Economic Development

The vast majority of new businesses that have come to North Andover are located along major commercial corridors, such as Routes 114 and 125, or in the downtown/Historic Mill District.  Recent examples include:

• • In December of 2024, the Planning Board approved a project at 1250 Osgood Street (Route 125) to construct a new 2/3 story,  21,145 square foot building to be used for a child care center and other commercial uses.  The Conservation Commission also issued an Order of Conditions, allowing for this project to move forward. - Updated 12/9/2024

  • The redevelopment of a portion of Osgood Landing on Route 125 into a 3.8M sf Amazon distribution and warehouse facility that employs upwards of 1,500 people.

  • In November of 2024, Cava opened a location in the Eaglewood Shops commercial plaza, located on Route 114.  - Updated 12/2/2024

  • In December of 2023, the Planning Board approved a project sponsored by HGR Lacrosse to build a new 39,000 square foot indoor recreation facility at the Lawrence Municipal Airport (492 Sutton Street).  This project was completed in November of 2024 and the facility is now open and operating  - Updated 12/2/2024

  • In 2020, the Forgetta Farm property on Route 125 (Osgood Street) was redeveloped into 192 market rate rental housing units.  In front of that development, 40,000 sf of new retail/commercial was developed as well - most of which is already occupied (Andiamo, F45 Training, Da Vinci Salon, Liquor Junction, Wrap City, Passion Nails & Spa, and a Starbucks drive-thru).

  • The redevelopment of 419/435 Andover Street (former Ethan Allen building) adjacent to Bertucci's, into two structures totaling approximately 10,800 square feet that now houses an urgent care facility, drive thru Chase Bank branch, and drive thru Starbucks.  This project was completed in May of 2022. - Updated 6/1/22

  • In 2021, Enterprise Bank completed construction of and is now occupying a new branch at 247 Chickering Road, former site of Bulger Veterinary Hospital.  The building is 3,250 square feet with a drive-up window.

  • New businesses that have recently opened in the downtown and Historic Mill District include: Ultimate Vitamins Plus (154 Main Street), Supreme House of Pizza (Sutton Street), Pablo's Mexican Street Eats and Margaritas (129 Main Street), and Pipe Dream Cupcakes (48 Water Street). - Updated 2/3/2025

In June 2019, Special Town Meeting approved several zoning bylaw amendments related to the Osgood Landing site (1600 Osgood Street); including, to allow for a waiver of maximum building height in I-2 by special permit, waiver of maximum floor area ratio by special permit, and waiver of setbacks and other dimensional requirements for large scale ground mounted solar energy systems by special permit. 

• Since then, a project to bring a 3.8M sf Amazon distribution and warehouse facility to the property was approved by local land use boards and was completed in fall of 2023.  The facility employs upwards of 1,500 people.

In December of 2023, the Planning Board approved a project sponsored by HGR Lacrosse to build a new 39,000 square foot indoor recreation facility at the Lawrence Municipal Airport (492 Sutton Street).  The parcel on which the facility will be built, is zoned as "Industrial-2."  - Updated 12/11/2023

In 2023, the Town identified Osgood Landing (1600 Osgood Landing) and North Andover Mall (aka Market Basket Plaza - 350 Winthrop Avenue) as multi-acre sites that could support rezoning for as of right multi-family housing, in order to comply with the State's "MBTA Communities" statute.  These sites front North Andover's primary commercial corridors: Routes 125 and 114.  Town staff is currently working with MVPC to solicit public feedback on this potential change to the Town's Zoning Bylaw.  At present, there is an effort underway to encourage a mix of uses in development proposals that would come about as a result of new zoning, as opposed to only housing.  Click here to learn more about the Town's efforts to comply with this State mandate. - Updated 12/5/2023

In 2023, construction of a 3-story, 90,000 square foot self-storage facility with associated parking, landscaping, utilities and stormwater management was completed on Beechwood Drive (across from the future Amazon Facility on Osgood Street), which utilizes the property for a commercial/industrial as opposed to residential use.

In 2023, developer Avalon Bay completed construction of 170 multi-family rental housing units at 4 High Street in the Historic Mill Area, as well as another 51 units at a site across the street from this project.  These new housing units compliment a mix of uses in the area that include ground floor retail and restaurants, and upper story offices.  

