a mission in motion - MVPC

a mission in motion2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Merrimack ValleyPlanning Commission

plan * develop * promote

2 MVPC.ORG | 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 .....Staff and Commissioners

7 .....Environmental

13 ....Finance and Administration

15 ....GIS / IT Planning

19....Planning and Economic Development

23 ...Transportation

27 ...Ending Remarks

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission serves to foster community and collaboration in addressing common, regional concerns. We facilitate joint planning and development of our region’s 15 communities as well as improvement for the general welfare of all our residents–with the greatest efficiency, economy and coordination possible.

Hickory Hill in North Andover

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | MVPC.ORG 3

Renewing Momentum

2017 brought many changes for MVPC starting with its leadership. Karen Conard began her tenure as Executive Director in January, and fellow Commissioners voted in Theresa Park as Chairperson in June. We said a fond farewell to our Chairman of 17 years, Bob Lavoie of Amesbury, and welcomed a new slate of officers: Bob Snow of Rowley as Vice Chair, Ed Ramsdell of Newburyport as Secretary and Jim Barnes of Boxford as Treasurer.

Our mission is simple: help promote the coordinated and orderly development of the region and the general welfare of our residents. That statement took on new meaning in 2017 as we embarked upon a Regional Housing Plan, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth. For us, the topic of housing encompasses all MVPC programs: transportation, environment, GIS and

comprehensive planning. Quality of life depends on high-quality, affordable and accessible housing. Housing stability brings a wealth of benefits, such as educational attainment and job security. Through this effort, we aim to assist each of our 15 member communities in building a blueprint for creating new housing units, maintaining the affordability of existing units and respecting each locality’s character. We also strive to provide a regional context for what we’ve learned along the way.

There are as many similarities as there are differences; we look forward to presenting our findings.

In addition to our housing efforts, MVPC continued to find new and innovative ways to serve our member communities. These include the rollout of new data collected from our Pictometry flyover accessible via MIMAP, continued collective procurement efforts for our DPW Directors, development of new mobile applications such as Tree Inspector and Parks Inspector and certification as a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Provider.

We take pride in playing a role in our member communities’ success. Last year, we enjoyed hosting the Annual Ciclovia in Lawrence. We supported funding requests in the Transportation Improvement Program for more non-motorized trails in support of our already strong trails network. And we found ways to help municipal departments perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively. We look forward to hearing from you, our reader and benefactor of all things good in the Merrimack Valley. What can MVPC do for you in 2018?

Theresa Park Chairwoman

Karen Sawyer Conard Executive Director

Karen Sawyer ConardTheresa Park

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP


CommissionersThese are the leaders who represent their communities at our commission meeting each month:

Amesbury Robert Lavoie

Andover Lisa Schwarz

Boxford Jim Barnes, Treasurer

Georgetown John Cashell

Groveland Robert Arakelian

Haverhill April DerBoghosian

Lawrence Theresa Park, Chairwoman

Merrimac John Thomas/Keith Pollman

Methuen Kevin Hagerty

Newbury John Weis

Newburyport Ed Ramsdell, Secretary

North Andover Richard Byers

Rowley Robert Snow, Vice Chairman

Salisbury Lou Masiello

West Newbury Brian Murphey

Rep-at-Large Brad Buschur

For more information on your community’s Commissioner: visit mvpc.org/about-2/commissioners

AdministrationKaren Sawyer Conard, Executive DirectorJenifer Dunlap, Financial AdministratorNancy Lavallee, Executive Assistant/Office Administrator

EnvironmentJoseph Cosgrove, Environmental Program ManagerPeter Phippen, Environmental Planner/

Coastal Resources Coordinator (8T&GM)

TransportationAnthony Komornick, Transportation Program ManagerMary Kay Beninati, Senior Transportation PlannerBetsy Goodrich, Senior Transportation Planner Jim Terlizzi, Senior Transportation PlannerDaniel Ovalle, Field Services Specialist

GIS / IT PlanningJerrard Whitten, GISP, GIS/IT Program ManagerSteve Lopez, GISP, Senior GIS AnalystKelsey Quinlan, GIS Analyst

Planning and Economic DevelopmentMike Parquette, Comprehensive Planning ManagerAngela Cleveland, AICP, Senior Economic Development Planner

MVPC WORKS BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

Flight Over Marsh, Parer River, Newbury. Photo by Martha Akey

Scenic vista of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury Photo by Marion J. Bayly


» Promote and expand the Mayors and Managers Coalition

» Complete 2018-2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

» Encourage and support the development, marketing and implementation

of mobile and technology-based offerings

» Manage the FFY 2018 Transportation Improvement Plan and Unified Planning Work Program

» Lead implementation of MS4 required elements across the region in compliance with state

and federal stormwater permitting requirements

» Continue to expand partnerships with community-based organizations

that support our mission

mvpc goalsFOR 2018

MVPC WORKS BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES

Caring for our LandsENVIRONMENTAL PL ANNING


Planning Ahead for Climate Change

In 2017, MVPC partnered with federal, state and local community-based organizations in building regional capacity to promote sustainable development and infrastructure investment that protects and enhances the Merrimack Valley’s environmental resources.

