The Amesbury School Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen J. Zadravec, Ed.D., as the next Superintendent of Amesbury Public Schools. Dr. Zadravec’s employment is scheduled to begin on July 1, pending the successful completion of contract negotiations.
“I am thrilled to be part of the team in Amesbury. I look forward to building on the work of providing excellence in education for all of our students. Amesbury is an amazing place and I am honored to be able to work with the talented staff here and strong leadership team across the schools and the city.”, said, Dr. Zadrvec.
Dr. Zadravec is a proven educational leader with extensive experience in district leadership, strategic planning, curriculum development, and collaborative community engagement. He currently serves as Superintendent of School Administrative Unit (SAU) 50 in Greenland, New Hampshire, where he has guided multiple districts through strategic visioning, long-term financial planning, and expanded professional development opportunities for educators.
Previously, Dr. Zadravec served as Superintendent of the Portsmouth School Department in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he led district-wide initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, implemented later school start times for secondary students, supported major school construction and renovation projects, and collaborated closely with municipal leaders to develop fiscally responsible budgets. His leadership also included participation in statewide education initiatives supporting early childhood development and the needs of military-connected students.
In addition to his district leadership, Dr. Zadravec has served as an adjunct professor in educational leadership, teaching graduate and doctoral students and helping to prepare the next generation of school administrators. His career in education began in the classroom as a middle and high school mathematics teacher before advancing through roles including curriculum coordinator, interim principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.
“Amesbury Public Schools will benefit greatly from Dr. Zadravec’s thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Amesbury School Committee Chair and Mayor, Kassandra Gove. “We look forward to welcoming him to the Amesbury community and working together to continue strengthening our schools.” Mayor Gove also went on to say, “We would also like to thank current Superintendent Elizabeth McAndrews for her service to our schools and the children of Amesbury, and we wish her well as she transitions to the next phase of her life.”
Dr. Zadravec holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Science, graduating cum laude. He maintains multiple professional certifications, including Superintendent, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent credentials in the State of New Hampshire.
Dr. Abigail Jurist Levy, School Committee Member and Co-Chair of the Search Committee said, “Amesbury as a great place to live, work, and raise a family, along with our community pride and the promise of our school district, was on full display in attracting top talent to our Superintendent search. It was important to the School Committee to have a rigorous, inclusive, and transparent hiring process for this vital role and the city can be proud of the numerous, highly qualified, candidates that applied for the Superintendent position. Many people in our district and across Amesbury contributed to the search process and we thank them for their time and effort. Dr. Zadravec can feel confident he has the support of our community.”
Amesbury, MA — The City of Amesbury announces that a Request for Proposal (RFP) is now available for the city-owned former Amesbury Elementary School, located at 24 South Hampton Road. The RFP outlines development objectives that include removal of the existing school structure, new housing comprised of multiple structures that accommodates a variety of housing types, sizes, and configurations along with shared park and gathering spaces.
“This is a tremendous milestone for us and the neighborhood. We have worked hard to strike a balance with this property and what it has to offer. It’s important to me that we retain recreation and open space for the neighborhood while putting some of the property back on the tax rolls. I’m hopeful we see interest from the development community and find the right partner to make this happen”, said Mayor Gove.
In July 2025, as part of a land use and redevelopment assessment process administered by the Office of Community and Economic Development, the Mayor submitted Council Bill 2025-082 requesting authorization to dispose, by sale, of an approximately four-acre portion of the 14-acre City-owned parcel at 24 South Hampton Road, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 16.
At the same time, the Mayor introduced Council Bill 2025-083 to amend the Amesbury Zoning Map. The amendment rezoned two portions of the former school property from Open Space Conservancy (Municipal) to Residence 8 (R-8) to support future housing opportunities. After the passing of that bill the property is now rezoned to R-8, consistent with adjacent zoning.
Note: Image is of preferred development plan for 24 South Hampton Road and is not an actual submitted plan.
One portion of the parcel is approximately 4- acres in size and has frontage along 24 South Hampton Road. This includes the former Elementary School and its associated modular classrooms, playground, and driveway area. The second portion is approximately ¼ acres in size and has frontage on Rowell Street.
The remaining nearly 10-acre portion of the property will be retained by the City for the purposes of maintaining trail connections, open space, and public recreation opportunities.
Senior Project Manager for the city, Howard Snyder said, “Redevelopment of the former Amesbury Elementary School parcel for residential purposes will be transformative for the neighborhood and the Amesbury community as a whole. Aims of the project that include architectural design, variable housing type and site layout are considerations intended to balance housing needs with thoughtful integration into the city’s fabric.”
The City has established a minimum bid price of $1,000,000. The property’s FY2025 assessed value is $7,663,400. The RFP will be available for pick-up from the Procurement and Liability Manager, Administration and Finance Department, Room 215 at 1 Market Street, City Hall, Amesbury MA 01913 during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Friday, excluding holidays.
It is recommended that interested parties attend a pre-application site visit that will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026. Questions will be accepted during the site visit and via email. Responses will be issued by addendum.
All questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing via email to Senior Project Manager, Howard Snyder, at snyderh@amesburyma.gov no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026.
MassDOT will conduct a public hearing to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed Amesbury - Riverwalk Connector to the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail project.
Tuesday January 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Shay Elementary School193R Lions Mouth RoadAmesbury, MA 01913 Cafeteria
For more information, please read the event flyer.
Amesbury has begun installation of wayfinding signage that will help clearly identify key locations and attractions throughout the city. A phased approach was established for the roll-out of the new wayfinding, with Phase 1 to include parking signage in the downtown area and municipal lots, destinations, and city parks. Additional phases will be implemented as funds become available. The additional signs would include gateway, vehicular directional, pedestrian information, municipal buildings, and schools.
“This project has been in the works for a long time, and I’m incredibly grateful to the community members and volunteers who have stood by us and trusted that we’d reach the fabrication and installation stages in due time. From the start, we knew alternative funding would be essential to bring this vision to life. Using ARPA funds in this way will have a lasting impact and support our businesses for years to come", said Mayor Kassandra Gove. "Multiple economic studies and planning documents have identified this gap in our community, and I’m excited to see the results of this work.”
The project initially began in 2019 as an Amesbury Chamber of Commerce project with a $25,000 earmark in the state budget from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. The grant was then authorized by City Council with Bill No. 2019-003, sponsored by Mayor Ken Gray, and was used for an initial survey and design work. Lack of production funding stalled the project until 2021 when the city took it over and Mayor Gove allocated $17,000 in the city’s FY22 Capital Budget to continue with the location planning and message schedule of the Amesbury Wayfinding Project. In 2023, the mayor allocated $200,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the fabrication and installation of signage.
As part of the process, a Steering Committee comprised of a cross-section of city employees, community leaders, business owners, and residents met on several occasions, in different capacities, to weigh in on the project ensuring the wayfinding would meet the needs of the community.
Matt Sherill, a member of the Steering Committee said, "As a business owner in Amesbury, I am grateful to have been included as a member of the Steering Committee of this project that will make it easier for residents and visitors to navigate our city. It shows how collaboration between City Hall and the community can create something lasting and meaningful.”
“As a volunteer member of the wayfinding Committee significant time was spent reviewing the designs to ensure the wayfinding system was both intuitive and consistent with Amesbury’s character, from the selection of the typefaces to the iconography, because these signs are fundamentally about improving the user experience. After years of careful planning and detailed review, we are confident this system will successfully connect people with parking, parks, and local destinations, fostering a stronger sense of place for everyone.”, said Matt Bailey.
In September of 2023, design firm, MERJE presented Design Intent Drawings with typefaces, iconography, and sign specifications including materials and sizes. These drawings and plans were reviewed by the Steering Committee in preparation for fabrication. Following revisions and design approvals, an RFP for fabrication and installation went out to bid which was awarded to MS Signs.
Municipal wayfinding systems are essential for enhancing navigation, promoting economic growth, and fostering community engagement within urban environments. By providing clear and consistent signage, these systems reduce travel frustrations, encourage exploration, and create a sense of place. For instance, well-designed wayfinding can lead pedestrians to their destinations more efficiently, improving their overall experience and increasing the likelihood of return visits. This positive user experience can significantly boost local businesses by attracting more foot traffic and encouraging longer stays in commercial districts.
Executive Director of the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce, Sheila Beach noted, "As the project originated with the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce back in 2019, it's incredibly rewarding to see the wayfinding signs finally being installed! Clear, consistent signage is vital to help direct customers to our local businesses and encourages exploration of all the great attractions Amesbury has to offer. We are also thrilled to build on this momentum by adding a business directory to the system, which is being funded by the Chamber and participating businesses. This will provide even more specific, direct guidance and support for our members and the entire community."
Beyond navigation, wayfinding systems play a crucial role in promoting active transportation modes such as walking and cycling, which contribute to improved public health and reduced traffic congestion. Effective wayfinding fosters community engagement by connecting people with cultural landmarks, and public spaces, strengthening community bonds and enhancing the overall quality of urban life.
For more information including the timeline of the project, a list of those who participated, and funding sources, visit the wayfinding page.
On Wednesday, November 5th, the City of Amesbury received a $3.6 million MassWorks Grant to support the Amesbury Route 110 at Elm Street/Clarks Road Improvement Project. The grant will fund several key infrastructure upgrades, including $2.8 million for improvements to Route 110 at Clarks Road, $75,000 for a sidewalk extension along Clarks Road, $525,000 for a waterline improvement project at Route 110 and Elm Street, and sewer siphon pre-construction activities along Route 110. Together, these projects will significantly enhance infrastructure in support of new housing and commercial developments within Amesbury’s 40R East End Smart Growth and the MBTA 3A Rocky Hill Overlay Districts.
This funding is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s announcement of over $179 million awarded to 314 local projects across 190 communities through the Community One Stop for Growth program. Managed by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), in collaboration with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and MassDevelopment, the initiative supports local economic growth through investments in planning, zoning, site preparation, infrastructure, construction, and housing development.
Governor Maura Healey
“We’re proud to be a state of strong cities and towns—made stronger by programs like the Community One Stop for Growth, which give local leaders the tools they need to strengthen their economies and improve quality of life. These grants will help communities build housing, lower costs, improve road safety, revitalize downtowns, create jobs and more. We can’t wait to see the impact of these investments across Massachusetts.”
State Senator Barry Finegold, Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Economic Development Committee
“We prioritized simplified access to state support so municipalities can meet their economic development goals. These grants address housing and infrastructure needs and create jobs.”
State Representative Dawne Shand
“Amesbury’s leadership understood how to make the MBTA Communities Act work for its growth and economic development. I want to thank Secretary Augustus for visiting the city, seeing its potential, and investing in its infrastructure.”
Mayor Kassandra Gove
“This is what it looks like for local and state leaders to work together to build a stronger Commonwealth. We know the affordability issue plaguing our neighborhoods is based in a lack of housing production. No city or town can shoulder the burden of solving this issue alone. In Amesbury we have been proactive about planning and zoning updates that will give more people the chance to stay in Amesbury or to call our community home. The support of the state for infrastructure improvements will make these opportunities a reality. I look forward to seeing this project get started.”
Nick Cracknell, Director of the Office of Community & Economic Development
“Recognizing the many physical and economic challenges involved with adding over 600 units of new housing and commercial development within the Elm Street, Clark’s Road, and Route 110 Corridor, this funding will prove critical to making these projects economically viable and enable the building and site design of these projects to include a wider array of on-and off-site amenities, better streetscapes, and a higher-quality building design.”
Joe Buckley, Director of Public Works
“Dependable infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and flooding management, along with a safe and capacity driven roadway network, are critical for the success of development and the community where it is constructed. This grant works to support those goals today, and more importantly when this housing is completed, ultimately looking out for the community overall.”
About the Community One Stop for Growth
The Community One Stop for Growth is a streamlined application process overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) that provides easy access and opportunities for cities and towns to apply for 12 state grant programs administered by EOED, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the quasi-public agency MassDevelopment. Programs in the One Stop offer direct funding and support to economic development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, infrastructure, and housing development. To learn more about the One Stop, visit www.mass.gov/onestop.
Milling of Paige Farm Rd will begin at South Hampton Rd.
Milling on Woodman Road will consist of keying in at driveways and the beginning and end of the project
Tuesday, November 18th
Paving of Woodman Road will be in one pass taking up the entire roadway. Once the paver machine reaches Pennycook Ln. the road will need to be shut down completely to finish the project.
Paving of Paige Farm Road will begin at So. Hampton and proceed to Vernon Dr.
The contractor will begin operations early each day (7AM-5PM). During milling operations traffic will be allowed to pass utilizing Detail Officers. Delays may occur and avoiding the area is advisable. During paving operations, there may be times that you will not be allowed to pass or access your driveway. These will be minimized as much as possible.
Amesbury’s first of two, fall curbside leaf pick-ups will be on Saturday, November 15th. Make sure leaves and grass clippings are in paper bags or loose in marked barrels, curbside by 6:00am. Sticks and loose leaves (piles of leaves on the ground) will not be picked up.
The second and final curbside pick-up for the season will take place on Saturday, December 6th.
As a reminder, the city compost center on 60 South Hunt Road is open for the season. Stickers are available for purchase. For more information on hours of operation, materials that can be disposed of at the site, and download the application, visit: https://www.amesburyma.gov/275/Compost-Information-Application
The City of Amesbury will soon transition City Hall operations to its new home at One Market Square. This move follows the November 6, 2024 announcement of a proposed real estate transaction between the City and BankProv. After some delays, the property officially closed on June 30, 2025, and preparations for the relocation have been underway since.
Prior to the closing, the bank completed minor wall construction securing their retail branch premises. The City has been assessing the new space with a focus on department efficiency and storage needs. Since July 1st, existing furniture included in the sale has been reviewed for reconfiguration, common areas have been freshly painted, and minor electrical upgrades—such as occupancy sensor installations—have been made to reduce energy use and utility costs. New directory signage is in the final stages of approval, and fabrication of a new customer service counter for the Treasurer’s Office, not part of the existing office design, is currently in progress.
