Lt. Gov. Polito Delivers $2.3 Million Boost to Planned N. Andover Amazon Site

Aerial photograph of Osgood Landing, the former Merrimack Valley Works of Western Electric.

North Andover is getting a boost in its plans to bring Amazon to the former Merrimack valley Works of Western Electric.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito joined North Andover Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues and others at town hall yesterday to announce a MassWorks grant worth $2.3 million for the redevelopment of Osgood Landing in North Andover. The project pays for road and sewer work that will enable the construction of a $200 million Amazon distribution center.

“As former municipal leaders, Gov. 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 Polito. “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.”

Sewer construction and street improvements along Route 125 support redevelopment of the 165-acre Osgood site, a priority development area of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission’s Regional Land Use Plan. The project also eliminates the dependence of many area businesses on septic and short-term sewer licenses along the route.

This in turn 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. 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.

Specific project improvements will include 11,000 feet of gravity and force main sewer and 2,300 feet of road widening, bicycle shoulders, and sidewalks. These street improvements will connect seamlessly to an ongoing $2.7 million MassWorks project awarded in 2017, which includes bicycle and pedestrian accommodations to the south of Osgood Landing.

“Countless North Andover residents, including children and families, use Route 125 for walking, running and cycling, both for recreation and to report to work at local businesses. I have heard from many residents concerned that future development will, on account of additional traffic, create a hazardous transportation environment. That is why I am so pleased about this MassWorks funding, which will support key infrastructure improvements and promote safe transportation alternatives,” said Sen. Diana DiZoglio.

“Route 125 serves as a link to our neighboring communities as well as a major bypass in North Andover that allows for reduced congestion in our downtown and residential neighborhoods. Through the Massworks funding, we will be able to encourage further use of the route by pedestrians and bicyclists as well as support economic development efforts along the route,” said Rep. Christina Minicucci.

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