A Look Back Into Tewksbury History

20 Years Ago

The Merrimack Valley Advertiser reported that 10 applicants out of a field of 73 won rights to purchase new homes at Gettysburg Commons, an affordable housing development project, located on Pleasant Street adjacent to the Roper Estates. Richard Sughrue developer of Gettysburg Commons, is offering ten out of a total of 20 two bedroom townhouse condominium at affordable rates to qualified applicants under the state's Homeownership Opportunity Program.

Sean Sullivan, Tewksbury Planning Director, said developers are hoping for an occupancy date of April 1 for all units.  Sullivan praised the work the work of the Tewksbury Housing Authority and town officials for making the town a "lead community" in the region in the area of affordable housing.  Tewksbury has shown that it is willing to take a serious look at providing affordable housing in Tewksbury.

10 Years Ago

The Tewksbury Advocate reported that Town Treasurer Warren Carey has 29 properties in tax title. The total principal owed by those currently in tax title is $782,395.  Carey said after viewing billing records for fiscal year 2000, his conclusion is there will be an increase of no more than $111,000 resulting from 50 to 60 business and residents not paying their taxes.

Carey said owners of Northmeadow were behind in their payments. They owed the town $44,000 in back taxes. They called Carey and worked out a payment schedule which they met and cleaned up their accounts.

"No one does better at collections than this office, Carey told the Advocate. According to Moody's Rating, the staff collected 99.9 percent of all taxes owed during fiscal year 2000.