September 27 Quad Board Meeting Brief

Select Board, School Committee, Finance Committee, Andover High School Building Committee Meet to Discuss Financial Impact of

AHS Project 

The Select Board, School Committee, Finance Committee, and Andover High School Building Committee met in a joint session, referred to as a “Quad Board Meeting,” on Wednesday, September 27 to review the financial impact of the proposed Andover High School building project.

The Andover High School Building Committee (SBC) was established in 2022, and has completed a feasibility process to evaluate site design options for a project that would be funded locally, without support from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). In April, the SBC voted to recommend the “Campus 2 with Auditorium” design, a new construction option that includes a new auditorium. The initial estimated cost of the project was $480,874,000, based on a cost analysis conducted during the feasibility phase.

The SBC subsequently submitted a request to the Select Board to call a Special Town Meeting to appropriate $1.3 million to complete the schematic design phase of the project. The September 27 Quad Board meeting was intended to provide additional information to relevant boards and committees on the financial impact of the proposed project before the request to call a Special Town Meeting is acted upon.

During the meeting, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and CFO Patrick Lawlor presented a financial impact analysis that covered project cost escalation, the effect of borrowing on the Town’s bond rating, and impact to taxpayers. A potential “interim” plan that would make short-term investments in the current high school facility, and serve as a bridge to a full-scale replacement project in the future, was also presented to the Quad Board. Topics covered in the analysis were provided by members of each Board and Committee during outreach conducted by Flanagan and Lawlor throughout recent months.

MBTA Communities Housing Conversation

MBTA Communities Working Group, Planning Staff to Host Community Conversation on Thursday, October 12 

The Town of Andover invites residents to attend a community conversation on the MBTA Communities zoning law on Thursday, October 12 at 7:00 PM at Memorial Hall Library. The event will cover recent developments in the law's implementation in Andover, including a review of community input received to date, the MBTA Communities Working Group's recommendation for the location of a compliant zone, and discussion of the components of a potential zoning bylaw article.

The MBTA Communities zoning law, enacted as part of a 2021 economic development package, requires communities that host MBTA service, or that are adjacent to communities hosting MBTA service, to create at least one district in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right, meaning that development within the district may take place without the need for a special permit or other discretionary approval. Andover is considered an MBTA community because of the Town’s two commuter rail stations on the MBTA’s Haverhill Line, located in Downtown and Ballardvale.

As defined in the law, the required zone must allow a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, be located within a half mile of an MBTA station, and be suitable for families with children, carrying no age restriction for residency. Subsequent guidelines issued by the the state establish that the multi-family zoning district must be able to accommodate a reasonable number of units, set at 15 percent of the community’s total housing units for cities and towns hosting commuter rail service.

Andover's Largest Community Event Draws Thousands to

Main Street

After uncooperative weather forced a one-week delay, Andover Day 2023 proved to be worth the wait. Thousands flocked to Main Street during the event, enjoying food, live entertainment, over 200 community booths, a beer garden, wine garden, and much more. 

The annual event is coordinated by the Andover Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by a long list of organizations, including the Town of Andover. Several Town departments and divisions contributed immeasurably to the planning and execution of this year’s successful event, including Community Development and Planning, Public Works, Fire Rescue, Police, and Health.  

Final Draft of Andover Climate Action and Sustainability Plan Released

Andover’s Climate Action and Sustainability Plan effort has concluded and the final plan is now available to view online. 

The final set of 35 actions outlined in the Climate Action and Sustainability Plan was informed by community meetings, one-on-one conversations, surveys and comments gathered when the draft plan was released to the public in August, over 1,000 touchpoints in all. The Plan would not have been possible with support from the Town Manager and many collaborators across town departments. Sustainability is also grateful for the leadership provided by Weston & Sampson technical consultants as well as the dedication of the Steering Committee members drawn from Andover WECAN, Rotary and the Green Advisory Board. The group met biweekly and worked for over a year to bring the Plan to fruition. 

Old Town Hall Adaptive Re-Use Feasibility Study Report Released

The Town of Andover has released a final report detailing the findings of the Old Town Hall Adaptive Re-Use Feasibility Study, marking the conclusion of an in-depth analysis of the historic facility conducted by architectural firm LaGrasse Yanowitz & Feyl (LYF Architects). Informed by extensive input from the public, the report provides a comprehensive playbook of strategies to transform Old Town Hall into an active destination in the heart of downtown Andover.

The report details existing conditions of the facility, input garnered through a community survey and numerous public meetings, design plans and options, cost analysis for proposed improvements, and potential marketing strategies.

The Town will be developing next steps based on the recommendations noted in the report. If you would like to add any additional comments or get involved, please contact Ann Ormond, Director of Business, Arts, and Cultural Development, via email at ann.ormond@andoverma.us.

Andover DEI Commission Celebrates Success

Through powerful programming, community outreach, and education, the Andover Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has achieved significant progress in creating a more just and equitable Andover since it was established in 2021.

On Wednesday, September 27, the Commission hosted a community celebration at Oak & Iron Brewing Co. to reflect on the past achievements of the group and discuss the work ahead.

Opportunities to support the work of the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by serving on a working group are currently available. Members of the Andover community that are interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Jemma Lambert and jemma.lambert@andoverma.us.

To receive regular updated on the work of the Commission and other DEI initiatives in the Town of Andover, subscribe to the Andover DIVERSE newsletter at the link below.

Official Trick-or-Treating Hours in Andover Set for

Tuesday, October 31

October is here, and Halloween is just around the corner. Official trick-or-treating hours in Andover have been set for Tuesday, October 31 from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Whether or not you are participating in Halloween activities, please remember to exercise increased caution on roadways while driving during these hours.

2023-2024 Andover Cultural Council Grant Application

The Andover Cultural Council (ACC) is a volunteer organization that helps fund and promote cultural programs that enhance the quality of life in Andover. The ACC supports local cultural projects through an annual grant award process established and funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The 2023 application period for cultural council grants is now open.

Do you have an idea for a project that will directly benefit Andover? Are you an individual artist, cultural organization, teacher, library, or school? Local and regional individuals and organizations in the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences are all eligible to apply.

The application deadline is October 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Applications must be submitted online through the MCC website. Visit the link below for more details.

Town of Andover Job Board

The Town of Andover is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill various positions within our organization. Learn more about exciting opportunities to join our team and grow your career at the links below, and apply online today. 

Culinary Co-Op - Elder Services
Mechanic - DPW
Maintenance Mechanic, HVAC - Facilities