The former Knights of Columbus property at 505 Sutton Street was redeveloped by developer MINCO into 136 market rate rental housing units, while a property directly adjacent to it is being used as the site of the Town's new Senior Center.  The end result is two complementary uses sited next to each other.

In 2020, 192 market rate rental housing units were constructed at 1210 Osgood Street (Route 125).  In front of that development, 40,000 sf of new retail/commercial was built - most of which is already occupied (Andiamo, F45 Training, Liquor Junction, Wrap City, Passion Nails & Spa, and a Starbucks drive-thru).

At its regular meeting on September 18, 2023, the Town's Director of Community and Economic Development provided a memo to the Master Plan Implementation Committee, which provides an analysis of whether or not so-called "comparable communities utilize quasi-public entities for economic development, and whether it would make sense for North Andover.  - Updated 9/19/2023

With assistance from sponsors such as Lowell Five Bank and the North Andover Merchants Association, the North Andover Farmers Market has been in operation for a few years.  It operates along a section of First Street in downtown North Andover on a weekly basis (Sundays, 10am-1pm) from mid-June to early October, each year.

• • Starting in the summer of 2025, the North Andover Farmers Market moved to the municipal parking lot behind Town Hall (120 Main Street). - Updated 6/9/2025

The Artisan Market at the Mills began in the summer of 2018 and is an annual collaboration of the North Andover Farmers Market and the East and West Mills. The markets are handmade only events with artisans from all over New England.  It also offers live music, children's activities and food trucks.  The markets take place in the lots behind the West Mill on High St. 

In early 2023, the Town secured $625,000 in funding, split between American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and the North Andover Business and Economic Development Fund of the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) to fund design/engineering of the streetscape improvements outlined in the concepts developed through the Downtown Improvement Master Plan process.  The Town will next draft and issue a request for proposals (RFP) to procure the services of a qualified engineering firm that can perform this work. - Updated February 7, 2023

• • In October of 2024, the Town was awarded $675,000 from the State's MassWorks Infrastructure Program to support engineering/design of downtown streetscape improvements.  Because $300,000 in ARPA funding (see bullet above) was reallocated from this project due to other competing priorities, the $675,000 grant will be leveraged against $325,000 from ECCF's Economic Development Fund (see bullet above), making for a project total of $1,000,000. - Updated 11/4/2024

  • The design and engineering of downtown streetscape improvements project now has a dedicated page on the Town's website.  Engineering firm Green International Affiliates is under contract to develop construction plans for these improvements.  Survey work began in April of 2025. - Updated 4/16/2025

In fall of 2021 the Town was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Housing Choice Community Grant Program that is currently being used to fund the work of a consultant (Innes Associates) that is guiding a public process to develop new base zoning for downtown North Andover. 

The Town, through its Community/Economic Development Department and Planning Department, is utilizing funding it received through a State earmark to plan for a pedestrian trail that will connect Main Street to the Mills to Hills Trail on High Street.  The Town has engaged engineering consultant Greenman-Pedersen (GPI) to develop concept plans and assist with public engagement.  Although the concept is still preliminary, the Town envisions a trail connection that would run over and/or along Sutton Pond, along an existing rail right-of-way, through Clean Harbors' property, and through the East and West Mills' property. - Updated September 26, 2022

In 2023, the Town identified Osgood Landing (1600 Osgood Landing) and North Andover Mall (aka Market Basket Plaza - 350 Winthrop Avenue) as multi-acre sites that could support rezoning for as of right multi-family housing, in order to comply with the State's "MBTA Communities" statute.  These sites front North Andover's primary commercial corridors: Routes 125 and 114.  Town staff is currently working with MVPC to solicit public feedback on this potential change to the Town's Zoning Bylaw.  At present, there is an effort underway to encourage a mix of uses in development proposals that would come about as a result of new zoning, as opposed to only housing.  Click here to learn more about the Town's efforts to comply with this State mandate. - Updated 12/5/2023

• • On April 2, 2024, the Planning Board voted "favorable action" and on April 8, 2024 the Select Board voted "favorable action" on the proposed MBTA Multi-Family Overlay District Bylaw, which will be considered at Town Meeting on May 14, 2024. - Updated 4/8/2024