A decade ago, Massachusetts enacted the Commonwealth’s Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) setting ambitious statewide reduction goals in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 25 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. 2020 is just around the corner, and the good news is that the Commonwealth is on track to achieving the 25% emission reductions goal. Merrimack Valley communities are doing their part through energy efficiency programs in buildings and operations.

At the end of 2017, Lawrence became the seventh Merrimack Valley community designated by the Commonwealth as a Green Community. For Lawrence, the designation is accompanied by MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER) initial grant funding of $594,140 to implement energy saving improvements at city facilities.

Lawrence qualified for Green Community status after adopting new residential construction energy efficiency performance standards, committing to a municipal vehicle policy for future purchase of fuel efficient vehicles and preparing a municipal energy reduction plan envisioning 20% savings in municipal energy use over five years, a plan completed with MVPC assistance through a DOER Municipal Energy Technical Assistance grant.

North Andover and Salisbury became Green Communities in early 2017 and received initial DOER grant awards to undertake energy saving measures including installation of electric vehicle charging stations. They join Andover, Amesbury, Newburyport and West Newbury in implementing Green Community programs. Collectively, these seven communities have been awarded over $3.1M that has been used towards energy conservation infrastructure improvements in many of their public buildings, especially schools and public safety buildings. More Green Community designations in the Merrimack Valley are possible in the Fall 2018 round as MVPC is assisting Haverhill, Methuen, Newbury and Merrimac with energy reduction planning and potential designation applications.

MVPC’s Environmental program focuses on

stewardship of the region’s natural resources.

We are quite proud of the things we have

accomplished:

7 Designated Green Communities

7 Community Preservation Act Communities

12 Communities with Open Space and Recreation Plans

15 Communities with FEMA Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plans

15 Communities Eligible for Brownfields Assistance

36 Great Marsh Acres Cleared of Invasive Phragmites

86 Properties Assisted with Brownfields Funding

2,107 Brownfields Sites in the Merrimack Valley

2,300 Green Crab Count at Plum Island Sound Monitoring Stations

a yearAT A GLANCE:

ENVIRONMENTAL PL ANNING


Brownfields Site Assessment and CleanupsMVPC continues to be a resource for communities seeking financial and technical assistance for redevelopment of properties with known or suspected sources of environmental contamination.

In 2017, MVPC received a $300,000 U.S. EPA award through the Brownfields Assessment Program for environmental remediation planning and site testing for contaminants. MVPC will use this grant to work with communities in conducting site assessments and developing remediation plans at priority properties to be redeveloped for job creation, affordable housing and public recreation facilities.

MVPC operates the Merrimack Valley Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), seeded with EPA grants, as a source of gap financing for public and private environmental cleanups.

In 2017, the Fund executed a $100,000 subgrant with the City of Newburyport toward remediation work needed at the Clipper City Rail Trail. The contractor building the multi-use trail encountered high concentrations of PCBs in the Water Street area of the trail forcing delays and additional costs that jeopardized trail completion.

All 15 MVPC communities are eligible for Brownfields Assessment and RLF funding. Target areas of highest concentration of contaminated properties include Lawrence, (which received 2017 Brownfields Cleanup and Assessment grants from EPA for the Tombarello site on Marston Street), Methuen (which in 2017 adopted a 40R District in the Downtown area), and Haverhill (which created a Downtown Waterfront District and initiated permitting for Stevens Mill redevelopment). Another priority property for assistance includes Coastal Metals, the abandoned former metal plating facility in downtown Merrimac. Phased cleanup and structure demolition on the property is slated to be underway in 2018, a first step to returning the property to the tax rolls and redevelopment of the site for housing.

Stormwater ManagementHours before the new Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit was set to become effective in July 2017, EPA issued a directive delaying the permit’s effective date to July 1, 2018. That action gives Massachusetts communities additional time to prepare and organize budgets for expanded stormwater management requirements designed to limit pollutants from entering municipal drainage system and contaminating rivers, streams and waterbodies. The permit delay by EPA and subsequent delay action by the permit co-signer MassDEP, followed appeals in federal court and generated additional appeals by environmental advocacy groups opposed to the time extension.

While the regulatory structure impacting communities remained in flux, MVPC and the communities in the DPW Stormwater Collaborative continued coordinating the sharing of best management practices. MVPC hosted a well-attended Stormwater Management Forum in November 2017 at Northern Essex Community College.

As a regional partner in the MA Statewide Stormwater Coalition, our region will benefit from a $200,000 MS4 Assistance Grant from MassDEP recently awarded to help develop and distribute materials for a public education campaign to change behaviors and control pollutants from entering the municipal stormwater system.

Smallpox Basin Watershed, Salisbury. Photo by Peter Phippen

Section of the Clipper City Rail Trail Phase 2 in Newburyport to be remediated with Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund financing from MVPC.


Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation PlanningMVPC is one of the stakeholder organizations working with the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency as the Commonwealth starts to tackle an integrated hazard mitigation and climate adaptation plan. The statewide planning process targets Fall 2018 for completion.

MVPC is a certified provider for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program established by the Baker-Polito Administration to provide planning assistance and capital project funding to support resilient municipal infrastructure. We’re here to help communities conduct vulnerability risk assessments and lead planning workshops in prioritizing hazard mitigation and resilience strategies.

MVPC also engaged municipal facility managers and emergency responders in a workshop series on Chemical Safety and Community Resilience. We held the first of the workshops in October 2017 at Northern Essex Community College, funded through a grant from the MA Office of Technical Assistance & Technology. The second workshop, which will involve outreach to area businesses and industry chemical users, is scheduled for March 2018.

For updates on the process, visit: resilientma.com

For more information on MVPC Environmental programs visit: mvpc.org/programs/environment/

Hazard Mitigation PlanningMVPC completed an update of the Merrimack Valley Region Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan which is valid until May 2021. Approval of the plan by FEMA and adoption by the 14 participating communities makes the cities and towns eligible for discretionary flood disaster and other hazard mitigation funds made available by the federal and state governments.

The Town of Boxford obtained a FEMA grant award of $381,990.00 at the end of the yeat to replace the undersized and obsolete culvert at Middleton Road.

Other hazard mitigation implementation highlights of 2017 in the region included:

» Long-planned work underway began to remove the Shawsheen

River dams at Stevens Street and Balmoral in Andover.

» Salisbury construction continued on a number of projects

including the Blackwater River floodwall, the Salisbury Beach

boardwalk and the new police station/emergency operations center

which opened on Beach St.

» North Andover began work to replace and relocate the capacity-

constrained sewer pump station at Rea’s Pond.

» Newburyport undertook retrofit work of the Plum Island community

sewer to minimize risk of system failure that occurred in the winter

of 2015. The city also lined up financing to start design work for

drainage improvement projects in the downtown and Business &

Technology Park areas.

Newburyport Fire Chief Chris LeClaire highlights the need for early and frequent engagement of emergency responders.

“ In Massachusetts and around the world, climate change is a shared reality and our ability to rise and respond to this challenge will shape future generations”

Governor Charlie Baker, June 1, 2017 speech


» The Hydrodynamic model to assess salinity patterns in and around

Plum Island Sound was completed in 2017. Of particular interest

is the influence of the Plum Island Turnpike bridge on salinity

movement in the marsh. The model determined that changes in

the bridge configuration (increasing the opening to that of pre-

bridge conditions) as well as channel dredging the Plum Island

River to allow for better hydrologic connection to the upper Plum

Island marsh will not increase salinity to high enough levels to

effectively manage Phragmites australis as had been projected.

Future uses of the model will include investigations into marsh

impoundment problems.

Eight Towns and the Great MarshIn the final year of the Hurricane Sandy Resiliency Grant Award, the Eight Towns and the Great Marsh (8TGM) Committee and MVPC engaged in the following projects:

» Work continued on the planting and monitoring of the nearly two

acres eelgrass meadow in Essex Bay with volunteers from the New

England Aquarium, local high school groups, Women Working

for Oceans and many local Great Marsh community citizens.

This eelgrass bed continues to be one of the more successful

restorations in Massachusetts.

» Invasive Phragmites australis vegetation was chemically treated in

the Salisbury marshes behind Salisbury Beach State Reservation

for the second straight year. MVPC treated dozens of acres of

invasive pepperweed in the lower reaches of the Merrimack River

estuary and its islands as well as several locations in the marshes

of Ipswich. Dozens of volunteers mapped, monitored, and helped

control both pepperweed and Phragmites. The two invasive plants

will be replaced naturally with native marsh grasses and vegetation

to increase the resiliency of the marsh ecosystem.

» Having previously completed the WAVE sediment transport model

in 2016, which documented how sediments move along the Plum

Island barrier beach, the Merrimack River Beach Alliance used the

2017 WAVE model to better understand best placement locations

for deposition of dredge sand. This model now serves to protect

the developed portion of the Plum Island barrier beach.

Volunteers working in the Great Marsh. Photo by Peter Phippen

Volunteers working in the Great Marsh. Photo by Peter Phippen

MVPC’S ROLE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR OUR COASTAL COMMUNITIES

“ The Great Marsh is the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England with over 25,000 acres extending from the New Hampshire border to Cape Ann, Massachusetts. A healthy, resilient Great Marsh provides a number of economic and ecologic services, including natural abundant habitat for wildlife species and protection for our vulnerable local community assets and infrastructure.”

Great Marsh Partnership


Keeping Water Clean is ElementaryThe North Shore Greenscapes Coalition (of which MVPC is a founding partner) has embarked on a campaign to educate elementary school students on the importance of water in their lives. This includes stormwater, drinking water and wastewater. As future stewards of the environment, the students have an opportunity beyond taking ownership of the importance of managing water—to bring the message back to their parents. To that end, Greenscapes has been holding “Keeping Water Clean” workshops for 5th graders in member communities.

