling (since 1994) at the CYR Recycling Center. The Town was taking in recycling from other communities for
a cost, but there was too much volume so now the facility only recycles North Andover residents’ materials. The
Town has begun a program of textile recycling in different colored bags.
»Drop off center for yard waste, oil, and white goods.
»Maintenance of fields.
»The Superintendent of Forestry, Trees and Grounds is responsible for all tress and the maintenance of municipal
properties.
The DPW Garage was recently renovated and expanded. This project addressed space challenges, security upgrades,
gas pump replacement, and the addition of a canopy. Electric and fire systems were upgraded and the buildings
insulation was replaced.
Pavement Management Program9
DPW maintains an active Pavement Management Program that is outlined in a 5-year plan. The Town is currently
working on an inventory of sidewalks with annual funding set aside for maintenance and repairs. Currently there is no
plan for extending the sidewalk system. The Town has participated in Safe Routes to School program and as a result
promotes a Share the Road campaign. There has not been any effort to date to obtain Complete Streets funding.
Treescape
DPW is currently working on planting shade trees in specific locations. An incomplete inventory of such trees exists.
Technology
North Andover residents may report needed repairs (e.g. to roads, sidewalks, etc.) by using a ReportIt system. Future
challenges include the storage of documents and the filing of existing plans.
9 Most recent CIP Submission of priorities (2015) that identifies funding sources to include Chapter 90 and local funds: https://drive.google.com/file/
d/0BzzUaLZFJDl3UHNOVlN4dmVoRjQ/view
Recently Renovated DPW Building in North Andover
North Andover Master Plan168
Public Facilities & Services
Water and Sewage Department
Water
North Andover has its own water supply, Lake Cochichewick around which there is a Watershed Protection District.
The reservoir for the North Andover Water Division is located entirely in North Andover, with a small section of the
associated water supply protection area extending into the town of Boxford.
The Town’s Water Treatment Plant constructed in 1991 is located on 420 Great Pond Road. It is staffed by 15 FTEs.
Distribution system extensions are primarily carried out by developers, however, the Water Department is responsible
for the maintenance of water mains and standpipes, locating and eliminating leaks, and replacing old or under-sized
water mains. The Department spent $2 million in upgrades this year (2017).
Almost all, 90-95% of residents and effectively all (99%) of commercial establishments are serviced by the town water.
The few that not connected to the public water system have private wells and are primarily located in the “Out Country.”
The Water Department operates on an Enterprise funding system that covers all
costs by charging user fees. The Town has not raised water rates in 6 consecutive
years.
Capacity
There is significant surplus capacity in the system as indicated in Table 8.7.
Future Planned Improvements
The last time the Town extended piping was 12 years ago. There are no extensions in the 5-year plan; any extensions
depend on developers who connect their buildings to the public system. There are some aging pipes that will need
replacement in the future. Due to the relatively large number of replacements that have already taken place, the
average age of the pipes is estimated at 35-40 years of age. See Table 8.8 for planned improvements.
Table 8.7 North Andover Water
System Usage and Capacity
Capacity 10.3 MGD
Usage 3.28 MGD
Table 8.8 Water Capital Improvement Plan
FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 TOTAL
Ozone System $2,200,000 $2,200,000
Chemical Storage Tanks & Feed
System $225,000 $370,000 $420,000 $1,015,000
Valve & Hydrant Replacement $100,000 $100,000 $200,000
Water Main Replacement $500,000 $500,000
Water Distribution Truck $90,000 $90,000
Bradford Standpipe Mixer $150,000 $150,000
WTP Backwash Tank Extension $325,000 $1,400,000 $1,725,000
Sedimentation Basin Improvements $450,000 $300,000 $750,000
WTP Lab Renovations $50,000 $50,000 $100,000
WTP New Sludge Collection System $180,000 $180,000
Interconnections $100,000 $100,000
TOTAL $2,425,000 $1,060,000 $895,000 $2,180,000 $450,000 $7,010,000
Source: North Andover Sewer Department
North Andover Master Plan 169
Public Facilities & Services
Stormwater Management
The Town is currently working on Stormwater Management issues, identifying what exists, assessing the condition of
existing infrastructure and then determining what elements need to be replaced.
Sewage
North Andover’s public sewer system serves approximately 60-70% of the Town’s residents (the remaining houses in the
Out Country are on private septic systems). It is funded by charging user fees. That is, the users pay for all operating
and capital costs associated with managing, maintaining, and further developing the system. The network of public
sewers is divided into three sections: East Side, West Side and Central. The Town installed pumping stations and force
mains in 1996 in order to expand beyond the areas served by gravity systems.
Great Pond Road (Route 133) and other local roads run throughout the Zone A of Lake Cochichewick and its tributaries;
there are numerous houses, of which some are on private septic systems; shoreline and boating access, and parking for
recreational purposes; golf course and agriculture; underground storage tanks. If not managed properly these could
be potential sources of contamination.
North Andover is a member of the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District, a regional sanitary district (with the Towns of
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, Dracut and Salem, NH.). Because North Andover is the host community, it receives
approximately $150,000 host community fee.
User fees using an Enterprise funding system cover all costs. The Town has not raised sewage rates in 6 consecutive
years. The last time the Town extended piping was 12 years ago. There are no extensions in the 5-year plan; any
extensions depend on developers who connect their buildings to the public system.
Capacity
Approximately 60-70% of residents and 90-95% of commercial establishments are serviced by the town sewer system.
The system is at approximately 60% capacity (the system has a capacity of 52 MGD. North Andover’s usage is 3.25
MGD). The construction of a septic system is prohibited in the Conservation, Non-Discharge and Non-Disturbance Zones
located within the Watershed Protection District. Numerous sewer extension projects completed in the 1990s and the
early 2000s provided public sewer to residents in the Watershed area. The Watershed Protection District is currently
nearly completely sewered with only a few exceptions.
Future Planned Improvements
The Department is working on using anaerobic digesters from food waste to generate power and increase energy
efficiency. The following improvements are planned to the system. DPW plans to continue to make improvements to
the system. There are some aging pipes that will need replacement in the future. Due to the relatively large number of
replacements that have already taken place, the average age of the pipes is estimated at 35-40 years of age.