  • On May 14, 2024, Annual Town Meeting voted to approve the proposed MBTA Multi-Family Housing Overlay District, which includes 1600 Osgood Street (Osgood Landing) and North Andover Mall, and complies with the State's MBTA Communities zoning mandate. - Updated May 15, 2024

In March of 2023, the Planning Board approved a Site Plan Review Special Permit for 14 2nd Street / 149 Main Street to construct a new three story mixed-use building consisting of 24 residential units with ground floor commercial space. - Updated March 22, 2023

In March of 2023, the Planning Board waived site plan review for a project that is now underway at 48-50 Water Street.  The former "Richard's T.V. Appliances" property is being fully renovated to maintain commercial space on the ground floor, with three residential units above. - Updated March 7, 2023

In 2020, 192 market rate rental housing units were constructed at 1210 Osgood Street (Route 125).  In front of that development, 40,000 sf of new retail/commercial is under construction - most of which is already complete and occupied (F45 Training, Andiamo, Liquor Junction, and Passion Nails & Spa).  These two developments are separate, but directly adjacent to each other, thereby creating a mix of uses in a concentrated area.

In 2007, Annual Town Meeting approved the addition of the Osgood Smart Growth Overlay District (OSGOD) to the Town's Zoning Bylaw, which was developed to "...foster a range of housing opportunities along with a mixed-use development component, to be proposed in a distinctive and attractive site development program that promotes compact design, preservation of Open Space, and a variety of transportation options, including enhanced pedestrian access to employment and nearby rail access."  Click here for a map of the District; it is located at the Osgood Landing site (1600 Osgood Street).

The Town's Community Preservation Committee (CPC) voted to recommend a $450,000 CPA grant to fund historical restoration improvements to the Carriage House at the Stevens Estate.  The project calls for performing masonry work, interior drywall/ceilings/finishes, and mold removal.  It is not known yet how the building will be utilized. - Updated 4/16/2025

• • On May 13, 2025, Annual Town Meeting voted to approve all recommended CPC projects, including the project to fund improvements to the Carriage House at the Stevens Estate. - Updated 5/14/2025

On March 14, 2024, the Community Preservation Committee voted to recommend approval of an application from the Town to stabilize the stables building at the Stevens Estate in order to prepare it for potential future use.  Work will consist primarily of rebuilding of a portion of a brick section of wall, as well as repointing, to prevent additional water intrusion. - Updated 3/14/2024

• 2024 Annual Town Meeting approved this funding ($150,000) for stabilization of the Stables (Carriage House) - Updated 5/15/2024

Annual Town Meeting 2023 approved a recommendation by the Community Preservation Committee to fund a project to stabilize the stables (sometimes referred to as the Carriage House) building at the Stevens Estate.  Although this is initial work just to stabilize the structure of the building, this $150,000 project could lead to additional improvements that could potentially translate to more commercial potential at the property. - Updated May 17, 2023

In May 2021, the Town entered a 10 year agreement (with two potential five year extensions) with Fireside Catering and Mass Audubon for management of the Stevens Estate and its grounds/trails, effective October 15, 2021.  Click here to learn more.

The Town's polling consultant, Polco, reached out to businesses in town to better understand their challenges and concerns coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The results of this polling will be utilized to better target use of the Town's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.  Click here for more information on results from Polco's initial polling. - Updated 6/6/22

• Postcards sent out to all businesses in North Andover;

• 58 completed surveys (26 postcards, 32 open participation)

The Town has made efforts to improve communications and outreach with businesses, especially to ensure their input is included in ongoing planning efforts. In spring 2021, the Planning Department made contact with all Downtown businesses through mail and many in-person visitations, in order to get more business input on the Downtown Improvement Master Plan.  A meeting was held solely for business and property owners to distinguish their input on particularly disruptive improvements, such as undergrounding utilities in the Downtown. 

In spring and summer 2021, business outreach was a key component of the Route 125 Corridor Study. Visits to business sites, interviews with managers and business owners, and mailers to businesses were all a part of getting input on zoning and transportation proposals in the plan. These efforts ensure that the business perspective is incorporated into future projects on the corridor. Establishing these connections will help to establish a dialogue in the future.

The Director of Community and Economic Development meets regularly with a representative of the North Andover Merchants Association and attends events held by the organization, to discuss issues occurring in town and to hear about issues pertinent to the business community.