Each workshop is composed of six stations that the students cycle through over the course of an hour. Through demonstrations, games, and hands-on activities, they learn about their watershed, wastewater (both septic systems and wastewater treatment plants), stormwater runoff, groundwater processes and drinking water supplies. In 2017, the Coalition held workshops in Amesbury, Merrimac, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury. This is just one of the many services that Greenscapes member communities receive to help meet the EPA mandated Education and Outreach component of their town’s MS4 Stormwater permit.

Clean Energy & Sustainable DevelopmentAfter years of work begun in 2010 with a regional siting feasibility study through MVPC, in 2017 the Town of Boxford commissioned of a solar farm on the former landfill off Spofford Road. The solar installation of 2,720 panels and 912kW capacity is projected to generate $3 million in energy saving cost benefits for the Town over the next 20 years.

Agilitas Energy, LLC

Taking students out into the field proves invaluable

» The Great Marsh green crab marketing effort produced many

outreach events to support the idea of culinary market forces

driving green crab demand. 8TGM held two prominent events

including a tasting for softshell green crab sliders at Woodman’s

in Essex and a sampling for area legislators at Tonno in Gloucester.

Local chefs promoted green crab stews and soups at community

fairs, events and workshops (as well as in Boston) to educate and

uncover culinary aspects of the crab. Stay tuned for a documentary

of the green crab culinary marketing effort. To learn more, visit greencrab.org

» In addition to participating in the Hurricane Sandy Resiliency

Projects, 8TGM played a big part in assessment of marsh edge

erosion changes in the river and creeks of the Great Marsh. This

project is examining the role of green crab burrowing, sea level

rise, wave impact, nutrient loading and invasive plants colonization

on the erosion of marsh banks. 8TGM is examining more than

twenty sites—from Salisbury to Gloucester and even down to

Salem Sound—and mapping changes in marsh edge erosion.

Three full years of investigations indicate that the average marsh

erosion around the Great Marsh is between zero and three meters.

The cause of this erosion is not yet conclusive, but points to wave

energy as a significant factor more so than green crab burrowing.

» 8TGM also helped preserve the “Pink House”, a prominent

landmark structure on the Great Marsh located off the Plum Island

Turnpike. The Support The Pink House organization engaged the

Committee to help repurpose the use of the iconic building while

maintaining its unique façade on the marsh. Efforts are underway

to help protect the buildings future.

» 8TGM along with the Great Marsh Partnership developed a website

to inform potential funders of the restoration research and projects

happening in the Great Marsh. With federal and state funding for

climate change related activities projected to decrease in coming

years, the Committee is soliciting support from foundations,

corporations and private donors to fill the funding gap.

For more information on MVPC 8TGM programs visit: mvpc.org/programs/environment/eight-towns-the-bay/

Putting Funding to WorkFINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION


Distribution of Fiscal Year 2017 Funds

MVPC’s operating funds for FY2017 supported a broad range of planning and technical services in the five major functional areas shown in the image below.

94% of our budget comes from a variety of largely non-local sources, including state and federal grants as well as contracts with selected non-profit organizations and businesses that support MVPC’s mission. Local assessments to our member communities make up the remaining 6%. MVPC used these local funds as match to leverage the 94% of outside funding brought into the region by the MVPC staff.

Independent Audit We have completed the 2017 independent audit. Audited statements show MVPC expenditures to be within the budget with a positive fund balance.

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Putting our Funding and Resources to Work

.37 Per capita rate for assessment revenue

2.50 Maximum percentages increase allowed to local assessment revenue

14 Average tenure in years of existing staff

118,797 Local funds used to leverage State & Federal Grants

2,018,667 Grants awarded benefiting the region

fundingAT A GLANCE:

Transportation /Transit Planning

38%

ComprehensicePlanning & EconomicDevelopment

19%

Environmental Planning28%

Geographic InformationSystem Services

9%

Local Assessments /Local Technical Assistance

6%

Harnessing TechnologyGIS/ IT PL ANNING


Making Data Actionable

MVPC’s Geographic Information System (GIS) program marked 2017 with advancements in technology and a focus on the integration of our systems and data. Taking advantage of modern computing patterns enables GIS applications to integrate with other programs more than ever before, in turn providing end users with the information and tools to make better decisions in a timelier manner.

Adopting Next Generation MappingAn example of modern computing technology adopted by the GIS Program is MVPC’s implementation of Municipal Information Mapping Access Program 2.0 (MIMAP) which represents the next generation of the popular program that the Commission has been operating since 2007. Similar to previous versions, MIMAP 2.0 is a web-based mapping and data application that offers easy access to municipal information sets and maps.

However, by using newer technology, MIMAP 2.0 significantly expands capabilities to end users through direct integration of Pictometry images and Google Streetview as well as extensive search and query capability to effectively analyze and map data. In developing MIMAP 2.0 for the region, GIS staff also implemented credential-based data accessibility and direct integration of information collected and maintained through mobile applications.

MIMAP 2.0 will become MVPC’s flagship product with full implementation scheduled for July 2018.

