Andover puts sustainable mixed use on the map!
“We are going to have one of the best commuter rail stops north of Boston,” said Paul Materazzo, Andover’s Director of Planning and Land Use. “People will want to get off and enjoy the space.”
Imagine Andover’s railroad station and the surrounds of the future: a cozy coffee shop to grab craft latte before the commute, a splash pad for kids to enjoy on a hot summer day, public spaces to meet up with friends. All of this seamlessly mixed with housing options that allow a diverse set of Andoverites to bring vitality to our community.
Looking at the old town yard now, it is hard to imagine. But behind the scenes, Minco Development and the town of Andover are working hard on the planning process to make this a reality. All of this using precedent-setting environmental standards!
Currently Minco and the town are ironing out the land disposition agreement. Once that is in place, Minco will unveil their updated development plan to residents. Minco has acquired other properties adjacent to the old town yard including the building that Handy Granny occupied and three properties along Buxton Court.
Paul Materazzo is hopeful that there can be a presentation of the new plans for the town before the end of the year.
“We are going to have one of the best commuter rail stops north of Boston. People will want to get off and enjoy the space.”
In conversations in September 2021, Minco indicated they were planning LEED certification. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings. Part of Minco’s sustainability plan for the development included being fossil fuel-free and having onsite renewable sources of electricity.
“It is a high priority from a sustainability standpoint that the development is all-electric and is low-impact on the environment. Imagine if we could reach for LEED for Neighborhood Development certification to create a more sustainable, well-connected neighborhood,” Joyce Losick-Yang, Andover Sustainability Director reflected. “Andover could be one of the first to have such a designation in Essex County. Wouldn’t that be cool?”
The mixed-use development will include shared community resources that will make it livable and friendly for families and commuters. In addition, the proposed development would have 15% affordable units. Well documented advantages of mixed-income development include improved housing quality, better services, more neighborhood amenities and a safer environment.
Denise Johnson, executive director for Andover Community Trust, added “In Massachusetts where the cost of housing is among the highest in the country, the inclusion of affordable housing units in this or any development means creating and preserving housing that is affordable for generations. We can build a more economically diverse and inclusive community for everyone.”
