Housing

In January of 2023, Town and Housing Authority staff began meeting regularly with representatives of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) to discuss data and other issues relevant to updating the Town's Housing Production Plan, which expires in 2023.  As the process moves forward to update this plan, the public will be engaged.  Click here to learn more about the Plan and the process to update it. - Updated 4/20/23

• • On September 28, 2023, the Town participated in MVPC's Regional Housing Production Plan Community Meeting (a remote meeting), which covered the topic of housing on a regional level, as well as in North Andover specifically.  Various statistics and figures about housing in the region and within North Andover were shared, and members of the public were asked to share their thoughts on how the Town can address issues related to housing for the next few years. - Updated 9/29/2023

  • On October 3, 2023, the Town, via Town News and social media, issued a survey to residents in order to gauge local sentiment on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).  The survey was available most of the month of October and will guide Town staff in reporting back to the Select Board on this topic.  Consider adopting an Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw is a strategy that was published in the Town's 2018-2022 Housing Production Plan.  Click here to learn more about ADUs. - Updated 10/3/2023

  • On December 7, 2023, the Town hosted a public forum at the Senior Center to discuss potential strategies that could be incorporated into an updated HPP, as well as to gain additional feedback on major housing related issues, such as ADUs and compliance with the State's MBTA Communities zoning mandate. - Updated 12/8/2023

  • On April 17, 2024, the Town hosted a virtual information session about the Housing Production Plan update.  - Updated 4/17/2024

  • On June 17, 2024, the Select Board voted to accept/adopt the Housing Production Plan update, which will remain in draft form until approved by the State's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). - Updated 6/18/2024

  • In January of 2025, EOHLC officially approved the Town's new Housing Production Plan. - Updated 1/24/2025

The Town's Housing Production Plan - which we cite in lieu of the Merrimack Valley Regional Housing Plan - was produced in 2017 with assistance from the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC).  It contains several goals and strategies for the Town to follow over a five (5) year period pertaining to the production of a variety of types of housing.  The Town's Planning Department and other relevant Town staff regularly review this document to ensure implementation of these strategies and their alignment with Master Plan strategies.  Some recent examples:

• • The Town has maintained its status as a Housing Choice Community, which is a program overseen by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that rewards municipalities that have produced certain rates or amounts of new housing units in the last five years and that adopted best practices related to housing production that will sustain a 21st century workforce and increase access to opportunity for Massachusetts residents.  As a result of this status, the Town has been awarded over $140,000 in grant funds to support planning projects.

  • As a result of being a Housing Choice Community, in October 2021 the Town was awarded a grant from the program in the amount of $75,000, which enabled it to hire a consultant (Innes Associates) to develop new zoning for downtown North Andover.  It is expected that the language for the zoning will be drafted in 2022 and 2023, in preparation for consideration at 2024 Annual Town Meeting.

  • At Annual Town Meeting 2022, the Town passed Article 27, which approved a new inclusionary zoning bylaw.  Among other provisions, it states that any proposed project that includes more than seven (7) rental or ownership housing units on a parcel or contiguous parcel shall include at least 15 percent of the total housing units as affordable units on the same site, at a different site, or pay a fee toward affordable housing.  This achieves a strategy (#8) as outlined in the Town's 2018 Housing Production Plan (page 50). - Updated 5/19/22

  • In May of 2021, the Town partnered with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) to host a virtual educational forum about housing in North Andover.

On May 14, 2024, Annual Town Meeting voted to approve the proposed MBTA Multi-Family Housing Overlay District, which includes a provision that requires developments proposed under this bylaw to adhere to the Town's existing Inclusionary Zoning Requirement, and complies with the State's MBTA Communities zoning mandate. - Updated 5/15/2024

At Annual Town Meeting 2022, the Town passed Article 27, which approved a new inclusionary zoning bylaw.  Among other provisions, it states that any proposed project that includes more than seven (7) rental or ownership housing units on a parcel or contiguous parcel shall include at least 15 percent of the total housing units as affordable units on the same site, at a different site, or pay a fee toward affordable housing.  This also achieves a strategy (#8) as outlined in the Town's 2018 Housing Production Plan (page 50). - Updated 5/19/2022

A demand analysis for senior housing has not yet been undertaken by the Town.  However:

• 136 market rate rental housing units were constructed at 505 Sutton Street (the site of the former Knights of Columbus Building), directly adjacent to where the Town's new Senior Center building is located.  Both of these projects were completed in 2023.