Move Management proposals have been submitted and - pending reference checks—will be secured to start right away to oversee the relocation of City assets. The move is expected to begin in November, though some departments will temporarily remain at 62 Friend Street to avoid conflicts with key operational dates.
To mark the occasion, the City of Amesbury and BankProv will host an Open House at One Market Square on Saturday, December 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., following the annual holiday parade and tree lighting. The community is warmly invited to explore the new City Hall and tour the space.
“Relocating Amesbury’s City Hall to One Market Square represents a major step forward for our community. This new space not only allows us to bring more city services under one roof, but it also ensures that every resident has equal access to those services", said Mayor Kassandra Gove. "With handicap accessibility features, improved meeting areas, and a central downtown location, our new City Hall will be more welcoming, more efficient, and better equipped to serve the needs of Amesbury today and for generations to come. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the new space at the open house on December 6th.”
The move to One Market Square will include operations of the Clerk’s Office, Assessor’s Office, Treasurer/Collector’s Office, Information Technology, Human Resources, Administration and Finance, the Office of Retirement, and Mayor’s Office. The Office of Community & Economic Development will also relocate from 39 South Hunt Road to the Market Square location. Relocating will allow municipal operations to grow with the city, stay centrally located in the downtown area, and offer services to constituents in an accessible building with ramps, lifts and elevators.
For more information including frequently asked questions, timelines, updates, and more visit the City Hall relocation page of the website.
Amesbury's FY25 Annual Report is now published. This report is in a different format than what has been presented in recent past and was intentionally designed to focus solely on financials. There are two versions available: • Print • Web
The City of Amesbury has filed Council Bill 2025-089 requesting City Council approval to place a Proposition 2 ½ Override question on the November 4, 2025 ballot.
The proposed $6 million override would help fund the operating budgets of both the City and Amesbury Public Schools beginning in FY27.
A Financial Advisory Board comprised of city and school leadership was formed to review long-term financial needs, reduce reliance on free cash, and provide transparency for voters.
Learn more, see FAQs, and stay informed about upcoming public forums by visiting the Override Page of the city website.
Upcoming Public Forums
Tuesday, September 16th at 5:30pmCity Hall62 Friend Street
Wednesday, October 8th at 6:30pmCostello Center 68 Elm Street
Friday, October 10th at 9:00amCostello Center, 68 Elm Street
Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30pm Amesbury High School Auditorium5 Highland Street
All non-essential outdoor water uses are restricted until further notice, in accordance with the City of Amesbury’s Water Management Act permit issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
A description of non-essential water uses subject to mandatory restrictions as well as permitted uses is described below.
Non-essential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include:
Outdoor watering is restricted to non-automatic systems
Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.
Filling of swimming pools.
The following outdoor water uses are permitted during period of restrictions:
Lawn irrigation via hand held hoses or sprinklers are permitted before 9:00AM and after 5:PM on a restricted Odd/Even schedule:
Even-numbered addresses: Water on even-numbered days
Odd-numbered addresses: Water on odd-numbered days
Irrigation for the establishment of new laws or plantings.
Irrigation of public parks and recreational fields by means of automatic sprinklers before 9:00AM and after 5:00PM.
Watering of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants using a handheld hose.
Outdoor water uses NOT subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:
For health or safety reasons
By regulation
For the production of food (vegetable gardens) and fiber
For the maintenance of livestock
To meet the core functions of a business (for example; irrigation by golf courses as necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by plant nurseries as necessary to maintain stock).
For questions about the mandatory water restrictions, please email DPW.
No person shall violate any provision, restriction, requirement, or condition of any order approved or issued by the Department of Environmental Protection intended to bring about an end to the state of emergency.
Note:
As a matter of public safety, the splash pad will remain open due the excessive heat. However, it will be turned on at 10:00am instead of 7:00am. That might change based on conditions.
The City of Amesbury is taking a significant step toward transforming a portion of the former Amesbury Elementary School site into new housing opportunities and public amenities. As part of a land use and redevelopment assessment process administered by the Office of Community and Economic Development, the Mayor has submitted council bill 2025-082 requesting to authorize the disposition—by sale or lease—of approximately 4 acres of the 14-acre City-owned parcel located at 24 South Hampton Road in accordance with Massachusetts General Law c. 30B, sec. 16.
The proposed order would enable the creation of no more than thirty-seven (37) principal residential dwelling units across the parcel, including up to thirty-six (36) units on the main 4-acre portion and one (1) single-family dwelling unit on a 13,000 SF area fronting Rowell Street. The remainder of the site—approximately 10 acres—will remain under City ownership and be reserved for future use such as public parkland, drainage infrastructure, and other general municipal purposes. The plan includes the demolition and redevelopment of the former Amesbury Elementary School facility, with all demolition, disposal, permitting, and redevelopment to be carried out at the sole expense of the selected developer(s).
Conceptual Rendering
“After careful consideration of the housing needs of the community against the economic, recreational, and design implications of redeveloping this property, I believe the proposed concept plan strikes a fair and equitable balance for the abutters, the surrounding neighborhood, and city taxpayers as a whole. The proposed density is consistent with other recent projects in the neighborhood and the financial implications of this project should be sufficient to cover the high cost of removing the existing buildings and structures, make improvements to the abutting city-owned recreational amenities, and provide the city with needed sales and tax revenue”, said Nicholas Cracknell, Director of Community and Economic Development
The mayor also introduced a council bill 2025-083 seeking to amend the Amesbury Zoning Map, proposing a change to the zoning designation of two portions of the former Amesbury Elementary School property. The amendment would rezone two areas from Open Space Conservancy (OSC) to Residential – 8,000 SF (commonly referred to as R-8) to support the proposed future housing opportunities. The site is proposed to be rezoned to R-8, consistent with adjacent zoning, allowing for single-, two-, and multi-family dwellings under a Planned Unit Development – Special Permit issued by the Amesbury Planning Board. The development must also comply with affordable housing requirements outlined in the City's Zoning Ordinance. As outlined in the council bill, the proposed zoning amendment affects two distinct portions of the city-owned site. One, approximately 4 acres (180,000 square feet) with 475 feet of frontage on South Hampton Road, extending roughly 350 feet deep from the road and another, approximately 0.3 acres (13,000 square feet) with 90 feet of frontage on Rowell Street, extending about 125 feet from the street.
Conceptual Rendering
“Conversations about the re-use of this property started prior to my administration due to the new elementary school project which centralized our grade schools to Lions Mouth Road. Since then, I’ve heard from many people about their vision for the South Hampton Road site. Over time the future of this space has come into focus, and I believe this is a fiscally responsible and community-minded plan", said Mayor Gove. "We are removing the costly burden of maintaining an obsolete structure while unlocking new housing options that are similar to the surrounding neighborhood and returning land to the tax rolls. This is also about smart, balanced growth. We’re thoughtfully preserving a significant portion of the land for public use while inviting responsible redevelopment to serve today’s housing needs.”
Note:
These renderings are conceptual and are presented by the Office of Community & Economic and Development (OCED) as preferred development scenarios, preserving a portion as open space and a possible future playground area. Any actual plans for the site would be presented by a private developer at a Planning Board meeting and would be open to public comment. To keep updated when Planning Board agendas get posted, you can sign up to receive notifications here: https://www.amesburyma.gov/list.aspx#agendaCenter
A reminder, we are approaching the season where we see elevated populations of mosquitos. Last year, Amesbury had one positive EEE mosquito.
Should 2025 bring another positive EEE sample, the Board of Health may deem it necessary to conduct a targeted spray in the area to reduce the risk to public health.
Residents can request an exclusion from wide area pesticide applications by filling out a request. Exclusion requests take 14 days to go into effect from the time it is made and expire on December 31st in that calendar year.
Spraying notifications will be posted on the city website, on Facebook, and will be sent out on Smart 911. Be sure to sign up for Smart 911 to receive advance notification.
The City of Amesbury is a member of the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control (NEMMC) District. In addition, as part of the membership with the NEMMC, Amesbury property owners can request preventative services including tire removal, checking for mosquito larvae, and spraying for adult mosquitos.
To learn more about safety tips, how to request an exclusion from wide area spraying, or how to request services, visit the page on mosquitos.
Mark your calendars! The Cities of Newburyport and Amesbury, along with the Towns of Groveland, Newbury, and West Newbury, are hosting their Annual Household Hazardous Waste Day on:
Saturday, August 2, 2025
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Rain or Shine)Newburyport DPS Lot – 16A Perry Way
This is your opportunity to safely dispose of items like:
Oil-based paint (NO latex)
Pesticides
Gasoline
Pool chemicals
Household hazardous materials
Cost for residents of participating communities:
$25 for up to 3 gal/lbs
$40 for up to 10 gal/lbs
$75 for up to 25 gal/lbs
Out-of-town residents:
$40 for up to 3 gal/lbs
$55 for up to 10 gal/lbs
$90 for up to 25 gal/lbs
Not accepted: Latex paint, medical waste, ammunition, asbestos, fire extinguishers & more.
Mayor Kassandra Gove is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Robert Serino has been selected to serve as Chief of the Amesbury Fire Department (AFD). This decision comes after the June 30th retirement of former Chief, James Nolan.
“Chief Serino has established himself as a professional with top notch administrative skills and highly accomplished tactical skills. He has great understanding of the need to balance day to day functions of the department with long term vision and is committed to a community-based fire service. I am confident that under his leadership the department will continue to uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity”, said Mayor Gove.
Chief Serino began his career as a firefighter in the Town of Newbury in 2006. He has been with Amesbury Fire Rescue since 2012 serving in various rolls as a Shift Command Lieutenant, Firefighter/Paramedic and more. Serino has worked in the Fire Investigation Unit as well as played a critical role as the Grant Writer for AFD.
Chief Serino holds a Master of Science in Emergency & Disaster Management, graduating from Massachusetts Maritime in 2017. He graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in 2022 and graduated the Chief Fire Officer Management Program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in 2024. Serino also holds several certifications and credentials, including credentialling as a Fire Chief through CPSE and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He will be the 7th Fire Chief for the City of Amesbury since the position was created in 1978.
“I’m honored to begin this new chapter as Fire Chief in Amesbury. Coming from a family with a proud history in the fire service, this isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling. Just as I was raised around the firehouse, my own family stands beside me in this next chapter. Their support and shared commitment to public service are part of what fuels my dedication to leading with integrity, supporting our firefighters like family, and continuing a legacy of service that puts the safety and well-being of our community first”, said Chief Serino.
The hiring process included a comprehensive assessment center of internal candidates as well as interviews coordinated by a contracted outside agency, John Parow Consulting & Associates, a professional consulting company who specializes in Fire Chief recruitment and promotional assessment centers for Massachusetts municipal fire departments. The assessment center included addressing typical administrative and personnel responsibilities of a Chief, a tactical exercise, and a written report outlining their vision for the department. The assessment center was followed by an interview with other city leadership. The Mayor then made her decision based on recommendations and input provided. Serino’s contract as Chief is currently being negotiated and his appointment will be presented to the City Council at an upcoming meeting.
The Mayor and the City of Amesbury would like to thank Retired Fire Chief James Nolan for his dedication of service. Nolan served the Amesbury Fire Department for nearly 30 years.
John Parow Consulting & AssociatesJohn Parow Consulting & Associates is a Chelmsford Massachusetts-based public safety consulting firm and provider of Fire executive search services. The founder, John Parrow, has over 25 years of experience in Municipal Promotional Assessment Centers and has been involved with conducting executive searches since 2014. He has served 25 years as Fire Chief in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and served as President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. John Parow Consulting & Associates provides a comprehensive means of selecting an individual to perform all the duties required of a Fire Chief.
John Parow Consulting & Associates has handled Fire Chief recruitment for Amesbury in the past as well as Pepperell, Fitchburg, Beverly, Manchester by the Sea, West Bridgewater, Dracut, and more.
Closure will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, and is expected to continue through early September 2025
MERRIMAC – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be implementing a full closure of the Emery Street Bridge over I-495 in Merrimac beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21. The closure is necessary to allow crews to safely and efficiently perform rehabilitation and preservation operations. The work is expected to be completed by early September 2025.
Work will consist of pavement removal and necessary concrete deck repairs. Additional operations include installation of new bridge pavement, bridge joints, sidewalk repairs, guardrail upgrades, substructure repairs, heat straightening of select beams, and cleaning and painting of bridge steel.
The following detours will be in place during the closure:
· Vehicles approaching Emery Street from Haverhill Road (Route 110) will use Pond Hill Road, turn right onto Middle Road, and return to Emery Street.
· Vehicles approaching from Skunk Road will turn right onto Middle Road, left onto Pond Hill Road, and left onto Haverhill Road (Route 110).
This work is part of an $11.4 million bridge rehabilitation project that includes six individual bridges over I-95, I-495, and Route 1 in the towns of Boxford, Merrimac, and Peabody.
Appropriate signage and law enforcement details will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:
Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
Dial 511 and select a route to hear real time conditions.
Follow @MassDOT on X (formerly known as Twitter) to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
May 13, 2025: City Council - FY 2026 Budget First Reading Mayor presents FY 2026 Budget to City Council CFO presents Financial Forecast/ Capital Improvement Plan
May 15-28, 2025: City Council Ad Hoc Budget Committee of the Whole to hold department budget hearings
June 3, 2025: City Council Ad Hoc Budget Committee of the Whole Budget Debate and Referral
June 10, 2025: City Council - Public Hearing/Adoption of FY 2026 operating budget
Amesbury is once again highlighted in Business View Magazine. With exciting development ahead, the city is focused on supporting housing and economic growth — all while preserving our historic charm.
The City of Amesbury announced that a Request for Proposal (RFP) is now available for the Washington Landing Boat Project. The project includes the shoreline restoration and revitalization of the Washington Landing Maritime Support Facility along the Merrimack River in Amesbury. The four main capital components of the RFP include: replacement of the boat ramp, addition of approx. 900 SF of landside boardwalk area to support the future construction of a harbormaster office, installation of a gangway and 100-foot finger dock for the boat ramp facility and transient vessels, and improvements to the parking area and restoration of the living shoreline adjacent the boat ramp.
