Lowell Street Improvements
Route 133 Corridor Project Selected for Federal Funding in Regional Transportation Improvement Program

The 1.25 mile stretch of Lowell Street from West Parish to Shawsheen Square is a vital thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Andover, connecting densely settled neighborhoods and significant community assets. For years, Town planning staff have contemplated improvements to this heavily-utilized segment of roadway. In recent years, plans were developed in collaboration with members of the community and abutters to make targeted improvements to the corridor with the goal of easing traffic congestion, expanding pedestrian accessibility, and improving bicycle accommodations, all while preserving the character and aesthetic of the area.

Last month, a significant milestone in the process to enhance the corridor was reached as the project was programmed to receive federal transportation funding through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) approved by the Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) for 2024-2028. The TIP dedicates $15.4 million in federal funds for the Route 133 Corridor Project in Fiscal Year 2028.

“Enhancing the Route 133 Corridor has been a longstanding priority in Andover. The project aims to improve mobility along the heavily utilized route, and to enhance its safety for all users, including bicyclists, and pedestrians” said Director of Planning & Land Use Paul Materazzo. “The project’s inclusion in the TIP represents a significant step forward in making this long anticipated, high impact project a reality.”

May 31 Tri-Board Meeting Brief

Select Board, Finance Committee, AHS Building Committee Meet to Discuss Andover High School Project

A Tri-Board meeting of the Select Board, Finance Committee, and Andover High School Building Committee (SBC) was held on Wednesday, May 31 at Memorial Hall Library. During the meeting, members of the SBC and Andover High School project team outlined the work performed by the SBC since it was established last year, the development and selection of a preferred design alternative for a new building, and preliminary cost estimates for the selected design option. Town Manager Andrew Flanagan provide an overview of financial factors related to the project, including funding limitations posed by the Town’s debt limit and the potential impact of borrowing for the project on the Town’s bond rating.

Town Welcomes New Assistant Treasurer/Collector, and

HR Generalist

Last week, the Town of Andover welcomed two new employees to important roles in the organization. Genna Jacobs joined the Treasurer/Collector Division of the Finance Department as Assistant Treasurer/Collector, and Jessica Chaplin joined the Human Resources Department as HR Generalist.

Genna Jacobs – Assistant Treasurer/Collector

Genna Jacobs brings extensive experience in finance and municipal government to the Treasurer’s Office. As Assistant Treasurer/Collector, Jacobs will be responsible for supporting and supervising key functions of the division including billing and collection of taxes and other revenues, disbursement of funds, investment and borrowing of monies, reconciliation of bank statements, and the preparation of fiscal reports.

Prior to her new role in Andover, Jacobs served in a similar capacity in Manchester-by-the-Sea as the Town’s Assistant Treasurer/Collector. In that role, Jacobs was responsible for tax and billing collections, assisting with account reconciliation, and other responsibilities that align with those she will be tasked with handling in the Town of Andover. Jacobs held the position for three years. Prior to her work in municipal government, she served in administrative and financial roles for in the health care and non-profit fields. Jacobs has a total of fifteen years of experience in financial roles.

Jessica Chaplin – HR Generalist

The Town’s Human Resources staff has expanded to three full-time employees with the addition of Jessica Chaplin as HR Generalist. The new position marks the completion of the plan to establish a Town Human Resources Department following the separation of Town and School Human Resources functions.

Prior to accepting the new role in the Town of Andover, Chaplin served in an HR-focused position in the City of Concord, New Hampshire’s Police Department as a Records Supervisor. In that role, Chaplin was responsible for managing payroll and employee benefits, ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws, and developing systems to track benefit use with the organization.

As HR Generalist, Chaplin’s responsibilities will include assisting with the recruitment of new employees, supporting the Benefits Manager in advising employees on benefit options, maintaining personnel files, and providing assistance to internal and external customers of the Human Resources Office.

Andover Leadership Academy

Inaugural Class of Andover Leadership Academy Completes Eleven-Week Program

Andover launched its Leadership Academy this past March, welcoming a diverse group of 25 community members who, together, engaged in learning and conversation with Andover’s municipal leaders. Over 11 sessions, participants gained an appreciation for complexities associated with municipal operations, a baseline understanding of how tax dollars are spent and budgets developed, and established connections with Andover’s senior leaders and one another.

During the final session on May 24, Academy participants shared their thoughts on the value of the program.

"The Andover Leadership Academy was a tremendous opportunity to learn about municipal governance, to meet and get to know our Town leadership and to connect with our neighbors who care deeply about the Andover community," said Brain Materson, an Andover Leadership Academy graduate. 

"I’ve always wanted a course like this," said Lis Tamarkin, another Academy graduate. "My sense of community is stronger, my enthusiasm for Andover deeper. I’m a better, more engaged citizen thanks to the Academy."

The next session of the Academy will run twice weekly during the day, 1:00-3:30 PM, from October 2nd through November 8th. All who live or work in Andover are encouraged to apply. Visit the link below for more information and to complete an application online.

Andover Observes Memorial Day

On Monday, May 29, members of the Andover community came together to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by our nation's fallen heroes during the Town's Annual Memorial Day Ceremonies. Throughout the morning, ceremonies were held at West Parish Cemetery, St. Augustine Cemetery, and Spring Grove Cemetery. At 10:00 AM, hundreds lined the streets of Downtown Andover to take in the Annual Memorial Day Parade. The morning-long commemoration culminated with a moving ceremony in The Park, during which the 35 Andover veterans who passed away over the last year were honored. 

Lot Two Re-Opens, Lot One Slated To Close for Construction on July 1 as Downtown Parking Improvement Project Continues

As construction progresses on the Downtown Parking improvement project, Lot Two, located at the corner of Bartlet Street and Park Street, has reopened for public parking. The lot was previously closed for construction in April. While construction at the lot is substantially complete, finishing work remains ongoing in the lot which may result in limited spaces being restricted throughout the coming weeks.

Lot One, located immediately behind Old Town Hall, is expected to close for construction on July 1, 2023. Parking will remain available in Lot Two, the Main Street Lot at 89 Main Street, and on streets throughout Downtown Andover during the closure of Lot One. 

The Downtown Parking Improvement Project was initiated last year, and is intended to enhance the municipal surface lots located behind Old Town Hall, last reconstructed in 1986. The project aims to reconfigure the municipal parking lots behind Old Town Hall to better accommodate pedestrian and vehicle flow and improve drainage structures. The plan will also create a centralized gathering space behind the historic building that can be activated for outdoor dining, live performances, and other community programming.

Departments Temporarily Relocated During 3rd Floor Construction at Town Offices

Town departments and staff based on the 3rd floor of Town Offices have been temporarily relocated in preparation of the public access and meeting space improvement project scheduled to begin on the floor in the coming weeks. 

Temporary Road Closures, Detours Scheduled Throughout Summer to Accommodate Construction Activity at West Elementary / Shawsheen Preshool Site

Summer construction work will be performed at the site of the West Elementary and Shawsheen Preschool Building Project from Monday, June 19 through Saturday, August 26. 

Beacon Street will be temporarily closed on weekdays, directly in front of the existing school, from June 19 through June 30, from 7:00 Am to 6:00 PM daily to enable utility work at the project site. A detour will be in place during these times directing vehicles to High Plan Road and Juniper Road. Portions of Beacon Street and High Plain will be reduced to one lane of vehicle traffic at times throughout July and August.

Visit the link below for more details, including specific closure dates and detour information.

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. 

Chief Assessor - Assessor's Department

Town Counsel - Town Manager's Office

Maintenance Mechanic - HVAC & Mechanical - Facilities