The Town's Community Preservation Committee voted recommend granting $200,000 in CPA funding to the Town's Affordable Housing Trust to facilitate the subdivision of North Andover Housing Authority property at Fountain Drive, which would ultimately be sold to a non-profit developer of affordable housing via a request for proposals (RFP) process in order to construct six units of affordable housing. - Updated 4/16/2025

• • On May 13, 2025, Annual Town Meeting voted to approve all recommended CPA projects, including the Fountain Drive affordable housing project. - Updated 5/14/2025

On April 1, 2025, the Town's Affordable Housing Trust, in partnership with Essex County Habitat for Humanity, launched a "Critical Home Repair" Program.  The program utilizes volunteers, donated product and flexible sources of funding to make affordable home repairs, helping low-income homeowners continue to live independently and securely in their homes.  This program primarily serves, but is not limited to, elder and/or disabled homeowners, and does repairs necessary to maintain sound condition of the home, weatherization and energy efficiency, those needed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations.  Although this program does not exclusively serve to preserve deed restricted affordable housing, it does have an income qualification requirement for participation, and enables older and/or disabled residents to remain in a home that is affordable to them.- Updated 4/1/2025

• • On September 8, 2025, the Select Board voted to approve allocation of $150,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust for the "Critical Home Repair" program.  - Updated 9/8/2025

Since adoption of the Master Plan, the Town has allocated over $2M through Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding  to support projects related to affordable housing.  This includes support for the Town's Affordable Housing Trust and for capital projects undertaken by the North Andover Housing Authority.

The Town's Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which was passed at Annual Town Meeting in May of 2022, includes funding to pay for a part-time Housing Specialist under the Community and Economic Development Division.  This position, among other duties, would oversee the Town's efforts to facilitate construction and preservation of affordable housing in North Andover.  - Updated May 23, 2022

On April 1, 2025, the Town's Affordable Housing Trust, in partnership with Essex County Habitat for Humanity, launched a "Critical Home Repair" Program.  The program utilizes volunteers, donated product and flexible sources of funding to make affordable home repairs, helping low-income homeowners continue to live independently and securely in their homes.  This program primarily serves, but is not limited to, elder and/or disabled homeowners, and does repairs necessary to maintain sound condition of the home, weatherization and energy efficiency, those needed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations.  - Updated 4/1/2025

• • On September 8, 2025, the Select Board voted to approve allocation of $150,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust for the "Critical Home Repair" program.  - Updated 9/8/2025

The Affordable Housing Trust and Bread & Roses are teaming up on an application for use of $500,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to support the development of four (4) units of affordable housing at 14-16 Brown Court. - Updated February 29, 2024

• • On March 14, 2024, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) voted to recommend approval of funding for this project - Updated 3/15/2023

  • On May 14, 2024, Annual Town Meeting voted to approve recommended CPC projects, including this affordable housing project. - Updated 5/15/2024

Annual Town Meeting 2023 approved almost $220,000 in CPA funding (10% of the total approved allocation for all projects) for use to advance affordable housing initiatives in North Andover. - Updated May 17, 2023

Annual Town Meeting 2022 approved $100,000 from CPA, which will be combined with another $300,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust ($400,000 total) to fund design of 12 new units of housing at the North Andover Housing Authority's Fountain Drive  property.   Click here to view the CPC application that was submitted and ultimately approved for this project.  - Updated July 13, 2022

In 2022, the Affordable Housing Trust created a down payment assistance program to help low-to-moderate income residents purchase a home.  Assistance is given in the form of a no interest loan, for 10% of the purchase price (not to exceed $30,000).  The loan is forgiven if the borrower remains in the property for 10 years.

In 2020, the Affordable Housing Trust used a combination of Community Preservation Funds and Trust funds to launch an Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist residents struggling with rent due to the impacts of COVID-19.  The Trust also allocated additional funds to the Long Term Rental Assistance program, administered by the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, when funds from the North Shore HOME Consortium were depleted.