“As supported in the city’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, the proposed capital improvements to the Washington Landing Park will significantly improve and expand public access, safety, and enjoyment to and along the Merrimac River. Moreover, the timing of the project also affords the city with the opportunity to continue working with the abutting property owners at the Marina at Amesbury Point to expand public access to over 300 feet of shoreline along the Merrimac River”, said Nicholas Cracknel, Director of the Office of Community and Economic Development.
The project is supported by $840,000 in grant funding awarded by the Supportive Coastal Infrastructure and Local Maritime Economic Development Planning grants program that promotes economic growth in coastal communities. It came as part of a 2024 $2 million earmark shared among five other communities. Amesbury Police Chief, Craig Bailey, and Director of Community and Economic Development, Nick Cracknell, co-wrote the application that was submitted to the State as part of a plan to improve recreational access to the Merrimac River and support potential economic development along the waterfront. State Representative Dawn Shand advocated at the State House in support of the funding for Amesbury.
“This corner of our community has long been overlooked. I want to thank Representative Shand for her advocacy and the Healey-Driscoll administration for their investment in unlocking a whole new access point for transportation and economic development", said Mayor Kassandra Gove. She continued by saying, "I hope this project gets others excited and we have a great partner in bringing our vision to life. We’re building a new doorstep for our community to welcome commuters, residents, and visitors.”
Along with the application came written letters of support in the form of matching funds from two local marinas that utilize the boat ramp. Both John Jay McPartland, owner of the Marina at Hatter’s Point and Dan Healey, owner of the Marina at Amesbury Point committed funds to be utilized in the design, permitting, and future maintenance of the maritime support facility. Marc Frontiero, owner of Goodwin Creek Marina, also provided a letter of support which was included in the proposal.
Police Chief Craig Bailey said, “For generations, Harbormasters for the city of Amesbury have advocated for better access of the Merrimac River to the public. This project not only does that but also gives the boating public better access to the City of Amesbury, something I am sure Harbormasters of the past would be incredibly proud and supportive of.”
A pre-bid meeting will be held on Friday, April 4th, 2025, at 1:00p.m., and will be held at the City’s public boat ramp located at 18 Merrimac Street in Amesbury, MA. Those interested, or who have questions regarding, the RFP are encouraged to email Howard Snyder, Senior Project Manager in the Office of Community & Economic Development, at snyderh@amesburyma.gov or visit the City’s website at www.amesburyma.gov/Bids.aspx.
The City of Amesbury announced that a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be made available in the coming days for two city-owned properties located at 5 and 9 School Street. The two adjoining parcels are situated within the City's Central Business zoning district and are being sold together. The parcel at 5 School Street consists of an approximately 2,160 square foot existing building on an 0.13-acre parcel of land. The parcel at 9 School Street consists of an approximately 8,535 square-foot building, formerly known as the Ordway School, on a 0.53-acre parcel of land. Although no minimum bid has been set by the city, the assessed 2025 value of the 5 School Steet property is $442,700, while the 9 School Street property is valued at $893,700.
In October of 2024, Mayor Kassandra Gove sponsored on order, Council Bill 2024-133, seeking to dispose of the two properties, removing them from the city’s maintenance obligations, and opening them up for potential future development. Once restored and/or reconstructed, both properties would return to the city’s tax roll with an estimated combined value of $3.1 million.
Led by Director, Nicholas Cracknell, staff in the Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) worked proactively to include a “Preferred Development Plan” which defines the building and site design for redevelopment of the properties. The RFP allows for the development of up to eight (8) residential units at 9 School Street, with the building being renovated and a preservation restriction being placed on the exterior. 5 School Street will have the potential to either be renovated or, if too structurally compromised to be restored, reconstructed “in-kind” to allow for reuse as a single-family residence. To further streamline the process for potential bidders, OCED worked closely with the Planning Board, the Public Library Board of Trustees, and the Historical Commission to garner support for the Preferred Development Plan. By providing a Preferred Development Plan, pre-permitting support from the Planning Board, and the letters of support, OCED hopes it will serve as a successful model for the future disposition of city-owned properties to be surplused.
“I give full credit here to the Mayor and the City Council for their collective support of a thoughtful disposition process that intentionally lays out a well-supported and prescriptive building and site plan to address the many competing objectives at play such as off-street parking, land use, and the preservation of these two historically significant buildings", said Nick Cracknell. "The hope being, by providing interested bidders a preliminary building design, program, and conceptual site plan, it will substantially diminish their risk and uncertainty in permitting this project. In return, that reduced risk should result in higher net proceeds to the city to support the needed repairs at the Public Library as well as ensure a better design outcome for the School Street Corridor and these two important historic structures”.
Integral to the strong local support for the proposed redevelopment plan, the proceeds from the sale of 5 & 9 School Street will be deposited into a Receipts Reserved for Real Estate account to be used to support the restoration and repair of the Amesbury Public Library. A future vote of City Council will be required to transfer funds from the Receipts Reserved for Real Estate account to a capital account for Library maintenance and repairs, which will be focused on water infiltration mitigation, including but not limited to roof, gutters, windows, masonry, exterior paint, soffits, eaves, and stairs. Additionally, approximately half of the 5 School Street property will be subdivided by the buyer and reserved for the city to allow for potential future expansion of the Amesbury Public Library.
“This is an exciting step for us in advancing our stewardship of the School Street area and managing our facilities and assets. The preferred development plan directly addresses goals in our Housing Production Plan and the needs of our community. I know residents are anxious to see some of these vacant city buildings redeveloped, as am I. Taking our time to establish a process and maximize our returns was important and with the team we have in place this should be the first of more to come" said Mayor Kassandra Gove
Those interested in the RFP or who have questions are encouraged to call the Office of Community & Economic Development at 978-388-8110. The RFP will available on April 9th on the the city website at www.amesburyma.gov/Bids.aspx.
History of the Properties
Originally constructed in 1863, the Ordway school at 9 School Street was built for the growing town of Amesbury. The building is a two-story Italianate building with a below-grade fully finished basement. The school was converted to town offices in the 1960s. The property underwent renovation and an addition for a new entrance and stairwell in 1981. Since then, it has been home to various departments including Inspectional Services, the Senior Center, and most recently, the Fire Department Emergency Operations Center. It is currently unoccupied.
The Orlando S. Bailey House at 5 School Street is a two-story Greek revival single family residence with a below-grade unfinished basement originally constructed in 1850. The house was obtained by the city of Amesbury in 2001 but is currently vacant as well.
Spring 2025 hydrant flushing will begin on Tuesday, April 1st and will continue weekdays, for approximately 5 weeks.
Hydrant flushing is performed twice a year to remove accumulated sediment that occurs in the pipes. When hydrant flushing is in progress, you may lose water temporarily, experience air in your pipes, or experience brown/discolored water. Water will be restored shortly after the flushing is complete in your area. You may need to run your water briefly to clear the air or the discoloration from your pipes. If you have long-term issues, please contact the Water Department at (978) 388-0853.
The schedule is approximate and is subject to change.
After 30 years of exemplary service to the Amesbury community, Fire Chief James Nolan has announced his retirement, with his last day in the office to be June 27, 2025. Chief Nolan’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career in the fire service, which has been characterized by integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.
“The City of Amesbury and the Amesbury Fire Department have been great to work for. Thirty years to many may seem like a long time, but when you enjoy doing what you do, the time goes by quickly. I have been fortunate to meet and work with great people in the Amesbury Fire Department and the fire service as whole, forging great friendships that will last after retirement", said Chief Nolan. "I will miss the people that I work with, as they are more than employees or colleagues, they are family. I hope the foundations that I have built as chief will remain, and the future administration can continue the forward direction of the department. I would like to thank the residents of Amesbury for their trust and friendship. Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their support through my time with the Amesbury Fire Department. Without their encouragement and support through the years I would not be where I am today.”
Throughout his tenure, Chief Nolan has served Amesbury Fire with distinction and overseen the department’s growth while fostering a culture of collaboration and professionalism. Under his guidance, the department has responded to thousands of emergencies, implemented new training programs, and enhanced community outreach efforts to ensure public safety and preparedness.
Chief Nolan started his career with Amesbury Fire Rescue in 1995 as a call Firefighter. He became a full-time Firefighter/EMT in 1997 and attended the Massachusetts Fire Academy for Recruit Training in 1998. He held the role of Acting Lieutenant from 2012-2013. In June of 2014 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in July of 2015 was promoted again to Acting Deputy Chief. In 2019, Nolan was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief / Fire Prevention Officer. Following the 2022 retirement of then Fire Chief Kenneth Berkenbush, he was promoted to Fire Chief after an extensive and thorough search. He is the 6th Fire Chief for the City of Amesbury since the position was created in 1978.
“Chief Nolan is highly respected across our community. He is well known for his fire prevention talks and his cheerful personality. When he was promoted to Chief I remember him describing the type of chief he wanted to be, one who was active and involved, who still sat for coffee at headquarters; not someone in plain clothes behind a desk. He’s the epitome of a public servant who has spent all day and all night putting Amesbury first for many years. His retirement is well deserved. I know he’ll still stop in for coffee, and I wish him a long and relaxing retirement", said Mayor Gove.
As Chief Nolan prepares for his well-deserved retirement, the City of Amesbury will begin the search for a new leader, including a comprehensive assessment and interview process coordinated by a contracted outside agency.
National Grid has begun what will likely be a two-year infrastructure project to significantly upgrade service to a large portion of Amesbury and improve reliability. The intention is to bring the capacity up to meet the current and future usage demands. Work will include replacing the majority of the existing utility poles, increasing the capacity of the substation on Allenclair Drive, and the decommissioning of the substation on Water St. Public outreach will come from National Grid in the form of a letter describing the work to be performed in your area, the timing, and a way to respond to National Grid with questions.
We heard you and change is coming.Property owners will receive a notice in the mail announcing the return of our previous water and sewer invoicing company, Pennichuck. The laws of procurement dictated that the city contract with Diversified Technology as the lowest responsible bidder. The same laws allowed us to terminate the contract and employ Pennichuck on an interim basis as the city prepares a new Request for Proposal (RFP) in the coming weeks.The updated payment portal on the city website will be live online, March 3, 2025. Rates for your services will remain the same, and your account number will remain the same.The previous billing company, Diversified Technology, will continue to receive checks until February 27, 2025. After February 27, 2025, mailed payments will need to be sent to Pennichuck at a new address:City of Amesburyc/o PennichuckPO Box 310Nashua, NH 03060-0310We understand this change may cause an inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Just a reminder that property owners have 24hrs after a storm's conclusion to clear and treat sidewalks.To report an issue about snow and ice removal on residential sidewalks AFTER a storm, please email clearsidewalks@amesburyma.gov. This email is not monitored 24hrs and will be addressed during regular business hours.To report icy and snowy road Issues AFTER a storm:During regular business hours: Call DPW at 978-388-8116. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm. All city offices are closed on 1/20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.After regular business hours: Call Amesbury Police at the NON-EMERGENCY number at: 978-388-1217. For emergency response only, please call 911.For more information on snow removal, visit the city website at: https://www.amesburyma.gov/282/Snow-Ice-Removal
For the purpose of traffic safety, effective immediately, residents and businesses on the one-way sections of Main Street and Friend Street in the central business district area must have their trash and recycling carts placed on one side of the road.
Main Street is required to place carts curbside on the even numbered side of the road. This is the right-hand-side, in the direction of vehicular traffic.
Friend Street is required to place carts curbside on the odd numbered side of the road. This is the right-hand side in the direction of vehicular traffic.
To avoid confusion, make sure your carts are clearly labeled with your address.
BankProv, one of the nation’s oldest banks and a steadfast financial partner to businesses and individuals throughout Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, today announced its intent to sell its historic main office building in downtown Amesbury, MA to the City of Amesbury.
The City plans to relocate city hall to the Market Street location. The move will include operations of the Clerk’s Office, Assessor’s Office, Treasurer/Collector’s Office, Information Technology, Human Resources, Administration and Finance, the Office of Retirement, and Mayor’s Office. The Office of Community & Economic Development will also relocate from 39 South Hunt Road to the Market Street location. Relocating to Market Street will allow municipal operations to grow with the city, stay centrally located in the downtown area, and offer services to constituents in an accessible building with ramps, lifts and elevators.
As part of the proposed agreement, BankProv will continue to operate at the location, leasing back a portion of the space from the city to maintain uninterrupted banking services for clients. This transaction represents an exciting new chapter for both BankProv and the City of Amesbury, allowing the bank to maintain its longstanding presence and commitment to the community’s economic vitality, while empowering the city to reimagine this historic landmark for public benefit.
Hydrant flushing will begin on Monday, October 7th and continue for approximately 6 weeks.Hydrant flushing is performed twice a year to remove accumulated sediment that occurs in the pipes.When hydrant flushing is in progress, you may lose water temporarily, experience air in your pipes, or experience brown/discolored water. Water will be restored shortly after the flushing is complete in your area. You may need to run your water briefly to clear the air or the discoloration from your pipes.If you have long-term issues, please contact the Water Department at (978) 388-0853.Schedules will be posted weekly at: www.amesburyma.gov/290/Hydrant-Flushing-Schedule
Our Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report is now published, detailing the activities, services and programs of city departments, schools, boards, committees, and commissions. Please take a few minutes to learn about the work that's been done to serve Amesbury in the past fiscal year.
There are two versions available:
Print (higher res)
Web (lower res and enhanced index with navigation)
Understand the root causes of America's interrelated housing crisis and the intentional responses your city can make to address it.
Housing is an investment. Investment prices must go up. Housing is shelter. When the price of shelter goes up, people experience distress.
This is the housing trap. It’s time to escape. This presentation introduces a first-of-its-kind discussion of the tension between housing as a financial product and housing as shelter. These insights will help local communities fight back against the current affordability housing crisis and opt out of the boom and bust cycles that have typified housing in postwar America.
This presentation offers a serious, yet accessible, history of housing policy in the United States and explains how it led us to this point in time: where we face a market that is rigged against people who, only a few decades ago, could have been homeowners or stable, long-term renters. Only local change, on a neighborhood or city-wide scale, can begin to restore balance to the housing market.