GIS/ IT PL ANNING

MVPC’s GIS program connects our communities

to the data they rely upon to make informed

planning discussions:

32 Mobile Apps Hosted

887 New Maps Created

4,274 Pictometry Logins

81,745 Parcels Managed

3,500,000 MIMAP Webmap Requests

gis / ITAT A GLANCE:


Elevating Eagle Eye ViewsThis past spring you may have seen a small plane flying in a grid pattern over our region. We hope you weren’t alarmed—this was actually Pictometry imagery being acquired by Eagleview (new owners of Pictometry). From property evaluations and assessments within the Assessor’s Offices to emergency response planning, Pictometry imagery provides a unique ability to view any location from four separate directions as well as to conduct measurements and analysis. Included with the imagery is access to the cloud-based version of Pictometry known as “Connect Explorer.”

Those communities participating in both the MIMAP program and Pictometry enjoy the advantage of being able to connect to Pictometry imagery directly from their MIMAP application. The 2017 Pictometry image library was made available in July and rolled out to mobile applications during August and September. MVPC was the first regional organization nationwide to acquire Pictometry imagery in 2001 and has continued to work with communities in the region since that time to acquire new imagery every 2-3 years. Pictometry imagery has truly become an invaluable visual resource for the region.

Telling High-Tech Visual StoriesRecognizing the opportunity to better communicate with end users, the GIS technology called Storymaps was newly adopted by MVPC’s GIS Program during 2017. Storymaps are web-based applications that combine interactive GIS maps with text, high resolution photos and videos to tell a narrative. MVPC unveiled its debut storymap in the form of the organization’s 2016 annual report.

Each of MVPC’s programs is included in the storymap with interactive graphics and maps that assist in describing agency initiatives. This was followed by the development of MVPC’s Trails and Active Transportation storymap presented at the December 2017 Commission meeting. Developed jointly by Transportation and GIS staff, the Trails and Active Transportation storymap includes four primary interactive maps:

» Active Transportation Network

» Open Space Trails

» Merrimack River Trail

» Border to Boston trail along with a chapter

defining multi-use trails.

Maps contained in this application are based on trail data that MVPC’s GIS Program has been compiling for more than 10 years. Access to storymaps is simple: they have their own URL and can be viewed in any browser, on a desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet. All that is needed is the web address and an internet connection. We encourage you to explore our work.

The Trails and Active Transportation storymap can be found at: mvpc.org/storymaps/trails/index.html.

MVPC Story Map Debut can be found at: bit.do/mvpc-2016

MVPC mobile apps are accessible via any computing platforms from desktops to tablets to smartphones.

2017 Pictometry image from Salisbury

MIMAP 2.0 set to go live on July 1, 2018


Powering Up More Mobile AppsIn the area of mobile computing, MVPC continued to host and operate a wide variety of applications and introduced new programs like Tree Inspector and Parks Inspector—all with the goal of better enabling communities to manage their infrastructure and assets. GIS staff also worked closely with municipal employees to integrate data collected via mobile applications into programs like MIMAP 2.0 and SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) which are used extensively by public works departments.

Recognizing the efficiency of consolidating services, MVPC’s GIS Program developed a bundled approach to mobile applications by implementing the Department of Public Works (DPW) mobile suite. The mobile suite is a comprehensive set of applications designed to manage community water, sewer and drainage infrastructure. This concept was developed to more effectively leverage community resources and to enable municipal staff to comprehensively manage all of their infrastructure data.

The Stormwater (drainage) application continues to be among the most popular in the region as communities strive for compliance under new state and federal stormwater regulations. The Commission’s mobile offerings are diverse and, as the saying goes, “there’s an app for that.”

For more information on MVPC GIS programs visit: mvpc.org/programs/gis-homepage/

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Printed: January 2015, KQ

Hunsley Hills Trail Map

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0 500250Feet

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Trail Intersection

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Future Trail

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Water Department Easement

Powerlines

Contours (Feet)

Parking Lot

Roads

Parcels

Building Footprints

Lakes, Rivers, and Ponds

Streams

Open Space

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission does not make any warranty, expressed or implied, nor assume any

legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the Geographic Information

System (GIS) Data or any other data provided herein. The GIS data is illustrative only material and

should not be considered for any other purpose. The data does not take the place of a professional

survey and has no legal bearing on the true shape, size, location, or existence of a geographic

feature, property line, or political representation. Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

requests that any use of this information be accompanied by a reference to its source and the

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission's caveat that it makes no warranties or representations

as to the accuracy of said information. Any use of this information is at the recipient's own risk.

Parking Lot

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Future Trail

Mobile apps facilitate field data collection

Rowley trail map created using Local Technical Assistance (LTA)

MVPC’s Geographic Information System (GIS) program marked 2017 with advancements in technology and a focus on the integration of our systems and data.

Performing Local Technical AssistanceIn addition to MVPC’s mobile and web-based technologies, GIS Program staff continued data development efforts during 2017 and completed a series of Local Technical Assistance (LTA) projects.