Table 8.9 Sewer Capital Improvement Plan
FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 TOTAL
Improvements to Various Sewer Pump
Sations $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $250,000 $250,000 $800,000
Sewer Collection System Improvements $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $400,000
Osgood Street Sewer Preliminary Design $300,000 $300,000
Sewer Truck $400,000 $400,000
TOTAL $100,000 $200,000 $200,000 $650,000 $750,000 $1,900,000
Source: North Andover Regional Sewer Department
North Andover Master Plan170
Public Facilities & Services
FIGURE 8.4 - NORTH ANDOVER EXISTING SEWER SYSTEM MAP
North Andover Master Plan 171
Public Facilities & Services
Planning Issues
Public Facilities
If the Town continues to be proactive and systematic in its approach to maintaining and caring for its public facilities, it
will continue to be in good shape providing high quality facilities and services to its residents.
Schools
Some schools are near or at capacity. Even with the recent expansion of the Early Childhood Center (ECC) and the
consolidation of all Kindergarten classes in the ECC, there is not much room for increased enrollments if class sizes are
to remain at their desired numbers. Since affordable housing for seniors is needed, incentives could help to meet this
need while avoiding additional impact to the school system. Additionally, some repairs, maintenance and repairs are
required including:
»Future renovation work on the elementary schools in the following order: Franklin, Atkinson, and Kitteridge
»Middle School expansion/renovation needed: a new science wing may be added.
Public Safety
Fire and Police Services may need to shift and/or expand resources to meet the increasing needs of elder residents
and those suffering from opiate addition/overdoses of all ages. Additionally, Fire Station 2 is in need of renovation.
Increasing opiate addiction and evolving laws regarding the use, harvesting and sale of marijuana may impact police
services.
Library
Libraries are rapid changing their functionality and role in communities from a book lending institution to serving
as community space for events, gathering, and learning. The North Andover library is no exception and has been
continually evolving its role and function in the community over time. The library is also a cultural resource bringing
learning, leadership, and residents of different backgrounds together. As the role of libraries continues to change, it
will result in a shift in the allocation of resources and perhaps an increase in off-site programming to meet the various
needs of all ages.
Youth Services
The popularity of the Youth Center may result in a need to expand the existing facility and/or off-site programming.
Senior Services
Increasing senior population will result in increased need for services and facilities for seniors, including:
»Senior Center – new location on Sutton Street including off-site programming (including wellness, recreation and
opportunities to socialize)
»Transportation
»Affordable and appropriate housing for elders, located in walkable areas
»Additional assisted living units
North Andover Master Plan172
Public Facilities & Services
Stevens Estate
The Stevens Estate, currently underutilized, is in need of a vision so that it is sustainable in the future, so that it is revenue
producing and so that it fulfills its full potential.
Recreation
Existing plans to improve playgrounds, increase the number of athletic fields and the North Andover Recreation
Complex are expected to reasonably meet the Town’s recreational needs into the foreseeable future. Additional
athletic fields may still be needed. The YES (Young Energetic Seniors) demographic may be interested in more active
opportunities for recreation (off-site, that is, not at the Senior Center).
Additionally, due to the popularity of Stevens Pond, it will need future upgrades in equipment and expanded
programming with related infrastructure (e.g. kayak rental)
Department of Public Works
DPW will need, among other things, to repair the garage roof, control access to the site, and upgrade the fueling
station. Necessary updates, repairs, and maintenance will be covered by the capital improvement plan.
Infrastructure
All of the underground infrastructure is aging (water, sewage, drainage) and will need upgrading and repairs.
»Sewer and water systems both have surplus capacity, however expanding these systems or not could guide
development to desired locations.
»If there are areas in the watershed without access to public utilities, there it should be in the future plans to
provide for utilities in those areas to prevent contamination.
Town Government
There is a need for more gender, age and ethnic diversity on Town Boards and Committees.
Wayfinding and Branding
The Town’s gateways are not at all distinctive and neighborhoods do not have defining features. It might be more
aesthetically pleasing and people may identify more with the Town if wayfinding and other branding features were
introduced at gateways into the Town as well as to help define neighborhood identities.
North Andover High School
North Andover Master Plan 173
Public Facilities & Services
Goals and Recommendations
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES Goal 1: Continue to provide a high-quality range of
services and public utilities, including the continued modernization or replacement of
aging facilities.
»Continue to prioritize the update, repair, and renovation of the Town’s public buildings and schools as needed.
»Support and/or expand resources to address the needs of residents of all ages suffering from substance abuse
and mental health challenges.
The opioid crisis has placed pressures on existing public safety services throughout the region. It is expected
that existing resources continue to be strained as long as the crisis continues. There may be a need to expand
fire and police department resources, depending on how the local trends play out.
»Work with local internet and cell service providers to proactively seek out new technology to expand access in
North Andover and nearby communities.
»Complete the inventory of shade trees located throughout the Town in order to help identify locations where
more might be needed.
Shade trees provide shelter from the sun, reduce noise, beautify, and mitigate fumes. Trees should be selected
to be native species that tolerate North Andover’s climate well and facilitate ongoing maintenance and
watering.
»Complete the Stormwater Management Plan and make improvements and replacements where necessary.
»Continue to upgrade and replace aging pipes for sewer and water systems, including evaluating possible
expansion capabilities to residents that are not currently served by sewer and water infrastructure with a specific
focus on protecting the drinking water supply.
Public Facilities and Services Goal 2: Care for residents of all ages including providing
opportunities for recreation and community gathering for all age groups.
»Provide appropriate facilities and services for an increasing aging population, including strengthening
connections between the Council on Aging, the School Department, Library, and the Youth Center to reach
isolated seniors and expand the opportunities for inter-generational off-site programming (wellness, recreation
and opportunities to socialize); especially for Young Energetic Senior (YES) population interested in fitness and
wellness.
The elderly population is increasing significantly, and this will necessarily affect the types of services and
facilities needed to serve this population. As baby-boomers age, their expectations regarding aging and
municipal support for their aging differ significantly from their predecessors. They are more interested in fitness
/wellness, recreation, socializing, multi-generational activities, some evening events, and off-site (not at the
Senior Center) activities. Strengthening relationships between the Council on Aging and the School Department,
Youth Center and Recreation Department will help to efficiently organize mutually beneficial multi-generational
activities. Consider re-branding Senior Center. Additionally, the Council on Aging should continue its efforts to
establish a “memory café” for those suffering from dementia and their care-takers; also consider exploring the
AARP dementia-friendly designation in the future.
North Andover Master Plan174
Public Facilities & Services
»Encourage the Youth Center to expand programming and, if necessary, space both on-and off-site.