The Director of Community and Economic Development on a regular basis, reaches out to and maintains contact with various business owners and managers in town.  Often times, this outreach is conducted alongside a representative of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, and sometimes with a representative of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. 

In March of 2023, the Town's Department of Community and Economic Development released a new economic development focused website (www.choosenorthandover.com), which among other things, provides a searchable database of available commercial/industrial properties for sale and/or lease. - Updated March 28, 2023

In December of 2023, the Planning Board approved a project sponsored by HGR Lacrosse to build a new 39,000 square foot indoor recreation facility at the Lawrence Municipal Airport (492 Sutton Street).  At approximately 493 acres, the Airport represents one of, if not the largest landowner in North Andover. - Updated 12/11/2023

In 2023, the Town identified Osgood Landing (1600 Osgood Landing) and North Andover Mall (aka Market Basket Plaza - 350 Winthrop Avenue) as multi-acre sites that could support rezoning for as of right multi-family housing, in order to comply with the State's "MBTA Communities" statute.  These sites front North Andover's primary commercial corridors: Routes 125 and 114.  Town staff is currently working with MVPC to solicit public feedback on this potential change to the Town's Zoning Bylaw.  At present, there is an effort underway to encourage a mix of uses in development proposals that would come about as a result of new zoning, as opposed to only housing.  Click here to learn more about the Town's efforts to comply with this State mandate. - Updated 12/5/2023

• On April 2, 2024, the Planning Board voted "favorable action" and on April 8, 2024 the Select Board voted "favorable action" on the proposed MBTA Multi-Family Overlay District Bylaw, which will be considered at Town Meeting on May 14, 2024. - Updated 4/8/2024

• On May 14, 2024, Annual Town Meeting voted to approve the proposed MBTA Multi-Family Housing Overlay District, which includes 1600 Osgood Street (Osgood Landing) and North Andover Mall, and complies with the State's MBTA Communities zoning mandate. - Updated May 15, 2024

The Town and Planning Board worked with Princeton Properties to develop zoning that would allow an appropriate conversion of the former Forgetta Farm site on Route 125 into a mixed-use development. In 2020, 192 market rate rental housing units were constructed at 1210 Osgood Street (Route 125).  In front of that development, 40,000 sf of new retail/commercial is under construction - most of which is already complete and occupied (Andiamo, F45 Training, Liquor Junction, Passion Nails & Spa, Wrap City, and a Starbucks drive-thru).

Town officials continue to remain engaged with Aimco, the owner of the Royal Crest Estates Property.  This is after a proposal, brought forward by Trinity Financial for a potential mixed-use redevelopment of the 76-acre property, failed at 2022 Annual Town Meeting.  This property is located on Route 114, across from Merrimack College.   The proposed redevelopment required an amendment to the Town's Zoning Bylaw and Town Meeting approval.  To learn more what had been proposed, click here. - Updated 6/6/22

The Town worked with Amazon, Hillwood, and property owner, Ozzy Properties, on the redevelopment of Osgood Landing, which now includes an Amazon distribution facility that employs upwards of 1,500 people.  In June 2020, North Andover Town Meeting voted to approve both a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreement and Community Partnership Agreement with Amazon.com Services LLC (Amazon) and Hillwood Enterprises, LP to support redevelopment of 110 acres of property at what is currently 1600 Osgood Street (Osgood Landing) into a five (5) story, approximately 3,800,000 square foot Amazon e-commerce storage, warehouse, and distribution facility. 

In December of 2023, the Planning Board approved a project sponsored by HGR Lacrosse to build a new 39,000 square foot indoor recreation facility at the Lawrence Municipal Airport (492 Sutton Street).  - Updated 12/11/2023

In January of 2019, MassDOT issued its Massachusetts Statewide  Airport Economic Impact Study Update, which found that Lawrence Municipal Airport provides a total economic output of $49,885,000.  Total impacts include all on-airport business and government agency, capital improvement project, visitor, and multiplier impacts.  This is a marked increase from the approximately $30 million in output that the Airport produced as of 2015. - Updated August 3, 2022 

Town staff - Community and Economic Development, Planning, Building, and others - are in regular contact with the Airport when opportunities arise for new businesses to locate at the Airport.