The focus areas for our LTA work are summarized on the GIS Stats graphic on page 14. With another busy and highly successful year in its history, MVPC’s GIS Program looks forward to exploring and implementing the technological advancements that 2018 will bring.

Framing the Big PicturePL ANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT


Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

To some, it might seem like just yesterday that MVPC was developing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Believe it or not, our current five-year plan is about to expire. But we are ready!

In 2017, MVPC set the stage for developing a new, five-year CEDS Plan through a number of visioning sessions around four emerging regional issues: Manufacturing, Natural and Cultural Resources, Town Centers and Transportation. Each of the 2017 CEDS Committee meetings included experts in these areas that explored the status of these issues and ways to address barriers and opportunities ahead. The new CEDS Plan will be submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) by June 30, 2018.

What is CEDS? » Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

» An Economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies

» Developed by a Planning Organization

» 5-year timeframe Includes Goals, Objectives and Actions

PL ANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MVPC’s program connects our communities

to the data they rely upon to make informed

planning discussions:

4 Key Elements of CEDS

9 Proposed Priority Development Areas of Focus for 2018

126 Stakeholders engaged in the CEDS Working Groups

193 For sale and lease property listings on mvmb.biz

planningAT A GLANCE:


Priority Growth StrategyCreated in 2009 and updated in 2015, MVPC worked with stakeholders throughout the region and state to develop a comprehensive plan for future development and preservation in the Merrimack Valley. The resulting plan was called the Merrimack Valley Priority Growth Strategy.

The Strategy identifies 56 Priority Development Areas (PDAs) of local, regional and statewide significance. These are areas of existing compact development or sites suitable for future high-density development. They are identified because they are appropriately zoned as commercial, industrial, or mixed-use and have existing infrastructure in place.

The strategy also evaluates the suitability of the regional transportation network to serve the different land-use patterns and recommends smart mobility improvements that will best serve present and future generations. There were four steps identified to be successful in realizing the potential of each of these PDAs:

» 1. Identify

» 2. Create

» 3. Invest

» 4. Market

Through the Priority Growth Strategy development process, MVPC completed Steps 1 and 2 (Identify and Create), and communities are in various stages of Step 3 (Investment). However, we recognized that Step 4 (Market) has been inconsistent throughout the region. Some PDAs have been successfully developed and don’t need additional marketing. However, many may still need promotion and marketing to realize their full potential.

To assess the situation further, MVPC created a PDA Task Force which operates as a sub-committee of the full Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee. We identified stakeholders to participate on this Task Force from the following sectors: design, engineering and construction, economic development, education, finance, law and professional services, real estate, and trade associations and chambers of commerce.

In 2017, the Task Force met three times and toured several PDA sites as a group. Through discussions, local expertise and research we have discovered:

» PDAs are in different stages of the “Investment Stage”

» We need to choose PDAs that represent communities throughout

the region, type of PDA (i.e., industrial, mixed use, etc.) and stage

of development

» We cannot work independently of what is happening locally and

need to coordinate with planners and property owners

» We need to better understand what the property owners are doing

at this stage

» Our marketing efforts need to make an impact

» We need to figure out how to market/communicate our efforts

locally before moving forward (i.e., to planners and site owners)

In 2018, we will develop a marketing plan for prioritized sites. To drive this effort we need to understand many things: the assets available, the best use types in the PDA, existing uses that can help leverage new businesses, scope of marketing and optimal marketing techniques for these areas.

For more information on MVPC Comprehensive Planning and Economic Development programs visit: mvpc.org/programs/economic-development-planning/

Nabil Boghos, owner of Jessica’s Brick Oven and Mike Parquette, MVED Program Manager/MVPC Comprehensive Planning Manager

A Sweet Addition In 2017, Our loan program, Merrimack Valley Economic Development (MVED) made a $250,000.00 loan to Nabil Boghos, owner of Jessica’s Brick Oven in North Andover, for the purchase and relocation to Methuen of HP Cookie Company, a gourmet Italian style cookie company based in Everett. This project will bring 25 jobs to the Merrimack Valley and create an additional 25 jobs.

CEDS Meeting focusing on Manufacturing, August in Haverhill. Photo by Angela Cleveland


A FIVE-YEAR BLUEPRINT FOR HOUSING PRODUCTION

In 2017, MVPC engaged stakeholders from

around the region to provide input on the

Regional Housing Plan.

26 In-Person Workshops Conducted

43 Data Sets Collected

520 People Engaged via Workshops and Online Tools

700+ Ideas Collected

Two of every three low/moderate-income

households in the region spend more

than 30% of their income on housing.

housingAT A GLANCE:

Merrimack Valley Regional Housing Plan

Engage the Public

» Presentation to local boards

» Community Workshops

» Regional Open Houses

» coUrbanize

» Social Media

Align with Existing Planning Efforts

» Review local plans

» Coordinate with state

agencies

Gather Information

» Data Collection

» Interviews

» Polling

» coUrbanize

» Windshield Surveys

In 2017, the Community Compact Cabinet (CCC) program and MassHousing awarded grants to MVPC to develop a first-of-its-kind Regional Housing Plan for the Merrimack Valley. The Regional Plan will be comprised of 15 individual Housing Production Plans (HPPs) for all our communities as well as regional strategies to create housing for all in the Merrimack Valley. Development of the Plan included collecting data, conducting needs assessments, developing affordable housing strategies and presenting the final HPPs to the communities for adoption.