Event Details:
Wednesday, September 18th at 6:00pmAmesbury High School, 5 Highland Street
• Event includes summary of local housing and economic trends• Book signing with local bookstore• Free and open to the public
Made possible by partnerships with the City of Amesbury, Jabberwocky Books, Strong Towns, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, and the City of Newburyport.
Beginning the week of August 12th, Amesbury residents will begin to receive information in the mail about the launch of the Amesbury Community Choice Power Supply Program (municipal electrical aggregation). There will be a response card for those who want to opt-out. Otherwise, there is no other action needed to be included in the program.
Two community information sessions are scheduled to answer any questions regarding the program and will be held by the city and representatives of Colonial Power Group.
For additional information or questions about the plan, a dedicated website is provided by Colonial Power group: www.colonialpowergroup.com/amesbury, or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1.
The Massachusetts Public Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) at one of their trapping sites collected on 7/30/2024 in Amesbury. In response, spraying will occur on Monday, August 5, 2024, beginning approximately 30 minutes after sunset. A truck will pass through the neighborhood dispensing an Ultra-low Volume (ULV) pesticide. Catch basins and standing areas of water will also be treated. There is a rain date of Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Residents in the area to be sprayed are advised to stay inside, bring pets inside, and keep windows closed between 8:30 pm and midnight.
The areas to be treated are bounded by South Hampton Rd (to NH border), Market St., Elm St (to 495 border), Portsmouth Rd, Industrial Way, and Monroe St. (to Salisbury border).
Information on spray materials to be used:
Zenivex E4-RTU (EPA Reg# 2724-807). Active Ingredient: Etofenprox (CAS #80844-07-1) 4%. Zenivex E4 RTU mosquito adulticide is a high efficacy, reduced risk adulticide that provides quick, permanent knockdown and reliable control of adult mosquito populations in any mosquito habitat flying at the time of application. This product contains no synergist, therefore no Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO). The Safety Data Sheet and product label can be viewed at: https://www.nemassmosquito.org/public-education/pages/adulticide
The following recommendations from the State are to help reduce the risk of infection for all residents:
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk
The following recommendations from the State are to help protect animals from mosquito-borne illness:
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.
Property owners receive two tax bills within the year, a PRELIMINARY tax bill and an ACTUAL tax bill. Each bill includes two quarterly payments. The PRELIMINARY tax bill includes quarterly payments due on August 1 and November 1, your first and second quarter payments. The ACTUAL tax bill includes quarterly payments due on February 1 and May 1, quarters three and four. The most recent tax bill that was mailed on Friday, June 28th is the PRELIMINARY tax bill and is also referred to as an estimated tax bill. The bill is based on the previous (calendar) year assessment of your property and the previous year’s tax rate. This bill also includes the new Community Preservation Act (CPA) tax which was voted on to be adopted in last November’s election.
If you have not received your tax bill by July 12, 2024, please call the city Treasurer’s Office at 978-388-8105. For more information on your tax bill, please visit: www.amesburyma.gov/321/Treasurer-Collector
On Friday, May 24th, Emily Zarraga was presented with the Boston Post Cane recognizing her as the oldest living resident of Amesbury at 102 years old. The ceremony took place at the Amesbury Council on Aging’s (COA) monthly Breakfast with Chief’s. Born in 1922, Emily has been a long-time resident of Amesbury who is often seen at the Costello Center attending bingo with her sister Claire (78) who acts as her caretaker. They also participate in the COA’s monthly birthday events and outdoor activities.
Doreen Arnfield, Director of the Amesbury Council on Aging said,"A lot has been said about quantity vs. quality of life. We are celebrating Emily’s quantity of years but from observing Emily and her sister Claire, her quality of life is good. She knows the importance of socializing and support and has that from her sister and friends here at the Center. Her smile lights up the room!”
Edwin A. Groziere Boston Post Cane dates to 1909, when then Publisher of the Boston Post, Edwin A. Grozier, distributed a gold-headed cane to be presented to the oldest male citizen in 700 towns in New England. In 1930, women were added to the eligibility to receive the cane. The canes were made of ebony shipped from Africa, turned on lathes, and adorned with a 14-carot gold head with an engraved inscription. The canes were meant to be passed on to the next oldest resident as each passed away or moved from the town.
Like many towns in New England, Amesbury’s Boston Post Cane’s location was unknown for many years. During the preparation for Amesbury’s 350th anniversary in 2018, the cane was rediscovered in the Clerk’s office at City Hall. Replicas have been commissioned and reproduced to once again continue the tradition in Amesbury, while the original cane has now been preserved in a case that is located in the Mayor’s office.
“I served on the 350th Anniversary Committee with volunteers who have continued working diligently over the last 6 years to ensure the revival of this tradition for our community. Coming together today to see all of that work pay off was really special. The room was buzzing with our older residents interested in getting their hands on the cane someday. Emily is an inspiration to all of us to keep our spirits high and to care for one another.” Kassandra Gove, Mayor of Amesbury
The City of Amesbury FY25 Budget Book (Proposed) is now available for viewing. There are two versions:• Print Version- Higher quality for printing.• Web Version- Enhanced for viewing online.https://shorturl.at/fkqBM
Updated information about Amesbury’s Community Choice Power Supply Program (municipal aggregation) has been added to the city website, including the timeline to-date, next steps, and the link to the dedicated website provided by Colonial Power Group, where all information about the program will be provided.
The City of Amesbury proudly announces the release of its highly anticipated 2030 Master Plan, crafted by the dedicated members of the "I AMesbury 2030" task force. This comprehensive strategic roadmap charts the course for sustainable growth, community development, and enhanced quality of life as we look to the future.
"The 2030 Master Plan reflects our shared vision for a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive Amesbury. By working together, we can realize our collective aspirations and ensure a thriving community for generations to come. I look forward to seeing the goals presented becoming a part of our daily operations and consideration when preparing yearly budgets. I sincerely thank the Task Force members for their commitment and dedication, even through a pandemic", said Mayor Kassandra Gove
The "I AMesbury 2030 Master Plan", produced by a task force of community stakeholders and Amesbury residents represents an inclusive, community-driven initiative that harnesses the collective aspirations, concerns, and ingenuity of residents, businesses, and stakeholders. This collaborative effort embodies the essence of Amesbury's spirit, resilience, and commitment to a prosperous future. Along with co-chairs Mary Chatigny and Brittany Steingesser, task force members Peter Frey, Peggy Green, Ann McKay, Jonathan Miller, and Michael Woo spent over 3 years dedicating their time to see this to completion.
“I found this Master Plan process to be one of the most inclusive projects I have ever worked on. From the engagement with our community via surveys, summits, presentations, pop ups, etc., I learned so much about who we are, where we want to go and how to get there. I look forward to the city guiding us as a community to actualizing our hopes through the implementation of this plan. Finally, a big thank you to my fellow task force members for a job well done”, said Mary Chatigny, I AMesbury 2030 Co-Chair.
The unveiling of the new master plan marks a significant milestone for Amesbury, setting forth a visionary blueprint to guide decision-making, policy formulation, and investment strategies across various sectors. Key elements of the plan include Recreation & Open Spaces, Learning & Education, Arts & Culture, Mobility, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Housing, and Municipal Operations. Each element was looked at and evaluated through three different lenses comprised of Equity, Health, and Resilience & Sustainability. The city invites all stakeholders to engage actively in the implementation process and play a vital role in shaping the community.
The I AMesbury2030 Task Force intends to present the master plan to the Planning Board at their next scheduled meeting on April 22nd where it is expected to be adopted into action. I AMesbury 2030 Co-Chair, Brittiany Steingesser said, "The I AMesbury 2030 task force saw the incredible potential in Amesbury's future, and we've created an actionable master plan to achieve it. It has been an honor to draft this master plan and I cannot wait to see where the city is in 2030."
On Thursday, January 25th, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $840,000 in state funding directed to the city of Amesbury as part of the Supportive Coastal Infrastructure and Local Maritime Economic Development Planning grants program that supports economic growth in coastal communities. Five other communities including the Town of Fall River, Town of Falmouth, Town of Milton, Town of Provincetown, Town of Scituate, were also awarded grants as part of the $2 million earmark.
Amesbury Police Chief, Craig Bailey, and Director of Community and Economic Development, Nick Cracknell, co-wrote the application that was submitted to the State as part of a plan to improve recreational access to the Merrimac River and support potential economic development along the waterfront. Mayor Kassandra Gove and Chief Bailey were at the State House on Thursday advocating for the funds, along with State Representative, Dawne Shand.
Along with the application came written letters of support in the form of matching funds from two local marinas that utilize the boat ramp. Both John Jay McPartland, owner of the Marina at Hatter’s Point and Dan Healey, owner of the Marina at Amesbury Point committed funds to be utilized in the design, permitting, and future maintenance of the maritime support facility. Marc Frontiero, owner of Goodwin Creek Marina, also provided a letter of support which was included in the proposal.
The Washington Landing boat ramp serves as Amesbury’s only public access to the river, and with increased recreational use and supporting four surrounding marina businesses, it has deteriorated over the years.
The project submitted for the grant includes the shoreline restoration and revitalization of the Washington Landing Maritime Support Facility along the Merrimack River in Amesbury. The four main capital components of the project include: replacement of the boat ramp; addition of approx. 900 SF of landside boardwalk area to support the harbormaster office and access to the boat ramp; installation of a gangway and 100-foot finger dock for the boat ramp facility and transient vessels; and improvements to the parking area and restoration of the living shoreline adjacent the boat ramp.
“Amesbury currently has four large commercial marinas along the banks of the Merrimack River. Improvements proposed for the Landing will directly support operations of the existing marinas and will offer opportunities for transient boaters to visit Amesbury. Additionally, the abutting marina (located at 2 Merrimac Street) is currently proposing to invest more than $5m in site improvements including a new 85-seat, full-service restaurant facility, and a marina operation building. Thus, these two projects will completely transform and reactivate this historic site and gateway location at the junction of the Powwow and Merrimack Rivers”, said Nick Cracknell, Director of Community and Economic Development.
This funding follows the Merrimack Regional Transit Authority’s (MeVa) recently awarded grant to activate a water-based transit system on the Merrimack River where they have identified Amesbury’s boat ramp as a potential docking location. It also aligns with the city of Amesbury’s commitment to water safety by expanding the Harbormaster Program, including the purchase of a new boat.
Amesbury Police Chief, Craig Bailey said, “I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication the Amesbury Harbormasters before me have committed to which has mostly, if not entirely been, done on a volunteer basis. In my humble opinion this grant is a small token of both the city and the State’s appreciation for their commitment to the City of Amesbury. I can’t wait to see what this huge change on Amesbury’s waterfront is going to do for the rest of the city!”
"This grant is a huge win for Amesbury", said Mayor Kassandra Gove. "The improvements to the Washington Landing boat ramp funded by this earmark, and the proposed development of the adjacent marina, will be transformative for that area and will provide safe access to the Merrimack and foster economic growth. This was a truly collaborative effort between city departments, advocacy from Representative Dawne Shand, and financial commitments from some of the local marinas in support of the project. I’d also like to thank Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for their continued support of our city.”
As a reminder, downtown winter parking stickers are required for parking in municipal lots during a snow emergency. Stickers are free and available to residents of the Downtown Central Business District only.
To check the list of approved addresses, review the required documentation, and to apply for a parking permit, please visit he link below.
For questions, call the City Clerk’s office at 978-388-8100.
The city website has been updated to include the new portal for online water and sewer bill payments. The link can be found in the main menu under "Pay & Apply", then "Pay For".
The contract with the previous vendor, Pennichuck ended in June of 2023. Through the procurement process of finding a new vendor to handle water and sewer billing, the city was able to save $150,000+ over the course of the new, 3-year contract with Diversified Technology.
Information provided by Whittier Tech and the Whittier Tech Building Project about the proposed new building has been added to the city website.
Updates will be made as new information becomes available.
To learn about the proposed costs, Amesbury’s share, information sessions, when the public vote will take place, and to share your opinion in a community poll, visit:
Smart911 is now available to all residents, replacing the previous Swift911 system. Smart911 is a free service that allows individuals to receive notifications sent from local authorities to stay informed on potentially hazardous situations involving weather, parking bans, road closures, DPW operations, and emergencies.
The switch to Smart911 allows residents to receive alerts via phone, text and email, and answer poll questions that will give Amesbury officials critical information during emergency situations. Individuals who are signed up for alerts will receive tailored updates based on their specific needs and geographic location.
For complete information, including how to sign up, download the app, and read frequently asked questions, visit:
Weather services are reporting the possible effects from Hurricane Lee impacting our area, Friday(9/15) afternoon into the weekend. Potential damaging winds, rain, and isolated flooding are possible. Being prepared and educated on what to do prior to, during and after a storm helps eliminate risk and promotes safety.
Prior to a storm
Information and safety tips for preparing for a storm:
Put safety first. Do not attempt to drive through standing water. A car can be swept away in 2 feet of water.
Do not attempt to drive around road barriers.
If there is a risk to life or there’s a medical emergency, call 911.
If there is flooding in your basement, there could be the risk of electrical shock. Do not attempt to walk in water where it may be in contact with electrical equipment. If possible, shut off the circuit breaker or call a licensed electrician to shut the power off.
Flooding on public property can be reported to Public Works by calling 978-388-8116 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm.) During non-business hours, please call the non-emergency number at 978-388-1212.
Public storm drain blockage and non-life-threatening flooding can be reported using SeeClickFix.
After a Storm/Flood
Document damage with photos including the cleanup process.
Remove water and thoroughly clean areas affected. Drying it out quickly will help prevent further damage and make the cleanup process much easier.
If possible, use dehumidifiers and HEPA air purifiers to help filter out mold spores and allergens.
Make a call or file a claim with your business or homeowners’ insurance company. Do not wait.
Check your basement every day for signs of mold. If mold is discovered, it is not advisable to be disturbed or handled. There are contractors that are trained in cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing from this type of damage. If needed, give them a call.
To report wires down, loss of power, or trees on wires.