The Center provides a series of all year around wholesome activities for North Andover’s youth. While the
number of school-aged children is not expected to increase significantly over the next decade, the popularity
of the programs at the Youth Center has reportedly increased placing pressure on the existing facility and
programs. Collaborating with other Town facilities and departments may help to make the provision of
additional programs more efficient and feasible. For example, using school buildings and/or the Senior Center
when these are not used for their activities and populations.
»Prepare and implement a long-term maintenance plan for existing fields and, if needed, identify locations and
types for additional athletic fields.
With the completion of the North Andover Recreation Complex School Fields project, the Town will have met
most of its needs in terms of athletic fields, at least for a while. The project should be programmed with a range
of age groups (e.g. including senior citizens), and in addition to opportunities for physical fitness also support
cultural activities in such as music, “art in the park”, etc.
The North Andover Fields Committee should continue its efforts to work with youth groups and DPW to
implement the Comprehensive Athletic Fields Plan to maintain the existing fields.
»Look to expand programming at Stevens Pond, such as kayak, paddleboard, sailing lessons and rentals, and ice
skating.
»Develop a vision for maximizing the potential of the Stevens Estate.
»The Stevens Estate is a unique property with currently underutilized potential. The Town needs to decide what
the building and grounds could/should be used for and then to develop an action plan to achieve this. In the
meantime, the Town needs to do its best to maintain the property so as to retain its value.
»Encourage the Library to provide needed additional programming in areas such as early literacy, digital literacy,
citizenship, STEM, “homework help centers”, and maker spaces whether on-site or at satellite locations.
Libraries are undergoing a change in the role they play in communities and therefore, in the resources and
types of services they provide. They are increasingly being called upon to serve all age groups with a wide range
of materials and programming to support many different interests; they are increasingly resembling a type of
community center. The Library may need additional parking.
»Support the library to become a community and cultural hub for the Town, and a resource for lifestyle information
and lifelong learning.
The Library should continue and expand its role as a cultural and community hub in North Andover. In the
future, staff (current or additional) should support residents looking for information on topics such as health,
education, finance, literacy, and travel to support a culture of lifelong learning. The Town should work with the
Library to find a satellite location to provide maker space, homework and small group study space, and media
and technology space. The Library should continue to collaborate with groups like the Historical Society, Council
on Aging, North Andover Public Schools, and the youth center to deliver programming that supports STEM
learning and intergenerational activities.
»Continue to support Veteran’s Services so that they may provide needed services to veterans (including to a
younger veterans).
North Andover Master Plan 175
Public Facilities & Services
Public Facilities and Services Goal 3: Improve the ability of town government to promote
sustainability
The Town should lead by example, increase awareness and provide support to residents and business owners to make
environmentally-friendly decisions and choices. These should include:
»Make “green” or environmentally-friendly improvements to existing Town buildings where feasible, including the
use of renewable energy sources such as solar.
»Provide educational materials to residents and commercial establishments with information regarding how they
can take measures to protect the environment.
Residents may not be aware of choices regarding lawn maintenance, state programs regarding weather-
proofing of homes to reduce energy consumption and other such environmental measures. Commercial
establishments could benefit from information regarding sustainable business practices such as use of
recyclable materials and purchasing from vendors that implement environmentally-friendly measures. These
may be local businesses and the Town can provide contact information and promote connections amongst area
businesses.
»Provide recycling bins in the downtown area and in municipal buildings (e.g. Town Hall, Senior Center, schools,
etc.).
Public Facilities and Services Goal 4: Improve communication and participation in town
government
»Actively recruit volunteers that represent a greater gender, age and ethnic diversity.
To fully reflect the community, volunteers should better represent the demographics of the Town’s population.
Also, Town governments are increasingly being asked to centralize information regarding updates on projects
and on how to provide input and participate in town governance. Providing this information on a frequently
updated and dynamic website is an important objective to meet. Using email blasts and social media to
communicate can also help to improve access to information.
»Continue to provide information on-line and explore additional ways to use technology to communicate with
residents and make the provision of services most efficient.
Scenic Road in North Andover
CHAPTER NINE:
IMPLEMENTATION9
North Andover Master Plan178
Implementation
Introduction
Planning for meaningful and impactful change consistent with the recommendations of the Master Plan is an evolving
process where priorities and funding sources can shift over time. There will also be changes in staffing and the
composition of boards and committees that will result in the loss of institutional knowledge related to the Master
Plan. It is important that the Town establish a process for monitoring and evaluating progress on the implementation
of the Master Plan, as well as adjusting Master Plan recommendations and implementation as priorities, funding,
opportunities, and leadership change.
Developing a community-wide Master Plan is often an easier process than implementing it. While the Master Plan lays
the groundwork or road map for how the town would like to evolve over time, there must be stewards of the plan in
the community who work to keep the ideas in the document alive and relevant. While the Planning Board is the official
entity ultimately responsible for the adoption and oversight of the Master Plan, its implementation must be shared
across many Boards, Commissions and Committees with the assistance of Town staff.
To keep the plan active and relevant, North Andover should consider ways of building in regular updates and check-
ins on the Plan. There are several ways this could happen either as separate tasks or a combination of the following
suggested actions:
»Establish a Master Plan Implementation Committee separate from the Planning Board that would be responsible
for advocating for the implementation of priority recommendations in the Master Plan. This committee would
work closely with the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen to prioritize Master Plan recommendations for
implementation and funding, and serve as a liaison with other boards and committees in town that have a role
to play in implementing the plan. The committee could also help advocate for funding and policy or regulatory
changes at Town Meeting that would advance the goals of the Master Plan. The committee could also work with
the Planning Board to ensure regular updates are made to the Master Plan every five to ten years.
9Implementation
North Andover Master Plan 179
Implementation
»Establish a working group or subcommittee of the Planning Board if a Master Plan Implementation Committee is
not feasible or desirable. The working group would consist of a subset of Planning Board members that would
meet periodically throughout the year to track and adjust the Master Plan’s implementation program. This group
would also be responsible for liaising with other boards and committees in town to advocate for the inclusion of
Master Plan goals and recommendations in their annual work plans.
»Encourage boards and committees, especially the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen, to adopt a process
of reviewing and including Master Plan goals and recommendations into annual goal setting and work planning
processes.
»Encourage the Planning Board to provide annual updates to Town Meeting about the implementation of the
Master Plan. This should include progress on implementation, changes in prioritization, and any current or
upcoming needs that may require Town Meeting action. Since many of the recommendations will need some
action by Town Meeting, it is critical to keep the public informed.