The Town hired Vanasse & Associates to perform at town-wide travel time assessment (traffic study) that takes into consideration current conditions and future projects, including a proposed redevelopment of Royal Crest, which was ultimately voted down at Annual Town Meeting 2022.  That study was completed in May of 2022.  Click here for a presentation that covers study findings. - Updated 6/1/22

The Town hired Weston & Sampson to examine its current and projected future water capacity.  The analysis, which was completed in January of 2022, takes into account planned developments, including a proposed redevelopment of Royal Crest, which was ultimately voted down at Annual Town Meeting 2022. It notes that "...the Town’s annual average withdrawal is below the WMA permitted limit and is projected to stay below that limit for the next 10 years based on the DCR withdrawal projections. The evaluation of future/proposed development the Town is aware of predicted a 4% increase in Town demand. When compared to the DCR predictions, this predicted demand is comparable to the predictions in withdrawal."  The full report can be viewed by clicking here. - Updated 6/1/22

In November of 2021, the Town completed an update to its Lake Cochichewick Watershed Plan.

In June of 2021, the Town's School Capacity Subcommittee presented to the School Committee a report that outlines needs with respect to school capacity district wide in North Andover.  For more information on the School Capacity Subcommittee's work, click here.

The Town issues an annual Water Quality Report, which have shown that the Town continues to provide clean drinking water to its residents, which has consistently resulted in no violations of maximum contaminant levels (MCLs):

• 2023 - No violations of maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - Updated 6/3/2024

Proposed housing developments typically require Site Plan Review under the purview of the Town's Planning Board.  One of the purposes of Site Plan Review is to protect the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Town by providing for a review of plans for uses and structures which may have significant impacts, both within the site and in relation to adjacent properties and streets, on pedestrian and vehicular traffic.  This review considers the impact on public services and infrastructure; environmental, unique and historic resources; abutting properties; and community character and ambiance.

• In addition to plans and elevations, a Site Plan Review application requires:

  • Stormwater Management Plan

  • Traffic Impact Study

  • Fiscal/Community Impact Analysis, and various other elements

• The Planning Board hires consultants (paid for by the applicant) to peer review stormwater management and civil design.  For large scale developments the Board also often requires peer review for traffic and water/sewer design.

• The approval process also includes review and comments submitted by Town staff; including but not limited to Police, Fire, DPW, Health, Conservation, Building, and the School Department.

In summer of 2021, the North Andover Planning Department began reviewing its Subdivision Rules and Regulations. 

Several new developments have been constructed along key commercial corridors.  These new developments required amendments to the Town's Zoning Bylaw and have contributed to diversifying the mix of uses in these areas.  Some examples:

• In 2023, developer MINCO is completed construction of 136 market rate rental housing units at the corner of Sutton Street and Route 125 (behind China Blossom).  Next to it, the Town completed construction of its new 13,500 square foot Senior Center.

• 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 also constructed, most of which is occupied (Andiamo, F45 Training, Wrap City, Liquor Junction, and Passion Nails & Spa).

In terms of rezoning along key commercial corridors:

• 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 fall of 2021 the Town was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Housing Choice Community Grant Program that was used to fund the work of a consultant (Innes Associates) to guide a public process to develop new base zoning for downtown North Andover.  - *Note that this project has been temporarily tabled in favor of concentrating on other rezoning efforts; namely MBTA Communities.

  • On May 11, 2022, a public meeting was held on this topic to solicit feedback regarding how the downtown should/can be zoned in the future.  The consultant introduced the project, tested preferences for zoning dimensions and design, and invited public comment.  A full recording of meeting can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anKXK0HBpt8&t=5s - Updated July 13, 2022

  • On September 20, 2022 the Town's consultant presented information to the Planning Board at its regular meeting.  The presentation and discussion can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/9bf_UPalYHE - Updated September 26, 2022

  • On September 29, 2022 the Town's consultant held a public discussion and feedback session at the Senior Center.  Click here to view the material that was presented. - Updated September 29, 2022

  • On April 12, 2023 the Town's consultant held a third public discussion and feedback session at the Senior Center.  Click here to view boards that were presented at that meeting and here for a recording of the meeting. - Updated April 13, 2023

• In December 2020, The Town was awarded $50,000 by MassDevelopment from its Real Estate Technical Assistance program to produce a corridor study of Route 125, between Sutton Street and the Haverhill line (this study area includes the Osgood Smart Growth Overlay District), examining, among other things, current land uses and zoning.  The study was completed in September of 2021.  Any efforts to rezone the corridor in accordance with recommendations from this plan will come at some point in the future.