A consultant’s drawing illustrates possible development of Methuen Square. (Courtesy graphic.)
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito have awarded $1,175,000 in grant funding to the city of Methuen for the immediate construction of 40 new housing units and pledged their support for longer-term projects.
“We are proud to partner with Methuen to support their comprehensive, long-term planning process and the immediate construction of 40 units of new housing,” Baker said. “We continue to work closely with all our local partners to advance important projects like this one that drive development and prosperity in our communities.”
In addition to the 40 new housing units, money was earmarked for the Five Corners 40R Gateway Improvement Project, which will support the development of 288 housing units in the 40R district.
With the grant, Methuen officials also plan to revitalize the city’s downtown area and enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety.
“This MassWorks grant will provide a vital infrastructure investment and create a gateway to our new 40R smart growth zone,” Methuen Mayor Stephen N. Zanni said. “Downtown Methuen has much to be excited about in coming years as we move to adopt the 40R zone, construct our new Rail Trail with Gateway City Parks Funding, support new investment in long shuttered buildings and create a vibrant area for all of Methuen to enjoy.”
Earlier this year, Zanni laid out the city’s five-fold plan to make the best use of the “Smart Growth Overlay District” known as 40R.
The city seeks to support and attract a set of complementary uses that will foster a full and vital downtown; retain and reuse historic buildings so that they contribute to the character and economic success of the district; provide access, views, amenities and places along the river as a distinguishing feature of the downtown; reorganize streets, intersections, crosswalks and sidewalks to make the district more convenient, safe and easier to navigate; and create an “eminently walkable downtown that is interesting and pleasant for pedestrians.”