North Andover Wins $2.3 Million State Infrastructure Grant

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover was awarded a $2.3 million grant by the state government to fund infrastructure construction, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced Wednesday night. The grant is for sewer and road reconstruction for Osgood Landing, along Route 125. According to the town, the redevelopment of Osgood Landing will allow for the construction of a $200 million Amazon facility.

The grant comes from MassWorks, competitive state grant program. Redevelopment of the 165-acre site is "a priority development area of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission's Regional Land Use Plan," according to the town's press release. "The project will also eliminate the dependence of many area businesses on septic and short-term sewer licenses along the route."

Amazon announced in May that it was planning to build a shipping center in North Andover. Amazon's remake of the long-underutilized property is expected to create 1,500 jobs and generate as much as $4 million in tax revenue for North Andover. Documents also said the construction and rehabilitation of the existing buildings will create between 500 and 650 construction jobs.

The sewer and road reconstruction "will unlock a planned $200-million Amazon shipping center, which will include construction of a new 3.8-million square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, demolition of 1.5 million square feet of existing building space, and renovation of 400,000 square feet of existing office space," the town release continues. "A 30-acre portion of the site will also be used for a ground-mounted solar energy system. The Amazon development is expected to generate 1,500 permanent full-time jobs and between 200 and 250 construction jobs."

"As former municipal leaders, Governor Baker and I know firsthand the value of flexible grant programs like MassWorks, which help communities make targeted enhancements and provide opportunities for economic development," said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito in a statement. "Today's award will accelerate plans for Osgood Landing, including new jobs, help existing businesses to grow, and better prepare North Andover for the future."

"We are very grateful to the Commonwealth for their support of this project and the infrastructure necessary to make it successful," said Select Board Chairman Richard Vaillancourt. "Installation of sewer in this area will not only benefit the Amazon/Hillwood project, but is also an important infrastructure upgrade for our community. This project, with its job creation, infrastructure improvements and positive tax impact, is overwhelmingly positive for North Andover."

"Capital funds from the MassWorks program grant will greatly benefit North Andover through infrastructure improvements on Route 125 that include public sewer, a new sidewalk, and widened shoulders for bicycle and pedestrian accessibility and safety that will build upon previous work completed by the town. This grant award is another example of how government can work well for our residents when people come together as state and local officials to support the community. I applaud the Baker/Polito administration for their support of this project," said state Rep.Tram T. Nguyen.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.