This Summer has brought unprecedented amounts of rain to Massachusetts. Amesbury and surrounding communities are experiencing impacts to our public infrastructure as a result of flash floods. Public Works has been diligently addressing storm damage as soon as possible as well as implementing mitigation measures in anticipation of more rain. Mayor Gove joined other municipal leaders in a plea for MEMA/FEMA relief funding after the August 8th storm. The meeting with the Lt. Governor outlined county and statewide thresholds for qualified reimbursable expenses related to any one event. Those thresholds are high, the process is lengthy, and the rain keeps coming. Our regional MEMA agent has done a site walk of damage for assessment and documentation with the Mayor, Public Works, Emergency Management, and the District City Councilor for those most impacted. Although relief funding for damage may be unlikely, prevention and mitigation measures are priority and are underway in our community. Our drainage system is simply not built to handle this level of rain.
If you have incurred damages to your home as a result of recent flooding, you should immediately file a claim with your business or homeowners’ insurance. Do not wait.
During a Storm/Flood
Put safety first. Do not attempt to drive through standing water.
If there is a risk to life or there’s a medical emergency, call 911.
If there is flooding in your basement, there could be the risk of electrical shock. Do not attempt to walk in water where it may be in contact with electrical equipment. If possible, shut off the circuit breaker or call a licensed electrician to shut the power off.
After a Storm/Flood
Document the damage with photos including the cleanup process.
Remove water and thoroughly clean areas affected. Drying it out quickly will help prevent further damage and make the cleanup process much easier.
If possible, use dehumidifiers and HEPA air purifiers to help filter out mold spores and allergens.
Make a call or file a claim with your business or homeowners’ insurance company. Do not wait.
Check your basement every day for signs of mold. If mold is discovered, it is not advisable to be disturbed or handled. There are contractors that are trained in cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing from this type of damage. If needed, give them a call.
We are prioritizing the clearing of all catch basins. Once funding was in place July 1st this went out to bid and the contract will be awarded shortly.
Missing or damaged berms that help direct storm water to drains are being assessed and prioritized.
4th Street neighborhood – this area is prone to flooding. Funding is in place to make drainage improvements this fall. A site condition assessment has been completed and before winter stone lined swales will be installed along with cautionary subdrains to collect groundwater.
What You Can Do:
Private catch basins
Our DPW Director, Joe Buckley, is currently prioritizing the cleaning of public catch basins in Amesbury. With the recent heavy rains, localized flooding has become an issue and is being addressed. However, many catch basins are on private property and effect drainage.
Keeping storm drains clear is of paramount importance for the overall well-being of communities and the environment. Storm drains play a critical role in managing excess rainwater and preventing flooding during heavy rainfall or storms. When these drains become clogged with debris, leaves, litter, and other pollutants, they can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to localized flooding that can damage property, disrupt transportation, and pose serious safety risks.
By maintaining clear storm drains, communities can effectively mitigate the risks associated with urban flooding, safeguarding homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
Please do your part by making sure that storm drains on private property are clear of debris and leaves.
Public Catch Basins
Flooding on public property can be reported to Public Works by calling 978-388-8116 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm.) During non-business hours, please call the non-emergency number at 978-388-1212.
Public storm drain blockage and non-life-threatening flooding can be reported using SeeClickFix.
Gutters
Make sure to keep your drains and gutters clean so that water can flow freely. It is a good idea to have them cleaned regularly.
Make sure downspouts for gutters direct water away from your foundation.
Sump pumps
If your basement regularly floods, consider having a sump pump installed. A sump pump is a battery-operated or AC-powered pump that sits in a basin at the lowest point of your basement and pumps water out of the house. It will help you protect your home from future floods.
G. MELLO IS TRANSITIONING TO AN AUTOMATED TRASH PICKUP SYSTEM SIMILAR TO AMESBURY’S CURRENT RECYCLING PICK UP. NEW BROWN TRASH CARTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS.
Trash is collected weekly, with the exception of the Downtown Business District.
Only trash in the new G. Mello brown carts will be collected; loose bags and materials will not be picked up.
If you know the truck backs down your street, please place your cart on the right side of the road as you are currently doing with your recycling cart.
Distribution of new trash carts – Citywide
Distribution of the new trash carts will begin July 24th - first week of August.
G. Mello will be responsible for the distribution of the new carts.
Each cart has a number and is assigned to a specific street address.
Trash carts are the property of G. Mello and should not be removed or transferred to another location.
Each household (defined as apartment, condo, or single-family house) will be assigned (1) brown 64-gallon trash cart.
Each multi-family residence with 6 units and under will receive (6) brown 64-gallon trash carts. Multi-family residences larger than 6 units must make arrangements for trash pick-up.
Residents should begin utilizing the new carts immediately.
Additional carts are available for a fee by contacting G. Mello at 978-352-8581.
Residents should try to utilize the 1 cart for a trial period of 4 weeks before reaching out for additional ones.
Initially, there will be no charges for the pick-up of additional G.Mello trash carts. Starting January 1. 2024, that is subject to change.
Distribution of new trash carts – Downtown Central Business District (only)
Businesses (only) needing a second 64-gallon trash cart can receive one at no additional cost. Fees apply to additional carts requested beyond two. Additional carts are available by contacting G. Mello at 978-352-8581
Residents and Business in the Downtown Central Business District (only) that feel a 64-gallon cart is too large, can request a smaller 35-gallon cart in place of the 64-gallon cart. You can request a 35-gallon cart by calling Amesbury DPW at 978-388-8116. 35-gallon carts will be distributed at a later date. Those in the Downtown Central Business District may continue to use their existing barrel or the new 64-gallon cart in the meantime.
For businesses, initially there will be no charges for the pick-up of additional G.Mello trash carts beyond (2) carts. After January 1, 2024, that is subject to change.
Recycling of old trash barrels
G. Mello will be organizing a program for your old trash barrels no longer needed.
Unwanted existing trash barrels will be collected curbside by separate trucks for recycling during regularly scheduled pick up, the last two weeks of August.
Do’s
Keep containers on a hard, level surface clear of snow and other landscaping debris and no more than 6' from edge of curb.
Please allow containers a 3' perimeter of clearance from obstructions such as parked cars, trees, mailboxes, and utility poles.
There must also be a 15' overhead clearance from any low hanging tree branches or power lines, etc.
Trash will no longer be picked up that is not contained in the carts. If you would like to order additional carts for excess trash, please G. Mello at 978-352-8581.
If you have more than one cart placed at the curb, please set them side by side, with at least 3 feet of distance between carts and with handles facing your home as shown below.
Don’ts
Do not place container on its side. Containers must remain upright for collection.
Do not put out trash that is overflowing from the container. Keep all materials inside the containers.
Do not place containers back-to-back.
Do not place containers next to things like your mailbox or utility poles. Keep containers clear of all obstructions.
In recent years, the mowing of Woodsom Farm has been done by our facilities staff member at Public Works. After his sudden passing this spring, our mowing schedule was delayed and the nesting season for birds, which flourish in this area, is now well underway. As we prepared for the mowing of the field it was imperative that we received expert guidance on what we could and could not mow in an effort to balance the concern for wildlife and recreation in this area.
My office contacted the Deputy Commissioner for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for guidance. The Deputy Commission then put us in touch with the State Ornithologist, Drew Vitz, Ph.D. Under his direction, two staff members from MassWildlife along with two members of Mass Audubon joined me, Public Works Director Joe Buckley, Communications Director William Donohue, and Fire Chief James Nolan for a site visit on the morning of June 16th, at Woodsom Farm. A grid search of the area was conducted looking for presence of any endangered birds. The experts with MassWildlife and Mass Audubon identified the presence of bobolinks in two areas and suspended the grid search by defining boundaries in alignment with those sightings. Two sections of the hill were identified and approved for mowing by both organizations.
Once those sections were identified, public safety officials were able to review a site map in coordination with their operations plan for the upcoming holiday event planned by Amesbury Days. Due to the inability to provide acceptable seating and spectator parking for the amount of people that typically attend this event along with the consideration for the susceptibility of these birds to disruption and harm by holding the event, it was determined that the event could not safely proceed as planned until a larger section can be cleared once nesting has concluded. As a result, the Amesbury Days Committee will be moving the date for the fireworks to Labor Day weekend. Mowing of the approved areas proceeded as recommended in order to discourage further nesting.
I appreciate the cooperation and support from both MassWildlife and Mass Audubon North Shore for their guidance and expertise, and for their future support in Amesbury’s protection of wildlife. I sincerely enjoyed the experience of joining them for a grid search and as a lifelong resident of this community was able to gain a new appreciation for Woodsom Farm. Drew Vitz, impressed with Amesbury partnering with the State on wildlife conservation, discussed working with the city on hosting a few nesting boxes for the American Kestrel. His staff who joined us traveled hours from Western Mass to be here. They had never been to Amesbury and were in awe of the farm and its natural habitats.
Mass Audubon is currently working on a management plan for Woodsom Farm that is being paid for by the city through a grant. This plan will address the proper times to safely mow the area to prevent disrupting endangered species like the Bobolink and other wildlife.
I hope everyone will continue to enjoy Woodsom Farm and its beauty, respect the birds who have nested in that area, and join us for fireworks in the fall!
The City of Amesbury announces the hiring of Nicholas Cracknell as the new Director of the Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED). The Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) works to foster economic vitality, to preserve and enhance neighborhoods, quality of life and the environment, and to promote equity and opportunity for all residents of Amesbury.
Nicholas comes to the position with nearly 30 years of experience in municipal and private sector service.
Nicholas Cracknell began his career in 1995 as the City Planner right here in the City of Amesbury. Continuing on to cities such as Newburyport, and Georgetown, he most recently held the position of Principal Planner for the City of Portsmouth, NH where he worked since 2011.
Cracknell has extensive experience in long range planning, historic preservation, economic development, land preservation, and the development of innovative land use regulations. He has also served on and staffed numerous land use boards, commissions, and committees.
Nicholas replaces Angela Cleveland, the former OCED Director. Nicholas holds a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts. He has also been a member of the American Institute of Planners since 1999.
"After an extensive search with involvement from departments across the city and community partners like the Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to welcome Nicholas Cracknell to our team. Nicholas has a unique combination of appreciation and care for our history along with vision and passion for growth and innovation. This position is critical for our future and I look forward to his leadership and expertise guiding a thoughtful expansion of our tax base. Nicholas is known for being creative and valuing collaborative systems. I invite the community to engage in future stakeholder opportunities to get to know him and his team", said Mayor Gove
Nick said,“I’m excited to be returning to my hometown as the OCED Director to work with the Mayor and her dynamic team. I’m hopeful my experience away from Amesbury will contribute meaningfully to many development projects that seek to broaden the local tax base. My public sector experience in Newburyport and Portsmouth has deepened both my understanding and appreciation of the many planning challenges we now face such as affordable housing and the dire need for value-added economic development. Similarly, my private sector experience has underscored the many regulatory and procedural barriers faced by those seeking to invest in their homes, businesses, and our communities. I will do my best to support the Mayor’s team in charting a new and more deliberate course for planning and economic development and work to continue to make Amesbury a destination community."
His start date will be July 17, 2023, followed by an appointment filling with the City Clerk.
The City of Amesbury announces the hiring of Joseph Buckley as the new Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Buckley comes to the position with over 25 years of public work service here in Massachusetts.
Joseph began his career in 1995 in the City of Worcester, managing the Sewer Operations Division for 12 years as Assistant Director. Since 2019, he has held the position of Director of Public Works in the Town of Rutland Massachusetts until accepting his position with Amesbury.
Joseph Buckley holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Massachusetts at Lowell and a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management from Suffolk University in Boston.
Mr. Buckley’s start date will be May 15, 2023, with City Council appointment expected to be on May 23rd.
Joseph replaces Rob Desmarais, the former DPW Director, after his departure on December 30, 2023. The search for a new director immediately followed. Rob worked for the city for over 24 years, beginning his career in October of 1998.
The DPW supports and enhances the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors by providing services to manage and upgrade the city's infrastructure in the most efficient manner. It provides design, construction and maintenance solutions for buildings, roads, traffic and drainage systems, trees, parks and cemeteries, sanitary sewers, water production and distribution, snow and ice management and solid waste and recycling collection to the public.
“Peter Manor did a great job as our Interim Director allowing us the time to engage in a thoughtful search process to find the right candidate for this position. I look forward to having Joe on our team. He has the experience and skillset we were looking for, values communication and quality, and articulated a thoughtful approach to this important work”, said MAyor Gove
Joe Buckley said, “Whether as an engineer or a manager, throughout my career I have worked as a problem solver. I believe a Public Works Director is simply that, a day-to-day problem solver, keeping the roads functional and the sanitary conditions of the city acceptable. It is easy to get wrapped up in the public works projects people see, like a newly paved road or walkway, or critical operations like snow plowing, but I also have experience in the important tasks people sometimes take for granted, like safe drinking water, responsible operations of sewer systems, drainage infrastructure, and impacts to river systems. Amesbury Public Works supports the folks who live, work, and simply stop by there. I am honored and looking forward to being part of the team whose goal is to meet those needs today and into the future.”
Amesbury’s waterways are in danger of harmful algae blooms, which negatively impact our environment and our quality of life and are expensive to treat. Fertilizers and nutrients, including phosphorus-based lawn fertilizer, encourage the growth of the algae blooms. When it rains, the runoff from lawns surrounding the watershed travels to streams and storm drains and empties into our waterbodies. This can create algae blooms which turn the water green, can cause fish kills, and can potentially shut down the waterbodies for swimming, boating, fishing, and other recreation.
The Lakes & Waterways Commission, along with Mayor Gove and Health Inspector Deb Ketchen, recently sent a letter to local landscaping companies asking for their help to keep our waterways clean. Residents can also help by choosing the right lawn fertilizer!
This memorandum is to serve as a reminder of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) law and ask for your help as we work to take care of our waterways. We are also including a helpful fact sheet regarding nutrient regulations and the 330 CMR 31.00 regulation.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) law:
No application of plant nutrients shall be made within 100 feet of surface waters that are used for public drinking water supply. Lake Attitash, Tuxbury Pond, Meadowbrook Pond and the Powow River (north of the water treatment plant) are sources for Amesbury’s drinking water.