»Establish a process for requesting department heads to incorporate appropriate Master Plan goals and
recommendations into their annual work plans and funding requests.
The implementation table shown below is based on the goals and recommendations of this Master Plan which
were derived from data collection and analysis, interviews, and public input over the course of the project.
The implementation table is arranged by Master Plan element and includes suggestions and estimates for an
implementation time frame, generalized cost, and who in town may take the lead or support roles in initiating and
completing recommendations. Typically, a Master Plan falls within a ten-year time frame, but there are several
recommendations that may take longer and require additional planning, community discussion, market shifts, or
funding. As such, the timing of recommendations in North Andover’s Master Plan is assigned in five-year increments
over the course of fifteen years. The assignment of recommendations in the outer years of the Plan is not meant to
indicate lower priority, but instead suggest these recommendations require time for funding, design, or additional
community conversations.
Within the implementation table there is a suggestion for who may be best suited to take responsibility for a specific
recommendation and who may assist as a partner. While these are suggestions for leads and support, it is important
to identify a responsible party to ensure there are assigned parties that can be held accountable for the Plans
implementation. As Town government continues to evolve over time, it will be important to review these assignments
periodically and adjust as needed.
North Andover Master Plan180
Implementation Table
Strategy
#
Master Plan
Element
Element
Goal Strategy Related
Elements
Local
Government
Leadership
Local
Government
Partners
Timeframe Level of
Effort Resources Required
LAND USE ELEMENT
1 Land Use Goal 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.
H, ED PB CED, TMM 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
2 Land Use Goal 1 Create a new base zoning district for Downtown North Andover that is consistent with the
goals of the Master Plan and encourages and incentivizes reinvestment.None PB CED, TMM 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
3 Land Use Goal 1 Focus new development and zoning changes along key commercial corridors that may be
more appropriate for higher-density mixed-use development at key nodes or intersections. H, ED PB CED 6-10 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
4 Land Use Goal 2
Review the current Zoning Bylaw and compare the current regulations to the desired vision
and goals of the Master Plan. Ensure recommendations that can be tied back to zoning
changes are identified, prioritized, and completed.
ALL PB ZBA, CED 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
5 Land Use Goal 2 Simplify and consolidate the number of zoning districts in the Town’s Zoning Bylaw and
update the Town’s Zoning Map to reflect these changes.None PB CED 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
6 Land Use Goal 2
Review existing lot size requirements and dimensional regulations for Residential Districts to
determine if they are consistent with the vision and goals of the Master Plan and desires of
North Andover’s residents.
H PB ZBA, CED 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
7 Land Use Goal 2
Undertake a series of area plans for key commercial and mixed-use nodes to establish
desired visions and outcomes for each location and craft zoning to implement those desired
outcomes.
H, ED, NR,
OS PB CED, PW Ongoing Difficult Budget ($), Staff Time
8 Land Use Goal 3
Establish a lake and watershed oversight committee to undertake a thorough review of the
Town’s Water Resource District Bylaw. Ensure the Bylaw is consistent with any applicable
state guidelines and regulations, and determine if the Town wants to exceed those
guidelines.
NR, OS PB PW, CC, ZBA 6-10 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
9 Land Use Goal 3
Review the existing planned residential development zoning for applicability on
remaining undeveloped parcels of land in town, and ensure the existing zoning will aid in
accomplishing the preservation of open space on those parcels.
H, OS, NR PB ZBA, CED 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
HOUSING ELEMENT
10 Housing Goal 1 Review the recommendations from the Merrimack Valley Regional Housing Plan for
consistency with the Master Plan. Prioritize recommendations that overlap both plans.None AHTF PB, CED, HA,
COA 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
11 Housing Goal 1 Update zoning to ensure that deed restricted affordable housing is provided as a
component of new market-rate residential development projects.LU PB AHTF 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
12 Housing Goal 1 Determine the supply and demand for senior market-rate and affordable housing and plan
for housing to meet the need.None CED AHTF, HA, COA 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
13 Housing Goal 1 Identify financial and staff resources to facilitate the construction and/or preservation of
affordable housing in North Andover.FS BOS TM, CED, AHTF 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$), Staff Time
14 Housing Goal 1 Utilize CPA and Housing Trust funds to offset housing costs for households at the lowest
income brackets (households up to 30 percent of Area Median Income).None AHTF BOS, TMM, CPC Ongoing Moderate Budget ($$-$$$)
Related Elements Acronyms: LU - Land Use, H - Housing, ED - Economic Development, T - Transportation, FS - (Public) Facilities & Services, HCR - Historic, Cultural, Natural Resources, OS - Open Space and Recreation
Leaders and Partners Acronyms: AHTF - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, BOS - Board of Selectmen, CC - Conservation Commission, CED - Community and Economic Development, COA - Council on Aging, CPC - Community Preservation Committee, FONAT - Friends of the North
Andover Trails, HA - Housing Authority, MassDOT - Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MVRTA - Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, PB - Planning Board, PW - Department of Public Works, TM - Town Manager, TMM -
Town Meeting Members, ZBA - Zoning Board of Appeals.
North Andover Master Plan 181
Implementation Table
Strategy
#
Master Plan
Element
Element
Goal Strategy Related
Elements
Local
Government
Leadership
Local
Government
Partners
Timeframe Level of
Effort Resources Required
15 Housing Goal 1 Continue to review the impact of new housing development on the Town’s public infrastructure and
services.LU, FS, T CED, PW PB Ongoing Minimal Staff Time
16 Housing Goal 2 Review and update the Town’s Planned Residential Development bylaw to encourage the clustering
of homes on smaller lots, while still preserving open space and views along roadways.OS, NR PB CED 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
17 Housing Goal 2 Consider zoning changes to low-density residential areas in Out Country to preserve more land.OS, NR PB CED 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($), Staff Time
18 Housing Goal 3 Update the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to promote a mix of uses in areas already served by public
infrastructure such as downtown, Route 114, Route 125, and Sutton Street.LU PB CED, PW 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($), Staff Time
19 Housing Goal 3 Create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw that would allow small accessory residential units on
existing residential parcels.LU PB ZBA, CED 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
20 Economic
Development Goal 1 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 LU, H CED PB, ZBA 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
21 Economic
Development Goal 1 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.LU, H CED, PB ZBA 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
22 Economic
Development Goal 1
Evaluate whether the creation of a quasi-public entity for economic development would offer the
Town increased flexibility to negotiate with potential new employers and to be more pro-active in
creating economic development opportunities for the community.
