Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting addressed multiple continued hearings and substantive zoning and permit matters. The Board voted to send positive recommendations to City Council on two zoning actions: Bill 2024-065 (a map amendment to extend R-40 zoning along Haverhill Road parcels split between commercial and R40 zones) and Bill 2024-066 (amendments to the Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth Overlay District to allow increased multifamily density, revised subdistrict mapping, 4–5 story building standards, and incentives tied to permanent open space protections and state 40R/MBTA objectives). During discussion staff explained parcel constraints, developable area, environmental and trail considerations, and incentives for higher-density development; one public commenter urged accessible public trails and asked who would fund them.

On administrative/development items the Board approved a minor modification to the earthwork special permit for 12 South Hunt Rd (allowing movement of soil from 14 S Hunt Rd to support regrading for a recreational field), modified the covenant for 130 Market St so the final two certificates of occupancy may be withheld in lieu of a large performance bond (with a separate smaller landscaping bond to remain), and released the remaining performance bond for 20 Maple St after confirmation that required site features including a historic plaque, trail and steps were completed. A requested ownership-change modification for the marijuana manufacturing special permit (Curaleaf / Mass Grow LLC at 10 Industrial Way) was tabled for later review pending the City's host community agreement process and further communication from the Mayor's office.