No application of plant nutrients shall be made within 20 feet of other waterways using a broadcast method, or within 10 feet using a drop spreader. This includes Lake Gardner, Clarks Pond, Bailey’s Pond, Park Pond, Pattens Pond, the Powow River, Back River and Merrimack River.
Fertilizer containing phosphorus may only be applied when a soil test indicates that it is needed or when turn/lawn is being established, patched, or renovated.
Here’s what you can do to help:
Stop all fertilizing within 100 feet of Lake Attitash, Meadowbrook Pond, Tuxbury Pond, and the Powow River north of the water treatment plant.
Stop all fertilizing within 20 feet of Lake Gardner, Clarks Pond, Bailey Pond, Park Pond, Pattens Pond, the Powow River, the Back River and the Merrimack River.
Stop using any phosphorus-based fertilizers within Amesbury unless a soil test indicates it is needed and meets the law.
If you are a landscaping company which provides phosphorus-free options, let us know so we can add you to the Amesbury Lakes & Waterways Commission webpage. Those companies will also be shared with the Lake Attitash Association, Clarks Pond Association, Merrimack River Watershed Association and the Lake Gardner Improvement Association.
Together, we can all do our part to help protect Amesbury’s waterways.
Mayor Kassandra Gove was recently named to the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment. On February 14th, the MMA Board of Directors approved the rosters for the five Policy committees for 2023.
The five committees consist of Energy and the Environment, Fiscal Policy, Municipal and Regional Administration, Personnel and Labor Relations, and Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities. Each committee is made up of 23 members consisting of mayors, select board members, councilors, city and town managers and finance committee members and are responsible for making recommendations to the Board on legislative, regulatory, and public policy issues.
Fourteen mayors serve across the five committees. Mayor Gove will be working closely with Mayor Mike Cahill of Beverly and Mayor Jon Mitchell of New Bedford on the MMA Policy Committee on Energy and Environment to formulate policies on water quality, solid waste and recycling, hazardous waste, wetlands, energy conservation, air quality, and more.
In the past, the Energy Committee and Environment Committee has supported bills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reviewed and made recommendations to MassDEP’s 2020-2030 Solid Waste Master Plan, expressed concerns about Open Space bills, and other key environmental issues.
The committee meets regularly, usually once a month, and is assigned a MMA staff member to assist with research and administrative functions.
“As a community rich in natural resources the work of this committee directly impacts our residents. I will proudly represent Amesbury and our region on this committee. It was an honor to have been selected to serve. I look forward to working with my peers from across the Commonwealth and updating everyone on our progress, successes, and challenges", said Mayor Gove.
Massachusetts Municipal Association
The MMA is governed by a 35-member Board of Directors composed of municipal officials from across the state – mayors, select board members, councilors, municipal managers, and finance committee members – who are elected by their peers to represent Massachusetts communities.
The MMA’s mission is to improve the effectiveness of local government in the Commonwealth. It is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of cities and towns.
Amesbury has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the former Trader Alan’s Truck Stop site and is currently accepting proposals for future development.
The former Trader Alan’s Truck Stop, located at 21 Pond View Avenue consists of approximately 6.77 acres of land that is zoned as Office Park. Historically the property was privately owned and operated as a truck stop which included a diner, motel, and fueling station/service garage. The property was abandoned in the 1990s and taken by the City of Amesbury through tax foreclosure in 2001. It is currently listed as surplus municipal property.
Early in Mayor Gove’s administration, March 2020, the parcel was presented to City Council with the intent to surplus and was approved. After the Disposition Committee completed its work in the fall of 2022, the RFP is a significant milestone. The Disposition Committee process included multiple opportunities for members of the community to participate and weigh in on the future of the parcel. Those opportunities included a forum and a survey. Additionally, the Merrimack River District project and community process included the parcel in its review of the neighborhood and future land uses to complement existing development. This property is identified as a Brownfield under state and federal definitions and has been mostly remediated through the removal of underground storage tanks (UST) from the former fueling station. According to the environmental assessments that have been completed, there are no foreseen limitations for the future use of this property.
Mayor Gove said, “Proposing this site for surplus was one of the first things I did after taking office. It’s an important parcel for redevelopment, the integrity of the neighborhood, and for our commercial growth as a community. We need to expand our capacity for commercial growth and have very few options to do so. I’m hopeful we receive responses that work for us and look forward to continuing this process.”
The Disposition Committee and administration worked together to develop this RFP with the intent to find a user in an emerging industry while improving aesthetics of this gateway area and meeting as many of the neighborhood preferences as possible.
“The Disposition process for 21 Pond View Avenue has taken nearly 18 months so far. We appreciate the commitment and efforts of the Disposition Committee to engage stakeholders and come up with creative ideas for reusing this site so that it compliments neighborhood character and enhances Amesbury’s gateway",said Angela Cleveland, Director of Community and Economic Development.
Completed proposals are being accepted at the Office of Community and Economic Development, 39 South Hunt Road, Municipal Development Center, Amesbury MA 01913 no later than12:00pm, Monday, March 27, 2023. Proposals received after this time will be rejected and returned unopened.
A property briefing and tour of 21 Pond View Avenue is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 10:00am. The briefing will be held at Amesbury City Hall Auditorium, 62 Friend Street, Amesbury, MA. The tour will occur at 21 Pond View Avenue after the briefing, weather permitting.
Police Chief Craig Bailey and Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth McAndrews report that the school day was disrupted Monday after an alleged act of "swatting."
The Amesbury Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are actively investigating after a large police response was summoned to Amesbury High School after the regional emergency dispatch center received a threatening call. The call was received at approximately 11:42 a.m. Monday with a male voice saying they had a firearm near the school. The emergency call taker then heard what appeared to be the sound of gunshots before the caller hung up.
The Amesbury Police Department and Amesbury Public Schools immediately implemented their established policies and procedures, which included a lockdown of the high school, a secure mode activation for all other schools in Amesbury, and a large police and emergency response.
Police conducted a search of the high school and surrounding area but soon received intelligence from other law enforcement agencies that other similar reports were made in multiple cities and towns in Massachusetts on Monday. After determining that the schools were not in any danger, police turned the school day back over to school administrators.
Police were on-scene within minutes, with mutual aid coming in from Newburyport, Salisbury, Merrimac, the Massachusetts State Police and regional law enforcement units from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), of which Amesbury is a member.
Chief Bailey praised the immediate police response and called out the real danger posed by these types of incidents.
"Swatting calls like the one we received today use a tremendous amount of police and emergency resources, diverting those resources away from other potential emergencies," Chief Bailey said. "We are pleased that our policies and procedures were followed, and I am very grateful for the response of our officers and the pouring in of mutual aid resources from our neighbors and regional partners."
The school day resumed, but several families dismissed their children for the day.
"I am grateful to our faculty, staff and students for their patience and cooperation today, and I am reassured to see everyone following the appropriate procedures today," Superintendent McAndrews said. "This was an unwelcome disruption, but we are all thankful that there is no active threat or danger to our schools. I would particularly like to thank our families for adhering to protocol and trusting us with the safety of their children, staying away from the schools and allowing law enforcement to do their jobs safely."
"Swatting," according to Oxford Language is “the action or practice of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.” The phrase entered the dictionary in 2015 and has been recognized as a criminal phenomenon by the FBI since at least 2008.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Amesbury Police Department.
Amesbury has a rich history of makers. From carriages to textiles. From auto parts to furniture. Continuing with that history, today’s makers and manufacturers are producing amazing products such as recreational sports equipment, high tech devices, clothing, and much more.
We are excited to showcase these local businesses in our new “Makers Highlight” where will we focus on one business and their success here in Amesbury.
The City of Amesbury is embarking on a new Master Plan: I AMesbury 2030. The I AMesbury 2030 Task Force is currently working on the Infrastructure Chapter and would love your feedback!
This survey will help the task force learn more about what the residents, business owners, and stakeholders of Amesbury see as the priority in how the City spends its budget. Topics include sidewalks, paving, water treatment, municipal buildings and more. Please note that parks and outdoor spaces were covered in our Recreation segment.
This survey will close at noon on Monday, March 13th. Thank you in advance for participating!
Mayor Kassandra Gove is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief James Nolan has been selected to serve as Chief of the Amesbury Fire Department (AFD). Chief Nolan has been holding the position of Interim Chief as the City conducted its search. This decision comes after the June 2022 retirement of former Chief Kenneth Berkenbush.
Deputy Chief Nolan started with Amesbury Fire Rescue in 1995 as a part-time call-in Firefighter. Nolan became a full-time Firefighter/EMT in 1997, then held the role of Acting Lieutenant from 2012-2013. In June 2014 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in July 2015 was promoted again to Acting Deputy Chief. In 2019 Nolan was promoted to his current role of Deputy Fire Chief / Fire Prevention Officer. Chief Nolan holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and is currently enrolled in a Master of Public Administration program. He will be the 6th Fire Chief for the City of Amesbury since the position was created in 1978.
The hiring process included a comprehensive assessment and interviews coordinated by a contracted outside agency, John Parow Consulting & Associates, a professional consulting company who specializes in Fire Chief recruitment and promotional assessment centers for Massachusetts municipal fire departments. The evaluation included an internal survey with AFD staff to gain input from current employees on what they are looking for in a Chief and the current needs of the department. Additionally, the top five qualified candidates participated in a multi-day assessment facilitated by John Parow Consulting. The final two highest scoring candidates participated in a panel interview that included community stakeholders and City management employees that interact with the Fire Chief on a regular basis. The Mayor then made her decision based on all recommendations and input provided. Nolan’s contract as Chief is currently being negotiated and his appointment will be presented to the City Council at an upcoming meeting.
The Mayor and the City of Amesbury would like to thank Retired Fire Chief Bill Shute for taking on the temporary role of Chief Administrative Officer during the time the search for a new permanent Fire Chief took place. His experience and expertise helped make sure the transition from the retirement of former Fire Chief Berkenbush went smoothly. Chief Bill Shute served the Amesbury Fire Department for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2008, including his final five years as chief. Although we know he won’t be going far, he will be returning to retirement effective December 2nd.
Mayor Gove said, “I want to thank John Parow Consulting & Associates, all candidates who applied to join our team, and the community members who assisted with our hiring process. A thorough and professional process ensures that we have the best candidate on board to lead the Amesbury Fire Department. Chief Nolan is known for his work ethic and commitment to our community and the department. He has proven he has the skills to take on his new role and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
“It is a great honor to have been chosen as the Fire Chief of the Amesbury Fire Department. AFD is a very dynamic and growing department. Working with the men and women of the department and the residents and businesses of the City of Amesbury is very rewarding but can also be a challenge to keep everything balanced. As we continue to make strides in the post-COVID world, I look forward to finding solutions to the challenges that are presented to me and the department as a whole.”, said Chief Nolan.
John Parow Consulting & Associates John Parow Consulting & Associates is a Chelmsford Massachusetts-based public safety consulting firm and provider of Fire executive search services. The founder, John Parrow, has over 25 years of experience in Municipal Promotional Assessment Centers and has been involved with conducting executive searches since 2014. He has served 25 years as Fire Chief in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and served as President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. John Parow Consulting & Associates provides a comprehensive means of selecting an individual to perform all the duties required of a Fire Chief.
John Parow Consulting & Associates has handled Fire Chief recruitment for Pepperell, Fitchburg, Beverly, Manchester by the Sea, West Bridgewater, Dracut, and more.
Mayor Kassandra Gove is pleased to announce the recent certification of free cash for the City of Amesbury in the amount of $4,695,302.00.
Free cash is one component of the city’s reserves. Reserves also include stabilization funds, reserve funds, and retained earnings. The balance in free cash increases when actual collected revenues exceed budgeted revenues or when actual expenses are less than appropriated expenses or a combination of the two. Conversely, the balance is reduced from property tax receivables, deficits, and appropriations. It is always a goal to preserve a portion of free cash so that the succeeding year's calculation can begin with a positive balance.
Amesbury’s policy is to limit the use of free cash for nonrecurring or emergency expenditures, for capital and equipment purchases or for appropriation to a stabilization fund. The city strives to follow Massachusetts Division of Local Services (DLS) best practices, which recommends a city’s reserves total 5-10% of the operating budget. Amesbury’s 2023 certification brings it into compliance with those recommendations, increasing the reserves percentage from 3.88% to 7.67%. This is an important achievement for the City as free cash plays a role in achieving and maintaining a strong credit rating which has further financial impacts.
As part of the free cash certification process, the DLS prepares a proof. Proving free cash is accomplished by identifying the financial events that impact free cash and calculating a total. These are obtained or derived from the combined balance sheet, combining statements, and supporting documentation submitted for both the current and the previous free cash certifications. Once the Free Cash proof is completed, it must be within 85% to 115% of the calculated free cash. When preparing the FY22 proof, it was determined that this calculation was outside of the range and resulted in an FY22 certification reduction in the amount of $978,488.00. These funds were then certified as part of the FY23 free cash. Additionally, the City has not used any of last year’s $1,978,854 free cash. Together this surplus with the FY22 carry forward result in a FY23 free cash total of $4,695,302.00.
Amesbury’s CFO, Marisa Batista said, “The increase in free cash reflects the City’s conservative budgeting practices and administration efforts in managing the financial impacts created by the pandemic, such as controlling spending and maximizing available federal and state reimbursements. This level of free cash gives the City greater financial flexibility and makes us compliant with DLS best practices to have reserves within 5-10% of the operating budget.”
“Amesbury has struggled in the past with its free cash balance. For many years, its numbers have been low for a city of this size. The city is now in a position of financial stability that our citizens deserve. Increasing our financial reserves is like an individual adding to their savings account. It’s a safety net, it’s a sign of stability, and the creditors like to see it. Now we need to maintain it.”, said Mayor Kassandra Gove.”
Additionally, Mayor Gove said, “We have operated under a very conservative budget, working hard to control budget increases while making manageable investments in our infrastructure, and see an increase in our reserves. This reconciliation of funds allows us to be better prepared for the unexpected.”