To engage stakeholders, MVPC held local workshops, hosted two regional open houses and used online tools such as coUrbanize and social media. In addition, MVPC worked with communities to identify areas suitable for future housing to meet existing and future residential needs. The final plan will be completed in early 2018, adopted by each community and submitted to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for final approval.

Common Regional Housing Needs » Support for seniors to age in place and age in community

» More rental housing

» Greater diversity of housing, including multi-family, congregate, transitional, permanent

supportive, and accessible housing for disabled

» Housing rehab for older housing stock

» Affordable homeownership opportunities

Improving MobilityTRANSPORTATION PL ANNING


TRANSPORTATION

The Merrimack Valley region is served by a

robust transportation network that is used daily

by virtually every resident.

6 Complete Streets Communities

32 Miles of Rail Trail Open / Under Construction in Design

101 MVPC Traffic Counts Taken

241 Federal Aid Bridges

1,633 Miles of Roads

2,290,771 MVRTA Ridership

transportationAT A GLANCE:

Planning for Safer Roads

We’ve made great strides in many areas of transportation planning. Here are a few of the highlights:

» In 2017, MVPC partnered with the Merrimack Valley Transportation Management Association

(MVTMA) to dig deeper into the question of access to jobs. Responding to employee

concerns about lack of public transportation access and employer difficulty in recruiting

and retaining workers because of this same issue, MVPC set out to learn more from a

variety of audiences. Staff held a transportation forum at the Merrimack Valley Chamber of

Commerce’s annual employment fair and presented information before employers at the

Lawrence Industrial Park. Look for results of this effort in 2018 and as part of the Regional

Transportation Plan.

» MVPC continues to support the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority in a variety of

ways including: ADA service and maintenance reviews, National Transit Database fixed route

bus service data collection, fixed route bus map creation and revision and a bus route marker

project. MVPC staff is also working on two corridor studies for potential new fixed route

service in Andover and North Andover.

» After four years and 4,028 stops, the Haverhill Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program has

come to an official end. Since 2014, MVPC partnered with the Haverhill Police Department

(HPD) and MassDOT to employ the 3Es (Enforcement, Education and Environment)

to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. The grant funding for this program ended in

December 2017.

Over the four years, the HPD stopped and spoke with (and at times issued citations to) 1,254 drivers, 2,091 pedestrians, 651 cyclists and 32 skateboarders. The HPD selected 20 different enforcement sites chosen because of safety concerns and crash data.

The city is using information gathered from this program to influence decisions around infrastructure improvements. For example, in 2017, MVPC conducted a pedestrian study in Washington Square. We provided the city with suggested infrastructure improvements including: a new crosswalk between the MVRTA and the Essex Street corner, bump outs to close the crossing distance for pedestrians and a squared up intersection to improve the driver’s ability to make safe turns. The city is pursuing many of the suggested improvements.


» MVPC continues to respond to needs from communities on

Safe Routes to School (SR2S). MVPC staff met with a Methuen

resident and DPW staff to assess pedestrian safety along Pleasant

Street to access Timony Grammar School, MVPC also partnered

with the Haverhill Police Department to staff a table focused on

pedestrian safety at the Mount Washington Health Fair.

» MVPC’s work to promote Complete Streets in our region included

assisting the Town of Georgetown with drafting and reviewing a

Complete Streets policy and prioritization plan. In December,

MVPC received a grant from EOEEA (the MA Executive Office of

Energy & Environmental Affairs) to conduct a sidewalk survey for

seven communities. This work will take place in 2018 and 2019.

» MVPC continues to support the Lawrence Ciclovia that was a

roaring success in 2017 and continues to grow. Held on two

Sundays in August, 800 people came out to enjoy each event,

(doubled from 2016). Participant surveys showed that people

really appreciate having a safe place for families to bicycle. New

this year, MassDOT created a pop-up bike lane and used the

opportunity to ask people about the statewide bicycle plan. Also,

the City contracted to have a ‘crazy bike’ (see photo to the right),

which was extremely popular.Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)One of the most critical responsibilities of the MVPC is its role as the Transportation Planning Staff for the Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). This group is responsible for developing transportation plans and selecting projects in the region that will be implemented using federal transportation funds.

The decisions made by the MPO in selecting projects are largely guided by the MPO’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) which identifies six livability goals for developing and maintaining the region’s transportation services and infrastructure (see graphic to the right).

While the MPO is responsible for programming all federally funded transportation projects in the region, including transit and bridge projects, it plays a greater role in programming what are known as MPO Target Funds. These funds are allocated to each region based on population, employment and other factors. Projects are programmed in the TIP—essentially a five-year budget for federally funded transportation projects in the region.