CFSG CED, TM 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($$), Staff Time
23 Economic
Development Goal 2 Look for opportunities to enhance visitation to the downtown area through special events and
activities (such as the farmer’s market).LU, T CED, TM 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
24 Economic
Development Goal 2
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, façade
improvement programs, infrastructure investments, and changes in use.
LU, HCR,
CSFG CED, PW ZBA, PB 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$$$), Staff Time
25 Economic
Development Goal 2 Encourage the development of mixed-use buildings which support both residential and commercial
uses.LU, H CED, PB ZBA 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$), Staff Time
26 Economic
Development Goal 3 Evaluate the uses of the Stevens Estate for additional commercial potential while maintaining the
historic value of the property and the surrounding open space.
OS, LU, HCR,
FS CED, TM ZBA, PB 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
27 Economic
Development Goal 3
Establish a business visitation and outreach program to solicit input from business owners and
managers in terms of what the Town is doing right, what the Town is doing wrong, and whether the
business has plans to expand (or contract) in the Town or the larger region.
LU, T CED 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
28 Economic
Development Goal 3 Create an inventory/database of available commercial/industrial development sites in the community
for marketing/economic development purposes.LU, T, H CED ZBA, PB 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
29 Economic
Development Goal 3 Work with large land owners of economically-important properties in town to identify and attract a
mix of uses for the redevelopment of those properties.T, LU, H CED ZBA, PW Ongoing Difficult Budget ($$), Staff Time
30 Economic
Development Goal 3 In partnership with the City of Lawrence, evaluate the economic impacts of the Lawrence Municipal
Airport to determine options for maximizing economic benefits to both communities.LU, T CED PB 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
Related Elements Acronyms: LU - Land Use, H - Housing, ED - Economic Development, T - Transportation, FS - (Public) Facilities & Services, HCR - Historic, Cultural, Natural Resources, OS - Open Space and Recreation
Leaders and Partners Acronyms: AHTF - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, BOS - Board of Selectmen, CC - Conservation Commission, CED - Community and Economic Development, COA - Council on Aging, CPC - Community Preservation Committee, FONAT - Friends of the North
Andover Trails, HA - Housing Authority, MassDOT - Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MVRTA - Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, PB - Planning Board, PW - Department of Public Works, TM - Town Manager, TMM -
Town Meeting Members, ZBA - Zoning Board of Appeals.
North Andover Master Plan182
Implementation Table
Strategy
#
Master Plan
Element
Element
Goal Strategy Related
Elements
Local
Government
Leadership
Local
Government
Partners
Timeframe Level of
Effort Resources Required
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
31 Transportation Goal 1 Evaluate sidewalk gaps and prioritize new sidewalks based on their ability to connect residents to
schools, activity centers, civic spaces, and recreation and open spaces in town.None PW BOS Ongoing Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
32 Transportation Goal 1
Leverage the Town’s sidewalk maintenance funds with Community Preservation Act-eligible projects
to expand the amount of funding available to improving connections to and from open space and
recreation areas.
None CPC BOS, PW 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($$), Staff Time
33 Transportation Goal 1 Knit together Out Country with the commercial and civic centers in the northern portion of town by
improving signage, sidewalk and trail connections, and bike facilities.None PW 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$$$), Staff Time
34 Transportation Goal 1 Adopt a Complete Streets Policy and apply to MassDOT’s Complete Streets Funding Program to
secure funding for a Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.None BOS PW, PB, CC,
MassDOT 1-5 years Minimal Staff Time
35 Transportation Goal 1 Continue the practice of working with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and MassDOT to
identify and fund Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements.None PW School Dept,
MVPC Ongoing Minimal Staff Time
36 Transportation Goal 1 Evaluate the feasibility of increasing crosswalk frequency and visibility on major travel corridors such
as Route 114, Mass Ave, Route 125, and Chickering Road.None PW MassDOT 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
37 Transportation Goal 1 Work with FONAT to evaluate and prioritize off-street trail development, connections, and trail
crossings to and through open spaces and recreation areas.OS PW FONAT 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
38 Transportation Goal 1 Couple sidewalk and crosswalk improvements with pedestrian-scale lighting to increase visibility and
safety.None PW 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$), Staff Time
39 Transportation Goal 2 Discourage traffic in residential neighborhoods using context-sensitive roadway design and traffic
calming solutions.None PW 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$$$), Staff Time
40 Transportation Goal 2 Work with MassDOT to incorporate welcoming and beautification improvements to the anticipated
improvement project along Route 114.None PW MassDOT 11-15 years Difficult Budget ($$$), Staff Time
41 Transportation Goal 2
Evaluate safety and congestion improvements along key roadway corridors and intersection
improvements to promote safer travel speeds, improve safety at key intersections, and create a
safer and more connected sidewalk network. This should include conducting traffic counts on arterial
roadways to ensure data is recent and relevant.
None PW MassDOT, Police
Dept 6-10 years Difficult
$$$$ (evaluation is less than
$100k, implementation could be
millions of dollars)
42 Transportation Goal 2 Evaluate the potential for including wider shoulders on roadways to improve safety for cyclists where
dedicated bike lanes or multi-use pathways may not be feasible.None PW 6-10 years Moderate
$$$ (evaluation is less than
$100k, implementation could be
several hundred thousand)
43 Transportation Goal 2 Develop stronger zoning language and incentives to encourage shared access points, curb cut
consolidation, and connected parking across developed parcels.LU PB CED, PW 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
44 Transportation Goal 2 Work with MVPC to conduct a transportation corridor study for each of the entry points off I-495 into
North Andover to create a coordinated transportation solution for access into town.LU, H, ED PW CED, PB, BOS 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$), Staff Time
45 Transportation Goal 2 Pursue a more proactive approach to securing funding every five to seven years for local North
Andover transportation projects through the Merrimack Valley Transportation Improvement Program. None BOS PW, CED, TM Ongoing Minimal Staff Time
46 Transportation Goal 3 Extend high visibility crosswalks to additional intersections and mid-block crossing locations along
Main Street and Water Street.None PW 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($$)
47 Transportation Goal 3 Evaluate the possibility of changing on-street parking configurations as a way to increase sidewalk
widths, landscape buffers, or add on-street bike facilities along parts of Main Street.None PW CED, BOS 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
Related Elements Acronyms: LU - Land Use, H - Housing, ED - Economic Development, T - Transportation, FS - (Public) Facilities & Services, HCR - Historic, Cultural, Natural Resources, OS - Open Space and Recreation
Leaders and Partners Acronyms: AHTF - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, BOS - Board of Selectmen, CC - Conservation Commission, CED - Community and Economic Development, COA - Council on Aging, CPC - Community Preservation Committee, FONAT - Friends of the North
Andover Trails, HA - Housing Authority, MassDOT - Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MVRTA - Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, PB - Planning Board, PW - Department of Public Works, TM - Town Manager, TMM -
Town Meeting Members, ZBA - Zoning Board of Appeals.
