North Andover Planning Board Discusses Revised Royal Crest Estates Plan Tomorrow Night

Proposed green at Royal Crest Estates.

Major changes to the planned redevelopment of the 76-acre Royal Crest Estates in North Andover formally return to the North Andover Planning Board tomorrow night for discussion

Trinity Financial’s revised plan, first presented at a joint meeting of the select and planning boards June 8, reduces the number of proposed housing units at the Route 114 site by 20% with 169 fewer market rate multi-family units, 100 fewer 55+ age restricted and 63 fewer townhomes. Revised plans also call for reducing the heights of certain buildings and a reduction in the size of parking structures. There are no planned changes to proposed dormitory and 40B (mixed-income/affordable units) or commercial units, such as office, retail and hotel.

Back in February, Trinity Financial in partnership with AIR Communities and Aimco proposed transforming the property into “a walkable, pedestrian friendly residential neighborhood, anchored by retail, dining, office space and a boutique hotel.” It also called for a new town green and new student housing for Merrimack College, which is across the street.

The original plan called for about 1,600 units of a variety of housing types, to be built in phases over time and containing a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, townhomes, 55+ housing, affordable/workforce units, and student housing. Currently, there are 588 apartments on the property.

“By locating residential properties closer together and locating the multifamily and commercial buildings along Route 114, the plan creates a walkable open-air and sustainable multi-use development with land for open space,” the developer said at the time.

During an initial presentation last year, the developer said “The current Royal Crest is tired and at the end of its useful life. It must be replaced.”

The North Andover Planning Board meets Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m., in the Select Board Meeting Room, 120 Main St.

Revised redevelopment site plan.

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