Andover Sites Deemed 'Priority' for Development

Gov. Deval Patrick has announced the completion of the Merrimack Valley Region Plan to boost sustainable growth in the area as well as protect natural resources, and Andover has made the list.

The plan sets more than a dozen areas in the Merrimack Valley capable of handling more development -- with strong infrastructure and no environmental constrains -- as priority projects for state and federal funding.

In Andover, areas set as priorities for development are Downtown Andover, Brickstone Square and River Road Industrial Park.

"The Merrimack Valley is a great place to work and live, with potential for future housing and economic development opportunities that can add significant benefit to the region if well-managed," Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki said in a statement announcing the plan. "This plan offers an outline to the region’s future, creating economic opportunity for everyone while also maintaining the region’s position as a great place to live."

The plan also identifies a dozen preservation areas that need "special protection." In North Andover, that includes almost 1,500 acres near Haggetts Pond shared with Tewksbury.

"While state funding will not be limited only to projects within state PDA and PPAs, projects within those areas will be prioritized for funding," the plan reads. "State agencies may also evaluate consistency with local and regional priorities when making funding decisions and ask municipalities to explain why their project should be funded if the project is not consistent with any priority areas identified in the plan."

You can read the entire plan here.