North Andover Master Plan 183
Implementation Table
Strategy
#
Master Plan
Element
Element
Goal Strategy Related
Elements
Local
Government
Leadership
Local
Government
Partners
Timeframe Level of
Effort Resources Required
48 Transportation Goal 3 Look for opportunities to construct curb bump-outs, particularly for mid-block crossing locations along
Main Street.None PW 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$$)
49 Transportation Goal 3 Hire a consultant to evaluate and recommend possible streetscape improvements along Main Street
and Water Street.None PW BOS, CED 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
50 Transportation Goal 3 Continue to plan for and implement undergrounding of utilities in the Downtown area.None PW BOS, CED Ongoing Difficult Budget ($$$$), Staff Time
51 Transportation Goal 3 Evaluate the effectiveness of changing zoning along Main Street to vary front setbacks to provide
additional space for wider sidewalks, enhanced landscaping, and pedestrian gathering spaces. LU PB CED, PW 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
52 Transportation Goal 3 Use consistent streetscape treatments and wayfinding signage to connect Downtown with the Mill
District to encourage walking, gathering, shopping, and dining between both areas.None PW BOS, PB 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$-$$$$)
53 Transportation Goal 3 Repair existing brick sidewalks in Downtown to reduce tripping hazards and ice buildup.None PW Ongoing Minimal Budget ($$)
54 Transportation Goal 3 Review pedestrian ramps and building entrances for universal accessibility and prioritize accessibility
improvements.None PW 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($$)
55 Transportation Goal 4 Explore innovative ways to increase transportation services for seniors.FS COA BOS 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($$$), Staff Time
56 Transportation Goal 4 Continue to push for a new MBTA commuter rail station at the Osgood Landing site if and when a
redevelopment proposal is in place that matches the communities vision and goals for the site.None BOS PB, CED, MBTA 11-15 years Difficult Budget ($$$$)
57 Transportation Goal 4 Improve MVRTA circulator routes and frequency of those routes as a way to increase ridership.FS CED MVRTA, BOS 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$$)
58 Transportation Goal 4 Evaluate potential ridership and cost impacts of adding a second (later) departure time for
commuter buses to Boston.None CED MVRTA, BOS 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($$), Staff Time
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION ELEMENT
59 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 1
Work closely with FONAT to design and install a wayfinding system for North Andover’s publicly-
accessible conservation areas. Develop online itineraries, maps, and suggested routes that promote
interactions with nature.
PF, T CC CD 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
60 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 1
Create an Open Space and Conservation Committee supported by planning staff with education/
outreach as one responsibility. Include membership seats for FONAT and representation from other
organizations, as appropriate.
HCR CC, BOS CD 1-5 years Minimal Staff Time
61 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 2 Investigate establishing public recreational access to the Merrimack River via the Shawsheen River
trail and boat ramp.HCR, FS PW CD 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$)
62 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 2
Consider how the Town can best make use of the Merrimack River’s close proximity and recreational
opportunities by establishing a riverfront trail system, waterfront parks, and/or public canoe or boat
launch areas.
HCR, FS PW CED 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
63 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 2 Assess feasibility of Stevens Pond as a year-round recreational area with ice skating, along with
kayak, paddleboard, and sailing lessons and rentals.HCR, FS PW CED 6-10 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
64 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 2
Investigate, through a lake or watershed oversight committee, what level of recreational activity can
be allowed on Lake Cochichewick without adversely harming the water supply and consider how to
provide public recreational opportunities on and around the Lake within those limitations.
HCR, FS PW CED 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
65 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 3 Identify locations and create handicap accessible walking paths in natural areas and create
management plans for each conservation area that address access for persons with disabilities. HCR, FS PW CED, PW, Comm
on Disability 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($$), Staff Time
66 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 3
Develop a trail rating system that rates level of difficulty, accessibility, availability of benches, barriers
to wheelchair access, and more. There should also be a clear distinction between walking trails and
hiking trails.
T, FS CC CED, PW, Comm
on Disability 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
Related Elements Acronyms: LU - Land Use, H - Housing, ED - Economic Development, T - Transportation, FS - (Public) Facilities & Services, HCR - Historic, Cultural, Natural Resources, OS - Open Space and Recreation
Leaders and Partners Acronyms: AHTF - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, BOS - Board of Selectmen, CC - Conservation Commission, CED - Community and Economic Development, COA - Council on Aging, CPC - Community Preservation Committee, FONAT - Friends of the North
Andover Trails, HA - Housing Authority, MassDOT - Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MVRTA - Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, PB - Planning Board, PW - Department of Public Works, TM - Town Manager, TMM -
Town Meeting Members, ZBA - Zoning Board of Appeals.
North Andover Master Plan184
Implementation Table
Strategy
#
Master Plan
Element
Element
Goal Strategy Related
Elements
Local
Government
Leadership
Local
Government
Partners
Timeframe Level of
Effort Resources Required
67 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 3 Develop a conceptual plan for the North Andover Rail Trail that could then be designed and funded
in sections over time.T, FS, HCR, ED CED PW, CPC 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$$)
68 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 3
Continue to support the work of the Friends of North Andover Trails, Essex County Greenbelt, Bay
Circuit Alliance, Trustees of Reservation, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, and others create
trail connections throughout North Andover and connecting to neighboring communities.
T, FS, HCR CED PW, CPC Ongoing Minimal Budget ($$), Staff Time
69 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 4 Continue to consider the creation of more athletic fields to support youth sports including potential for
use of private property. FS PW, School Dept.Youth and
Recreation Council 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$)
70 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 4 Consider options to expand space available for youth services programs either at the youth center
site or off site in shared facilities.FS
Youth and
Recreation Council,
School Dept.