2017 Ciclovia participants. Photo by Betsy Goodrich

The popular “crazy bike” made its first appearance in 2017, and will be back again in 2018 at the City of Lawrence’s Annual Ciclovia

Planning for Safer Roads: continued


West Newbury Guardrail Study In 2017, after upgrading and replacing its guardrail along many town roads in West Newbury, some town officials were left wondering whether any additional guardrail is needed to shield roadside hazards that may be potentially dangerous to the traveling public. For this reason, local officials asked MVPC to undertake a study on this concern.

MVPC staff reviewed all roadways in town to identify features such as culverts, bridges, steep slopes and obstacles that would warrant consideration for the installation of guardrails. MVPC used GIS elevation data, MassDOT crash data and applied accepted standards for considering the installation of guardrails in completing this analysis. In all, MVPC recommended just over one mile of guardrail at priority locations.

“ The regional foundation of the MVRTA has allowed member communities to work together to provide both public transportation services and infrastructure that are needed in support of the economic, educational, recreational and social development of the Merrimack Valley.”

Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, Chairman, MVRTA Advisory Board

MVPC recommended guard rails at this location due to water level at high tide and the embankment presence on the roadway edge. Photo by Jim Terlizzi

Salem/Loring Street Intersection Analysis At the request of the City of Lawrence, MVPC reviewed the feasibility of reactivating the traffic signal at the Salem Street/Loring Street intersection, currently controlled by a flashing red/yellow beacon with stop signs controlling the Salem Street and Shawsheen Street approaches.

MVPC staff gathered 48-hour traffic volume counts on the major roadways forming the intersection and collected vehicle turning movement data on all roadway approaches. We also reviewed MassDOT crash data for this intersection.

Staff analysis showed that the traffic signals should not be reactivated since the intersection currently operates at acceptable levels of service with no undue burden of delay to any vehicles traveling through it and that no safety issues would need to be addressed through signalization.


The table below shows the 18 Target-Funded projects that were either completed, under construction or under design in 2017. The table also shows that 12 of these 18 projects address at least three of the six RTP Goals. Noteworthy is the fact that the project to improve three intersections along Main St. in Haverhill and one to reconstruct the Marston/Ferry/Commonwealth intersection in Lawrence each address five of the six goals.

MVMPO Target Funding Projects Status in 2017

Meeting Transportation Goals Regional Transportation Plan Goals Met

Com

mun

ity

Desc

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n

Good

Rep

air

Safe

ty

Mob

ility

Econ

omic

Vita

lity

Envi

ronm

enta

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stai

nabi

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Soci

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Amesbury Elm St Reconstruction • •

Amesbury Powwow Riverwalk (Phase 1), incl Bridge A-07-034 • • •

Groveland Groveland Community Trail • • •

Groveland Rt 97 (Parker St to Gardner St) Reconstruction • •

Groveland Rt 97 (Parker St to Georgetown T.L.) Reconstruction • •

Haverhill Bradford Rail Trail (Phase 1), Rt 125 to Country Road • •

Haverhill Bradford Rail Trail (Phase II) • • •

Haverhill Rt125 (Main St) Reconstruction and Intersection Improvements • • • • •

Haverhill Rt 97, Silver Birch Ln to Research Dr Reconstruction • • • •

Lawrence Intersection Improvements Marston St / Ferry St / Commonwealth Dr • • • • •

Lawrence Reconstruction of Lawrence St. / Park Street Intersection • • • •

Lawrence Reconstruction of Lowell St and Common St ADA Ramps and Signals • • •

Methuen Reconstruction on I-93 at Rt 110/113 Rotary • • • •

Newburyport Clipper City Rail Trail Phase II • • •

Newburyport MVRTA Transportation Center / Parking Facility • • •

North Andover Reconstruction of Rt 114 from Waverly Rd to Stop & Shop • • • •

North Andover Rt 125 / Massachusetts Ave Intersection • •

Salisbury Border to Boston Rail Trail - Mudnock Rd to NH State Line • •

For more information on MVPC Transportation programs visit: mvpc.org/programs/transpo-new-homepage/

MERRIMACK VALLEY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION AT WORK


Moving forward

For those of you who have been faithful followers of MVPC all these years, you may have noticed that starting with 2017, we’re shaking things up and doing things a bit differently. With a renewed focus on offering and delivering quality programs and opportunities for our member communities, from sharing best practices in the planning, environmental and housing realms to providing cutting-edge, user-friendly technology and responsibly managing regional transportation funding, MVPC is here to serve you.

Our number one goal is to get to know you—the hard-working municipal employees and members of Boards and Commissions in our 15 cities and towns—and help you achieve your goals in an environment of limited resources and competing interests. Our ability to leverage state and federal program funding to advance a variety of objectives throughout our region is something that you have counted on for 59 years, and we want to continue in this role while always moving forward in a constant effort to grow, learn and share.

We remain your trusted resource, and we look forward to all that 2018 brings!

in conclusionFOR 2018

Merrimack ValleyPlanning Commission

plan * develop * promote Merrimack Valley Planning Commission 160 Main Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts 01830

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