About Division of Local Services
The Division of Local Services is responsible for ensuring fairness and equity in local property taxation, overseeing local accounting and treasury management, interpreting state laws that affect local governance, distributing monthly local aid to cities, towns, and school districts, maintaining a comprehensive municipal finance data warehouse, and providing municipal financial management consulting services and training.
The Commission on the Long-term Fiscal Health of Rural School Districts, known as the Rural Schools Commission, has recently released their report, making 36 recommendations regarding rural school aid, student transportation, declining enrollment, regionalization, shared services, special education, school choice and health care. This report is particularly important to communities like Amesbury that are experiencing declining enrollment, and we are fortunate that Cindy Yetman represented the American Federation of Teachers and Amesbury’s interests as a Commission Member appointed by Governor Baker.
Rural school districts in Massachusetts face unique and long-standing fiscal challenges. The Student Opportunity Act of 2019 acknowledged the need for the state to examine this area in further detail; therefore, the Rural Schools Commission was created. Their mandate was to study the long-term fiscal health of rural school districts that are facing or may face declining student enrollment and make recommendations to consider the following:
improving and expanding the rural school aid grant program and feasibility of including a low and declining student enrollment factor within the existing rural school aid formula; establishing and including a low and declining student enrollment factor within the foundation budget;
expanding the use of technology to deliver instruction;
enabling operating efficiencies;
exploring the use of shared services;
optimizing schools and school districts;
encouraging improvement of fiscal health and educational outcomes; and
other matters related to educational opportunities in rural areas subject to the discretion of the commission
The Commission was chaired by Representative Natalie M. Blais, First Franklin District and Senator Adam Hinds, Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden District. The report has been filed with the House and Senate Clerk’s office and has been posted on the Rural Schools Commission webpage here.
Quote from Cindy Yetman, American Federation of Teachers “I was honored to be recommended for this appointment by AFT Massachusetts President, Beth Kontos. I forged new relationships with commissioners from across the state. As chair of one of the Commission’s sub-committees, I was able to bring my knowledge of health care benefit cost management to the group, and our recommendations are included in the final report. To represent Amesbury Public Schools and offer recommendations to mitigate the impacts of declining student enrollment in communities like Amesbury was a fulfilling experience.”
Quote from Elizabeth McAndrews, Superintendent, Amesbury Public Schools "I sincerely appreciate the time and effort that our AFT President Cindy Yetman put into this important work. Her years of experience as an Amesbury educator and firsthand understanding of the impact of declining enrollments was clearly evident in this report."
The City of Amesbury, along with our regional municipal partners, received one shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine in early January, which was utilized for Phase One emergency responders and healthcare professionals. Since then, Amesbury's Public Health officials applied for and was approved to hold a vaccination clinic at Amesbury High School, but has been continually denied on requests for more vaccine. We have heard from many residents that the mass vaccination sites set up are not ideal, for many reasons including accessibility, transporation, distance, and more. We've heard that the sites closer to Amesbury are almost impossible to get an appointment for. We have been working and preparing to hold a City-run vaccine clinic, but we can't do that without the vaccine.
Mayor Gove sent a letter (below) to Governor Baker and Secretary Sudders with her concerns and frustrations on this matter. Amesbury stands ready and willing to help get our residents vaccinated, and now we just need the support from the State and the vaccine. Governor Baker's administration has instead decided to send all available vaccine to the mass vaccination sites and to for-profit companies, rather than working with municipalities. Senator Diana DiZoglio also sent a letter on behalf of Amesbury.
Mayor Gove was interviewed by Fox 25 about everything we've been doing throughout the pandemic for our community, and how disappointing it is that we are being denied to receive the vaccine.
Mayor Gove is just one voice, representing Amesbury. If you would like to be another voice being heard on this matter, please call, email or tweet to Governor Baker, Secretary Sudders, Commissioner Bharel and others to let them know that you want to see a City-run vaccine clinic. Feel free to pull quotes from Mayor Gove's letter below as talking points.
Letter to the Governor
February 18, 2021
Governor Charlie Baker Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02133
Secretary Marylou SuddersExecutive Office of Health and Human ServicesOne Ashburn Place, 11th FloorBoston, MA 02108
Dear Governor Baker and Secretary Sudders,
I am writing to share concerns and frustrations with the current vaccine rollout in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and specifically as it impacts residents of the City of Amesbury.
Throughout this pandemic you have entrusted local public health officials to be the beacon of information and support for communities, and yet we have been continually denied on our requests for the COVID-19 vaccine.
For the last year, we have worked tirelessly to connect and engage with our community about the Coronavirus; sharing and enforcing the guidance handed down by your offices. Our residents see our public health officials and municipal leadership as a trusted source of information and assistance. As news of the COVID-19 vaccine phased rollout ramped up, so did we. Assuming that your administration would continue to see us as the leaders in our community to administer the vaccine, we recruited volunteers, we applied for and had approved a vaccination site to serve nine area communities, and we told our residents that the vaccine was coming. Yet here we are weeks later without any vaccine. Just today, I’ve learned that the prior approval we received to be a vaccination site may no longer be valid as you close down the municipal vaccination program and launch an effort towards regionalization. While I applaud the decision to pivot towards what I hope will be a more organized effort for the vaccine rollout, I urge you to be clear on the expectations and the timeline for this shift. As I said, Amesbury created a regional partnership with eight other communities, and yet our requests for vaccine were still denied. When I asked if there were other requirements we had not yet met through our regional efforts, and when we could expect to receive more information, I was told that information was not yet available. We are working hard to meet the requirements and benchmarks set by this administration, but we can’t do that if the requirements continue to change and communication isn’t clear.
I know the vaccine is going to mass vaccination sites, which are run by private companies, and is being given to private organizations. A private pharmacist recently came to Amesbury to hold a clinic and told us that he is able to receive 3,000 doses per week - 3,000 per week! - and we are unable to get any at all. For this clinic, held by someone outside of our community on private property, we provided Police and traffic management, paramedics and emergency response, and all communications, because none of that was thought of or provided by the pharmacist but it was desperately needed. He was here strictly to make money. While everyone vaccinated that day has an appointment for their second dose on March 5th, we have no idea if he will have the vaccine available for them. The City should be receiving regular shipments of the vaccine so we can properly plan and prepare for first and second doses.
After a single shipment to vaccinate emergency responders and healthcare providers for phase one, we have been continually denied our requests for vaccine for our community at large. It is astonishing that municipalities, who have worked tirelessly with your administration throughout this pandemic, are being shunned in favor of private companies who are in this to make money. We are in this to keep our residents safe, healthy, and alive.
I have heard directly from our residents that many of them are waiting for a City-run vaccine clinic, because they trust us. They don’t want to travel an hour or more to Danvers, Boston or Foxboro, and in fact they won’t travel there. And in the words of one of our residents who did choose to go to Danvers for their vaccine, “This is a zoo! We’ve been ushered to 3 different waiting areas, and our appointment was 45 minutes ago.” Another resident called my office for her 90-year-old mother, who is homebound and waiting for the vaccine, which she needs to be able to get into a nursing home facility who can help care for her. They won’t let her in without it. We receive dozens of phone calls and emails daily asking why we don’t have a City-run clinic up and running yet, and all we can say is that we’re ready, but we don’t have the vaccine.
For many of our seniors, who haven’t left their homes in almost a year, they deserve to stay in a familiar community and see faces they know. For the last year, we have been delivering their groceries, giving them information and updates, sending them “thinking of you” cards and doing weekly phone call check-ins, providing virtual social programs, and making sure they are supported in every way. Due to the choices made by this administration, we are letting them down now.
I know you believe that the strategy you have chosen – to funnel available vaccine to the mass vaccination sites and private providers – is the best one, but listen to your constituents. Listen to us when we tell you that you have made the wrong decision. We can run clinics efficiently and safely, and in a community that our residents know and with people they trust.
If you’re not going to give vaccine to local governments and boards of health, just say so. Don’t make us apply week after week only to be denied again and again (even after approving our vaccination site). Don’t make us go back to our community time and time again with no answers for them, telling them they have to go to a mass vaccination site or fight to get an appointment at a site closer to home. It’s not fair to us, and it’s not fair to them. You should be doing everything in your power to make sure that vaccine distribution is equitable and accessible for everyone in Massachusetts, and forcing everyone to mass vaccination sites is not the answer. It’s not too late to turn this around and do the right thing.
Amesbury – The Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) has issued Amesbury a preliminary determination of eligibility for the proposed ordinance to establish a second 40R District, the East End Smart Growth Overlay District (EESGOD). After preliminary State approval, at least two-thirds of the City Council must vote to approve the zoning. It must then receive final approval by the State. If adopted by City Council and the Planning Board, Amesbury would be eligible for a corresponding Letter of Conditional Approval.
Undersecretary Jennifer D. Maddox, Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) stated the following in her letter, “In the area of the intersection of Macy Street (Route 110) with both Clarks Road and Elm Street, just to the west of the adjacent section of I-95, the proposed EESGOD contains just over thirty-seven (37) acres in total of which approximately twelve (12) acres would be considered Developable Land for the purposes of the applicable minimal densities that must be allowed as of right pursuant to the statute and regulations. Based on this net acreage of Developable Land and the as-of-right densities associated with the respective sub-districts proposed, the District would allow an estimated 233 Future Zoned Units of which an estimated minimum of 172 would conditionally qualify as Incentive Units.”
This preliminary determination comes after an extensive community engagement process that took place in 2021. After a vote of the Planning Board, the City then applied to DHCD in February 2022 to obtain this determination. The letter stating this preliminary eligibility is posted on the East End Smart Growth Overlay District webpage, as is the full application that was submitted to DHCD.
The next steps in this process include the following: the Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) will finalize the draft ordinance language and create design standards for potential development in the proposed East End Smart Growth Overlay District. Additionally, over the next 2 months, OCED staff will review the final report from the Merrimack River District project and hold a workshop with the Design Review Committee to ensure the design standards are consistent with the existing neighborhood character, while developing a vibrant, human-oriented and welcoming eastern gateway into Amesbury. It’s anticipated that a proposed ordinance will be presented to City Council in October 2022. Final approvals for adoption of the ordinance will be required by both the Planning Board and City Council.
“The City’s application was based on meeting the needs of current and future residents, revitalizing commercial corridors and gateways, providing a range of housing choices, ensuring better building and site design, improving our infrastructure, and protecting our open space. As the Commonwealth increases its efforts to solve the housing crisis, Amesbury is proud to be taking proactive steps towards providing new housing units.”
Quote from Angela Cleveland, Director, Community & Economic Development “The final report from the Merrimack River District Project and feedback from the Design Review Committee will be helpful in drafting an ordinance that guides development which reflects our community’s character while also creating an eastern gateway that is attractive and welcoming.”
About Smart Growth Overlay Districts Chapter 40R legislation was enacted by the Massachusetts legislature in 2004 to allow municipalities to create Smart Growth Overlay Districts. Smart Growth Overlay Districts utilize a compact and efficient design that is economical, accessible, creates a range of housing, preserves open space, and provides a variety of transportation choices. There is a 20% housing affordability requirement and an incentive payment to the municipality when the Overlay District Ordinance receives final approval from DHCD. Currently, there nearly 50 approved Smart Growth Overlay Districts in Massachusetts.
Mayor Kassandra Gove is pleased to announce that Craig J. Bailey has been appointed Amesbury’s 23rd Chief of the Amesbury Police Department. She said, "I am confident that Chief Bailey will continue to form strong community partnerships in our city and that he will continue to lead our accredited Department to the next level, following the highest program standards, both administratively and operationally."
Bailey has been a member of the Amesbury Police Department since 1997 and has been serving as Acting Chief since March 2021. Throughout his tenure with the Department, he has served as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Executive Officer, and Deputy Chief. He also served as President of the Amesbury Police Officers Association from 2002-2010.
An Amesbury resident, Bailey holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. His full-time law enforcement career spans over 30 years, beginning with his enlistment in the United States Coast Guard. Bailey’s responsibilities as Acting Chief prompted him to recently retire from his position as a Lieutenant Commander from the Coast Guard Reserves, so that he could devote more time to the citizens of Amesbury and members of the Amesbury Police Department.
This appointment comes after the recent retirement of former Chief William Scholtz. The hiring process included a comprehensive assessment and interviews coordinated by a contracted outside agency, which was accompanied by community and department surveys. Bailey’s contract as Chief, beginning July 1st is currently being negotiated.
Newly appointed Chief Bailey was born and raised in Amesbury and is now raising his children and stepchildren here. He said, "I am excited, proud and honored to be Amesbury’s 23rd Chief of Police. Without a doubt the police profession has been met with a lot of challenges and has seen considerable change over the past 25 years. Some of these changes have been easy to implement and others more difficult. It is clear policing is not what it used to be, but I am excited for what the future holds. Why? Because regardless of these challenges and changes, I am incredibly confident that your police department is ready to move forward as a community-based organization which will undoubtedly better serve the City of Amesbury."
Mayor Gove said she is looking forward to working with him and his team to meet and exceed expectations of law enforcement today.
After seven years of service Chief Kenneth Berkenbush retired at the end of June. Following his departure Deputy Chief Jim Nolan has been named Interim Fire Chief beginning June 29, 2022, and former Amesbury Fire Chief Bill Shute has been selected to help guide the department as the Chief Administrative Officer.
Deputy Chief Nolan started with Amesbury Fire Rescue in 1995 as a part-time call-in Firefighter. Nolan became a full-time Firefighter/EMT in 1997, then held the role of Acting Lieutenant from 2012-2013. In June 2014 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in July 2015 was promoted again to Acting Deputy Chief. In 2019 Nolan was promoted to his current role of Deputy Fire Chief / Fire Prevention Officer.
Chief Bill Shute served the Amesbury Fire Department for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2008, including his final five years as chief. Shute was hired as a call firefighter in 1972 and promoted to a full-time position three years later. He achieved the rank of lieutenant in 1990 and was promoted to deputy chief five years after that continuing in that role until being named chief. Following his retirement from the helm in Amesbury he served as Interim Chief of the Newburyport Fire Department during their search for a new permanent fire chief in 2013. Almost ten years later, Shute will be capping off his career by returning to his roots and leading the department of his hometown during a time of transition.
