Andover named 13 residents to the newly-established MBTA Communities working group, which will guide the Town through the state’s new housing rules.
Under the requirements, Andover will need to change zoning rules to build up to 2,301 new housing units within a half mile of its two commuter rail stations or risk losing Department of Housing and Community Development funding that amounted to $6.3 million for the town since 2015. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell warned communities “must comply” with the rules.
In a news release, the Town said it began promoting the new working group in March and looked to appoint members from a diverse cross-section of Andover, “including renters, homeowners, long-time Andover residents, and newer members of the community.”
The members are:
- Jessica Randolph, an instructional assistant at Andover High School.
- Emran Baqui
- Jane Gifun
- John O’Hara
- Kevin Coffey, who lost as a first-time candidate for select board in March.
- Andrew MacKenzie
- Linda Lecomte, a realtor with Coldwell Banker.
- Stuart Rubin, who was one of 5 candidates considered for appointment to the Andover Retirement Board in 2021.
- Andover Community Trust Executive Director Denise Johnson
- Benet Raphel
- Hugh Conlon
- Jennifer Lemmerman, policy vice president at Project Bread.
- William Walsh, who unsuccessfully ran for the Punchard School Trustees in March.
Andover needs to submit a more thorough action plan to DCHD by July 31 and is currently aiming for the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting to seek approval for the new districts. Districts could be divided between the two stations in Andover. Town Counsel Tom Urbelis stressed to the select board in February there was a short window to collect public input before the July 31 deadline.
Photo: Town of Andover
All we’ve heard so far on the MBTA Communities situation has been vague and general. This new working group *may* at least be willing to put up a definite proposal. Have they scheduled public meetings or other formalized public input opportunities?
Not that I’ve seen, but they’re running out of time. There’s a July 31st deadline for an “action plan” (I think) that must be submitted to the state to remain in (interim) compliance.