Neighbors oppose 88-unit proposal

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November 28, 2007

Residents are speaking out against an 88-unit affordable-housing development proposed for 14 acres in the northwest of town.

The proposed development, known as Northfield Commons, would include 22 affordable units priced between $142,300 and $157,500, according to a Zoning Board of Appeals application filed by the Groton-based, 69 North St. LLC. It would be built near the intersections of North and Webster streets.

Though 69 North St. representative John Smolak says the initial design of Northfield Commons kept the existing surrounding neighborhood in mind, one longtime resident who lives two houses away from the site says, "I can't think of anyone who's for it."

Potential neighbor George Brock-Fisher said the development project would negatively affect the neighborhood's character, decrease property values by increasing housing density in the area, adversely affect wildlife, and increase the traffic and burden on area schools.

"It's not an issue of whether it's appropriate or anybody wants it, it's whether if there's a way of stopping it, in light of the fact the state is encouraging this," said Brock-Fisher, of 15 Webster St.

The application for Northfield Commons will go before the town zoning board for the third time on Dec. 6.

Brock-Fisher said that under state law, the Chapter 40B application might have to be approved by Andover.

Under the so called "anti-snob" law, Chapter 40B, every Massachusetts town is encouraged to have at least 10 percent of its housing stock deemed affordable. Those communities that do not have less control over the types of affordable housing developments that can be built. Andover currently has 8.9 percent of its homes designated affordable, or 1,027 units.

"A 40B is a way for construction and developers to get around numerous zoning bylaws that they would otherwise be unable to circumvent," said Brock-Fisher. "There's thousands of reasons why it shouldn't be done and one reason why it should be done. That reason is the state has taken the authority and says the town has to put up with it."

With a little more than 345 feet of frontage on North and Webster streets, the Northfield Commons proposal would consist of a mix of single-family, duplex, triplex and garden-style units along with a village green area, open space and walking trails spread out over 14.2 acres, according to the zoning board application.

Landscaping and screening would provide a buffer with the existing neighborhood, according to Smolak.

Smolak said project representatives met with Andover's planning department before filing an application with the zoning board to discuss design issues. They also performed a site walk with zoning board members on Nov. 21, Smolak said.

The development would have entrance and exits on both North and Webster streets. Though Chapter 40B guidelines allow up to eight units per acre on projects, including affordable housing, Northfield Commons will include only six units per acre, said Smolak.

"We're less dense than what the state would allow," said Smolak. "Our first effort was to have a design that we felt fit into the neighborhood."

Market-rate units at Northfield Commons would range from $325,000 to $600,000, according to the zoning board application.

North Street resident Michael Giaimo, who lives three houses away from the proposed development site, said he wants to see more detailed impact statements from the developer.

An initial traffic-impact estimate contained "woefully low estimates," he said.

"I think generally, the neighborhood would be willing to see (single-family) housing units with a road," Giaimo said. "Eighty-eight units on 10 acres is pretty significant."

Brock-Fisher also said the neighborhood would be better off with a dozen or so large homes instead of the housing proposal.

"You're going to have a tremendous amount of traffic on Webster and North streets coming and going," if the proposal is approved, he said. "It's going to be a safety issue."