PW 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$)
71 Open Space and
Recreation Goal 4 Organize more community-wide events in the Downtown area and other central locations (e.g. Town
Common).ED Community
Services
Cultural Council,
Youth and
Recreation
Council, School
Dept., COA
Ongoing Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
HISTORIC, CULTURAL, & NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT
72 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 1 Acquire or otherwise protect priority open space parcels from development as identified through the
most current Open Space and Recreation Plan.OS CC, BOS CED, CPC Ongoing Difficult Budget ($$$)
73 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 1
Create a local Historic Preservation Master Plan to identify resources for stronger protection of
historic resources, improvements to strengthen effectiveness of existing historic and neighborhood
conservation districts, and protection of historic town records.
LU Historical
Commission
Local and
neighborhood
district
commissions, CED
1-5 years Moderate Budget ($$), Staff Time
74 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 1 Complete an Historic Structures Report for the Stevens Estate including outbuildings and landscapes,
as well as possible reuse options. FS CED CC 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$), Staff Time
75 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 1
Develop a program for displaying North Andover’s historical artifacts from the former Lowell
American Textile History Museum. Artifacts could be loaned to the Town and displayed through
rotating galleries at Town Hall, the Library, or other locations across town.
FS
Cultural Council,
Historical
Commission
CED 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
76 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 2
Nurture and support an ongoing relationship between the Historical Society and school department,
especially regarding the third-grade local history curriculum to create opportunities for local field
trips, classroom guests, and other educational opportunities about local history.
FS
Historical
Commission,
School Dept.
Community
Services, COA,
Library
6-10 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
77 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 2 Organize clean-up days for historic burial grounds and clean-up/community service days at the
Historical Society properties. OS Community
Services
Youth and
Recreation
Council, School
Dept., COA, PW
Ongoing Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
78 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 2 Develop a historic and cultural asset map that highlights resources around North Andover OS
Cultural Council,
Historical
Commission
Ongoing Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
Related Elements Acronyms: LU - Land Use, H - Housing, ED - Economic Development, T - Transportation, FS - (Public) Facilities & Services, HCR - Historic, Cultural, Natural Resources, OS - Open Space and Recreation
Leaders and Partners Acronyms: AHTF - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, BOS - Board of Selectmen, CC - Conservation Commission, CED - Community and Economic Development, COA - Council on Aging, CPC - Community Preservation Committee, FONAT - Friends of the North
Andover Trails, HA - Housing Authority, MassDOT - Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MVRTA - Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, PB - Planning Board, PW - Department of Public Works, TM - Town Manager, TMM -
Town Meeting Members, ZBA - Zoning Board of Appeals.
North Andover Master Plan 185
Implementation Table
Strategy
#
Master Plan
Element
Element
Goal Strategy Related
Elements
Local
Government
Leadership
Local
Government
Partners
Timeframe Level of
Effort Resources Required
79 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 2 Use the community’s historic spaces and resources as venues for community events and arts
programs.FS Community
Services
Cultural Council,
Youth and
Recreation
Council, School
Dept., COA
Ongoing Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
80 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 2 Develop a partnership between the Town’s historic sites, parks, and open spaces and its performing
and visual arts programs. FS Community
Services
Cultural Council,
Youth and
Recreation
Council, School
Dept., COA
Ongoing Minimal Staff Time
81 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 3
Partner with Trustees of Reservation and the Historical Society to expand the visibility of North
Andover’s publicly-accessible historic resources by coordinating events, holding joint house and
facilities tours, and collaborating on joint programs and volunteer activities.
FS Community
Services
Cultural Council,
Youth and
Recreation
Council, School
Dept., COA
Ongoing Minimal Staff Time
82 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 3 Partner with cultural organizations and non-profits like Windrush Farm, Rolling Ridge, and Merrimack
College to expand cultural programming and events for North Andover residents.OS, ED Community
Services
Non-Profits,
Merrimack
College, Library
Ongoing Minimal Staff Time
83 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 4
Establish a clear set of policies and procedures for communicating regularly with property owners
enrolled in the state’s three current-use Chapter 61 programs to enhance the possibility of permanent
conservation solutions.
OS CC BOS 1-5 years Minimal Staff Time
84 Historic, Cultural, and
Natural Resources Goal 4
Seek additional funding to preserve and maintain the Town’s conservation lands and Lake
Cochichewick by pursuing private funding sources, such as corporate partners, university research
projects, or creating an open space improvement fund developers can pay in to.
OS CC BOS 6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$$)
PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICE ELEMENT
85 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 1 Continue to prioritize the update, repair, and renovation of the Town’s public buildings and schools as
needed.None School Dept.
Facilities
Management,
BOS
6-10 years Difficult Budget ($$$$), Staff Time
86 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 1 Support and/or expand resources to address the needs of residents of all ages suffering from
substance abuse and mental health challenges.None
Policie
Department, Fire
Department
Health
Department 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($$), Staff Time
87 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 1 Work with local internet and cell service providers to proactively seek out new technology to expand
access in North Andover and nearby communities.LU, HCR, ED CED Town Manager 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
88 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 1 Complete the inventory of shade trees located throughout the Town in order to help identify locations
where more might be needed.HCR, OS
Superintendent of
Forestry, Trees and
Grounds, PW
CED 6-10 years Moderate Staff Time
89 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 1 Complete the Stormwater Management Plan and make improvements and replacements where
necessary.
H, ED, LU,
HCR PW CED 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$), Staff Time
Related Elements Acronyms: LU - Land Use, H - Housing, ED - Economic Development, T - Transportation, FS - (Public) Facilities & Services, HCR - Historic, Cultural, Natural Resources, OS - Open Space and Recreation
Leaders and Partners Acronyms: AHTF - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, BOS - Board of Selectmen, CC - Conservation Commission, CED - Community and Economic Development, COA - Council on Aging, CPC - Community Preservation Committee, FONAT - Friends of the North
Andover Trails, HA - Housing Authority, MassDOT - Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MVRTA - Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, PB - Planning Board, PW - Department of Public Works, TM - Town Manager, TMM -
Town Meeting Members, ZBA - Zoning Board of Appeals.
North Andover Master Plan186
Implementation Table
Strategy
#
Master Plan
Element
Element
Goal Strategy Related
Elements
Local
Government
Leadership
Local
Government
Partners
Timeframe Level of
Effort Resources Required
90 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 1
Continue to upgrade and replace aging pipes for sewer and water systems, including evaluating
possible expansion capabilities to residents that are not currently served by sewer and water
infrastructure with a specific focus on protecting the drinking water supply.
