Stop National Development from Destroying our Neighborhood!

The developers want a variance to build 2-unrelated projects on an undersized parcel on what has been bucolic farmland. The Planning Board is under NO requirement to grant such a proposal, especially given the continuing feedback from those residents attending the meetings. The site is inappropriate (see bullets below).

As you well know, two courageous PB members previously voted their conscience after input from taxpayers, abutters and residents who will be permanently affected by the implications of an outsized and ill-conceived project. Jay Doherty and Steve Pouliot continue to ask pertinent questions regarding the impact of this project, from building dimensions, to lighting to water run-off, traffic and more.

To our knowledge, rather than support their decision to vote against the plan, neither the Town Planner nor the Town Counsel assisted Mr. Doherty and Mr. Pouliot in crafting their written replies. Both men are paid by the Town to carry out their duties and obligations to support, not hinder actions VOTED on by the PB, personal agendas notwithstanding.

Here we are, one year later, still having discussions about a project that was voted down in a democratic process. At the previous meeting, National Development had a new blueprint including 3 buildings. They continue to have the privilege of revisiting their project with minor changes when this should be treated as a new plan, taking into consideration all of the new building projects approved by the PB, which will add more traffic congestion and forever change a residential neighborhood.

With respect to the entire project and the “compelling” need for both memory care facilities and affordable senior housing in Andover, these are both inaccurate characterizations. Dr. Suetta Tenney, who is the gerontologist at Marland Place, stated unequivocally that none of the existing facilities in Andover or North Andover are full. Yet the developers persist with this disingenuous narrative.

Seniors, who are Andover residents selling their homes would rarely qualify for “affordable” housing, rather, non-resident, non-taxpaying residents of Andover would qualify. In fact, with the new Pulte development on River Road, there is no fear that over 55 housing will be available, and in abundance to even younger seniors.

• It is still unclear as to why only 5 issues in the remand were taken from the initial list of at least 10 objections. The high-rise, high-density (greater than 200 occupants) development is contrary to the by-laws and common sense for creating "harmony" with the neighborhood.

• The traffic study referenced was completed in 4/14 and did not include the busy intersections at Shawsheen or Argilla Roads. According to Mr. Chiozi, who fully supports the project, there are no funds for an updated study. Why are there no resources?

• As we all know, data can be manipulated to support any position.

• Each PB member should be required to drive Rte.133 at 6:30-8am and 5:30pm. And when Raytheon and IRS change shifts to have the true experience of traffic congestion on a 2-lane road when vehicles are backed up from Shawsheen Road to Rte. 93 and beyond in both directions.

• 4 school buses stop at the intersection of Windemere Drive and Lowell Street bringing already heavy traffic to a standstill at various times during the day, impacting the safety of children and waiting parents alike

• Since that 4/14 traffic study was completed, we now have an additional medical building in construction as well as 40B housing and a possible hotel at the BSC site

We need your support at the next, and most likely last Planning Board meeting to address the remand, scheduled for 9PM, Tuesday 23rd. Please join us!