H, ED, LU Water Department,
Sewer Department PW 11-15 years Difficult Budget ($$$$)
91 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Provide appropriate facilities and services for an increasing aging population.H, T COA CED, Library 1-5 years Difficult Budget ($$$$)
92 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Encourage the Youth Center to expand programming and, if necessary, space both on-and off-site.T
Youth &
Recreational
Services
School Dept,
Library 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$)
93 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Prepare and implement a long-term maintenance plan for existing fields and, if needed, identify
locations and types for additional athletic fields.OS
Youth &
Recreational
Services
DPW, North
Andover Field
Adoption program
6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$)
94 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Look to expand programming at Stevens Pond, such as kayak, paddleboard, sailing lessons and
rentals, and ice skating.OS
Youth &
Recreational
Services
PW 6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$)
95 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Develop a vision for maximizing the potential of the Stevens Estate.OS, HCR CED TM 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($), Staff Time
96 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Encourage the Library to provide needed additional programming whether on-site or at satellite
locations.None Library
School Dept,
COA, Youth &
Recreational
Services
6-10 years Moderate Budget ($$$)
97 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Support the library to become a community and cultural hub for the Town, and a resource for lifestyle
information and lifelong learning.None Library BOS 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($$)
98 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 2 Continue to support Veteran’s Services so that they may provide needed services to veterans.H Veteran’s Services CED 6-10 years Moderate Staff Time
99 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 3 Make “green” or environmentally-friendly improvements to existing Town buildings where feasible,
including the use of renewable energy sources such as solar.LU, HCR PW TM, PB 11-15 years Difficult Budget ($$$$)
100 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 3 Provide educational materials to residents and commercial establishments with information regarding
how they can take measures to protect the environment.ED, H CED PW, TM 1-5 years Moderate Budget ($), Staff Time
101 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 3 Provide recycling bins in the downtown area and in municipal buildings.LU, ED PW CED 1-5 years Minimal Budget ($)
102 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 4 Actively recruit volunteers that represent a greater gender, age and ethnic diversity.None TM BOS 1-5 years Minimal Staff Time
103 Public Facilities &
Services Goal 4 Continue to provide information on-line and explore additional ways to use technology to
communicate with residents and make the provision of services most efficient.None TM CED, BOS 1-5 years Minimal Staff Time
Related Elements Acronyms: LU - Land Use, H - Housing, ED - Economic Development, T - Transportation, FS - (Public) Facilities & Services, HCR - Historic, Cultural, Natural Resources, OS - Open Space and Recreation
Leaders and Partners Acronyms: AHTF - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, BOS - Board of Selectmen, CC - Conservation Commission, CED - Community and Economic Development, COA - Council on Aging, CPC - Community Preservation Committee, FONAT - Friends of the North
Andover Trails, HA - Housing Authority, MassDOT - Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA - Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MVRTA - Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, PB - Planning Board, PW - Department of Public Works, TM - Town Manager, TMM -
Town Meeting Members, ZBA - Zoning Board of Appeals.
North Andover Master Plan 187
Appendix
Appendix
References
Sources of Data
»MassGIS Land Use Data
»North Andover Assessor’s Database
»American Community Survey
»Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
»The Warren Group
»Zillow
»North Andover Planning Department
»Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
»Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
»MassDOT
»MBTA
»Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
»Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority
»ESRI Business Analyst, Traffic Count Data
»North Andover Youth and Recreation Services, http://www.nayouth.com
»North Andover Town Website, http://www.northandoverma.gov
»North Andover Improvement Society, http://www.naimprovement.org/history
»Greenbelt Essex County’s Land Trust, http://www.ecga.org
»Community Preservation Coalition, http://www.communitypreservation.org
»Massachusetts Historical Commission MACRIS database, http://www.mhc-macris.net
»Essex National Heritage Area, http://www.essexheritage.org
»North Andover Historical Society, http://www.northandoverhistoricalsociety.org
»North Andover Fire Department Incidents from 1-1-2012 through 7-12-17, North Andover Fire Department
»North Andover Police Department CY 2017 Stats
»North Andover School District – Enrollment Projection Model, North Andover School Department
»Sewer Capital Improvement Plan
»Water Capital Improvement Plan
North Andover Master Plan188
Appendix
Documents
»North Andover Zoning Bylaw
»IEP, Inc. and Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, Lake Cochichewick Watershed Plan, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Final Report, August 1987.
»North Andover Master Plan, 2000
»Town-wide housing survey, 2017
»Route 125 Roadway Safety Audit, 2009.
»Friends of North Andover Trail. Guide to North Andover Trails.
»2018-2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Merrimack Valley MPO.
»MVPC Active Transportation Plan, 2016.
»MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program: North
Andover Reconnaissance Report, 2005.
»Town of North Andover Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2016
»Town of North Andover Master Plan, North Andover Master Plan Committee with assistance by North Andover
Department of Community Development and Services and Community Opportunities Group, Inc. 2000.
»North Andover Recommended Facilities Plan, Cecil Group, Inc., HMFH Architects, Foley Buhl Roberts and
Associates, Garcia Galuska DeSousa Consulting Engineers, Inc., May 2012.
»Stevens Memorial Library Strategic Plan FY2018-FY2022, September 27, 2016.
»Town of North Andover Open Space and Recreation Plan, Departments of Conservation and Planning, 2016.
»Stevens Estate Facilities Master Plan, Town of North Andover, May 29, 2012
»Facility Review and Assessment, Stevens Estate, Town of North Andover, 12/13/2012.
»Stevens Estate Stables, Existing Conditions Study, Town of North Andover, Kang Associates, Inc and D. G. Jones
International, Inc., Jan. 28, 2013
»The Right Class Size for Learning in Massachusetts by Colin A. Jones, April 27, 2015. http://massbudget.org/
report_window.php?loc=The%20Right%20Size%20for%20Learning.html
»Friends of North Andover Trails: http://www.fonat.org
Interviews
»Tour of North Andover
»Land Use and Zoning Core Assessment Meeting, August 1, 2017
»Economic Development Core Assessment Meetings, August 8
»Transportation Core Assessment Meeting, July 31, 2017
»Open Space and Recreation Core Assessment Meetings, July 31, 2017
»Core Assessment Meetings, July 31 at Stevens Memorial Library
»Interview, Rick Gorman, Director of Youth Services and Recreation, July 13, 2017.
»Interview, Steve Foster, Director of Facilities Management, Aug. 28, 2017.
»Core Assessment Meeting with Town Department Heads, July 11, 2017