Mayor Kassandra Gove said, “I want to thank Interim Chief Nolan and Bill Shute for stepping up at this critical time. Chief Nolan has demonstrated an incredible commitment to our City and Bill has tremendous experience to offer. Together I am confident they will provide solid leadership for our staff, and I look forward to working with them.”
“My goal as Interim Chief is to continue to provide the high level of service excellence that the members of the Amesbury Fire Department provide to the citizens and visitors of Amesbury every day," said Deputy Chief Jim Nolan. Deputy Chief Nolan also said, "these are very difficult times in the post-COVID world that we live in, and together with Bill, the members of the Fire Department and I will continue to face these challenges head on. I will work with the Mayor and the City Council to keep the Fire Department in a forward motion during this transition. I would also like to thank Chief Berkenbush for his service to the Amesbury Fire Department.”
In a written statement, Chief Administrative Officer Bill Shute thanked Mayor Gove for entrusting him to help maintain the professional standards of the Amesbury Fire Department. He is looking forward to working with Mayor Gove and Chief Nolan in keeping the Amesbury Fire Department moving forward during the process of appointing a new Fire Chief.
Mayor Kassandra Gove has launched an initiative to hire the City’s next fire chief. The search will be led by a contracted outside agency responsible for recruiting and evaluating candidates from the New England region. Community and stakeholder input will be included in the process.
The City of Amesbury has received a cable license application from Breezeline (formerly known as Atlantic Broadband). Their proposal includes offering competitive services of symmetrical high-speed internet delivered via advanced "Fiber-to-the-Home" (FTTH) technology, telephony and video services to both the residents and businesses in the City of Amesbury.
Mayor Kassandra Gove, as Issuing Authority for a cable television license under M.G.L. c.166A, will be conducting a Public Hearing on Monday, June 27th at 7pm in the Amesbury City Hall Auditorium, located at 62 Friend St. Members of the public are invited to attend to meet the Breezeline representatives, ask questions and discuss Amesbury’s cable-related needs.
About Breezeline Breezeline is the 8th largest Cable Operator in the United States with corporate offices in Quincy, MA. Breezeline is a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA). The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV and Voice services in 12 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Cogeco Communications Inc. also operates in Québec and Ontario, Canada, under the Cogeco Connexion name. Cogeco Inc.’s subsidiary, Cogeco Media, owns and operates 23 radio stations serving audiences across the province of Québec, as well as a news agency.
Mayor Gove said, “Since I took office, I have made an effort to recruit competitive cable services into Amesbury. Our residents and businesses deserve the best services possible, and I am pleased to provide them with another option.”
The Lakes & Waterways Commission, along with Mayor Gove and Health Inspector Deb Ketchen, recently sent a letter to local landscaping companies asking for their help to keep our waterways clean. Residents can also help by choosing the right lawn fertilizer!
Amesbury’s waterways are in danger of harmful algae blooms, which negatively impact our environment and our quality of life, and are expensive to treat. Fertilizers and nutrients, including phosphorus-based lawn fertilizer, encourage the growth of the algae blooms. When it rains, the runoff from lawns surrounding the watershed travels to streams and storm drains and empties into our waterbodies. This can create algae blooms which turn the water green, can cause fish kills, and can potentially shut down the waterbodies for swimming, boating, fishing, and other recreation.
This memorandum is to serve as a reminder of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) law and ask for your help as we work to take care of our waterways. We are also including a helpful fact sheet regarding nutrient regulations and the 330 CMR 31.00 regulation.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) law:
No application of plant nutrients shall be made within 100 feet of surface waters that are used for public drinking water supply. Lake Attitash, Tuxbury Pond, Meadowbrook Pond and the Powow River (north of the water treatment plant) are sources for Amesbury’s drinking water.
No application of plant nutrients shall be made within 20 feet of other waterways using a broadcast method, or within 10 feet using a drop spreader. This includes Lake Gardner, Clarks Pond, Bailey’s Pond, Park Pond, Pattens Pond, the Powow River, Back River and Merrimack River.
Fertilizer containing phosphorus may only be applied when a soil test indicates that it is needed or when turn/lawn is being established, patched, or renovated.
Here’s what you can do to help:
Stop all fertilizing within 100 feet of Lake Attitash, Meadowbrook Pond, Tuxbury Pond, and the Powow River north of the water treatment plant.
Stop all fertilizing within 20 feet of Lake Gardner, Clarks Pond, Bailey Pond, Park Pond, Pattens Pond, the Powow River, the Back River and the Merrimack River.
Stop using any phosphorus-based fertilizers within Amesbury unless a soil test indicates it is needed and meets the law.
If you are a landscaping company which provides phosphorus-free options, let us know so we can add you to the Amesbury Lakes & Waterways Commission webpage. Those companies will also be shared with the Lake Attitash Association, Clarks Pond Association, Merrimack River Watershed Association and the Lake Gardner Improvement Association.
Mayor Kassandra Gove is proud to announce that the City of Amesbury has been accepted into the 2022 Sustainability & Equity Accelerator through the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program. Amesbury, the only participating community located in New England, will join 14 other communities from around the country for the program.
The LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program is a program of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building rating system. Bank of America partnered with USGBC to launch the Local Government Leadership Program in 2017 and has contributed more than $2 million to support dozens of cities and counties in their pursuit of LEED certification.
LEED for Cities, which is different than the LEED certification for buildings that many are familiar with, provides a framework to address energy, water, waste, pollution, and carbon. The program helps local governments committed to reducing climate change and advancing resilience and social equity by measuring and tracking performance using the LEED for Cities rating system. In addition to environmental factors, the rating system considers social and economic indicators, such as health, equity, education, and prosperity. LEED helps local leaders hone metrics around initiatives; benchmark performance relative to peers; and communicate to and educate stakeholders on progress.
“The City of Amesbury is committed to planning for equity and sustainability long-term in our community, as demonstrated by the creation of the Equity & Inclusion Design Team and our I AMesbury 2030 master planning process," said Mayor Gove. "I’m thrilled that Amesbury will be able to learn from communities across the country in this cohort, and share our own success stories as well. I’m proud of the work our team does every day, and I know that this program will help us learn and grow for the betterment of our entire community.”
As a national cohort, the program provides peer-to-peer networking opportunities, technical assistance, access to educational resources, and waived membership, registration and certification fees to support the participants working toward LEED certification. The national cohort will meet regularly throughout the year via phone calls and web conferencing to share progress and best practices. Each local government will receive a dedicated USGBC liaison who will check-in regularly, help to resolve issues, and provide feedback and support.
The 15 cities in this year’s cohort are:
Amesbury, Mass.
Cape Canaveral, Fla.
Columbia, S.C.
Cutler Bay, Fla.
Davidson, N.C.
Dayton, Ohio
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Henderson, Nev.
Issaquah, Wash.
Ithaca, N.Y.
La Crescent, Minn.
Oakland County, Mich.
Reno, Nev.
State College, Penn.
Tucson, Ariz.
“Local governments have the ability to make a big impact and serve as an example of sustainability achievement," says Peter Templeton, president and CEO at the USGBC. "This year’s cohort of cities and counties are looking to create responsible, sustainable plans for natural systems, energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors. Along with Bank of America, we are looking forward to these 15 localities’ pursuit of LEED for Cities certification.”
Each local government selected to participate in the 2022 Program will receive (pending Amesbury City Council acceptance):
One-year USGBC Silver level membership valued at $1,500;
LEED for Cities program registration and certification review valued at $2,500 and $8,000 respectively;
A dedicated USGBC staff liaison providing project management and coaching support, technical assistance, and QA/QC on certification materials;
Access to a multi-day virtual orientation program for staff, elected/appointed officials and partners;
Monthly networking and convening opportunities with the national cohort;
Quarterly forums digging deeper into sustainability and social equity issues;
Access to a LEED for Cities Equity Fellow for guidance and advice;
The ability to participate in our inaugural Equity Scan, demonstrating the evolution of the work on social equity at the local level;
Public relations and marketing assistance and a case study on your USGBC Project Directory page tied to certification announcement;
How to guides, education resources, and other project management tools;
Access to green building policy and advocacy support, connection to local chapters and our network of thought leaders and practitioners!
The City of Amesbury is interested in achieving LEED v4.1 for Cities because the I AMesbury 2030 Initiative (Master Plan) feedback has shown time and again that creating a more equitable, sustainable community is of utmost importance to our residents and community stakeholders. Equity, sustainability and health are the overarching lenses for the entire Master Plan. All of the actions that come out of the Master Plan process will be run through these three lenses.
Angela Cleveland, Director of Community & Economic Development will play a key role in this initiative. She says, “I have committed my planning career to working with local governments on adopting and implementing sustainable policies, programs and practices. Having the assistance of the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program is a great opportunity to build local capacity and connect us to our peers as we work to achieve our sustainability commitment.”
Mayor Gove recently sent a formal request to Governor Baker to release $600,000 in funding set aside in the FY14 Environmental Bond Bill, and re-authorized in 2018, to support soccer fields in Amesbury. Mayor Gove is committed to improving our athletic fields and started with our diamond fields. Our next focus is rectangular fields, and this funding would allow us to break ground on construction to rebuild the fields.
Despite sending a complete packet of information regarding this request, we have been unable to make headway on having the funding released. We included:
Please call, email or tweet to Governor Baker and Secretary Theoharides on this matter. Let them know how important this funding is for our community. Feel free to pull quotes from Mayor Gove’s letter below as talking points.
Images to Use
February 18, 2022
Governor Charlie Baker Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02133
Dear Governor Baker,
I am writing to formally request the release of $600,000 in funding set aside in the FY2014 Environmental Bond Bill and re-authorized in 2018 for rectangular fields in Amesbury.
This funding has been earmarked and approved by the appropriate committees, and just awaits your signature. Now is the ideal time to release those funds. The Commonwealth is currently experiencing a surplus, and this project is approved and shovel ready. We just need funding to be able to break ground. We have additional local funding committed once the state funding is released.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how important outdoor spaces and recreation are for our communities. These spaces are also crucial for our growth as a community, helping us strengthen our value proposition and attract new residents. As part of our ongoing I AMesbury 2030 master planning process, we have collected data and feedback from our residents which told us that 93% of our residents believe that open spaces and recreation areas are vitally important to our community and play a large role in why they chose to live here and/or what they enjoy about living here.
The Amesbury Soccer Association has been an important partner in our community for more than 20 years. For nearly that entire time they have struggled with having the proper fields, in number and related to maintenance. They are not the only athletic organization to struggle with this issue. In the last two years our community has seen public and private developments which have impacted the availability of athletic fields in Amesbury, and as a result, the ASA’s Grade 3 & 4 Travel Teams played their entire season away from Amesbury.
We have been working diligently to improve our athletic fields and will have new and improved diamond fields completed this spring. Our next focus is on our rectangular fields and will serve many of our athletic leagues including soccer and lacrosse. These leagues continue to grow year over year and need dedicated fields to support their missions.
As a City, we are committed to working with all of our athletic leagues to provide as many opportunities to our community as possible. We are working to balance these opportunities with creating ongoing maintenance and operations plans to ensure that our spaces are being properly utilized and taken care of. To do this, we need to invest in our recreation areas so we can move forward together with a solid foundation.
The $600,000 in funding is crucial to help us complete this much-needed project. Thank you for you consideration in releasing these funds as soon as possible.
The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) generously donated a van to the Amesbury Council on Aging (ACOA), which was officially accepted unanimously by the Amesbury City Council at their March 8th meeting. The van will used primarily for Amesbury residents who are 60 years of age and older, to supplement existing transportation options available to those who need it.
The COAVan will ease the process that older adults without personal transportation go through trying to find rides to important medical appointments and recreational activities. The pandemic highlighted the need for communities to help prevent isolation for older adults and provide opportunities for increased social engagements; this van will help with these issues. The ACOA recognizes that there is an unmet need for convenient, reliable, affordable and scheduled transportation for older adults who have been isolated at home throughout the pandemic.
The van will supplement the other options currently available in our community for older adults, including the MVRTA, Northern Essex Elder Transport (NEET) and private taxi services. The ACOA had a van until 2010, at which time it was retired and not replaced. Other Councils on Aging in the region, including Newburyport, Salisbury, Merrimac, West Newbury, Rowley, and Groveland have their own van to help provide transportation for older adults in their communities.
ACOA Director Doreen Arnfield is enthusiastic about bringing the van come back. “Bringing the COA van back to ease the process of getting people to where they want to be is very exciting for me and our COA team. I have seen many challenges with transportation over the years, and now with this additional option, it will positively impact our community. Many thanks to the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority for their generosity and continued partnership.”
The COAVan has an official launch date of Friday, April 15th. The City of Amesbury is currently seeking to hire a van driver for the project, while the Council on Aging finalizes the reservation system and promotion plan.
Key highlights of the service include:
Most trips will remain in Amesbury. Some elders may be picked up from their neighboring towns if they are participating in COA programs.
Destinations would include the Amesbury Council on Aging/Senior Community Center located at the Nicholas J. Costello Transportation Center, Vermette’s and Stop and Shop, the Amesbury Health Center, the monthly Veterans’ Luncheon at the Hungry Traveler in Salisbury, the Amesbury Public Library, Amesbury beauty salons, barber shops, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, and to the polls on election days.
To start, the van service will be offered Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm. It will serve adults 60 years of age and over, who are capable of scheduling rides and can enter and exit the van safely.
Booking 2 business days in advance is required. Riders will receive 20-minute pickup window.
The service will be curb to curb, though door to door service will be provided for those who need it.
The service will start at no cost, though the Council on Aging reserves the right to charge a small fee in the future.
Mayor Kassandra Gove is also happy to see this service coming to our community, spearheaded by the COA. “Amesbury is fortunate to have a Council on Aging that responds to the needs of our older adults. Especially during the pandemic, we saw how quarantine and isolation affected our community and for those without personal transportation, getting to something simple like a doctor’s appointment proved extremely difficult. I’m happy to see the van come back to our community to provide necessary transportation services to the folks in our community who need it most. Thanks to Doreen and her team for making this program happen.”
The mission of the Amesbury Council on Aging is to advocate for older adults: to identify their needs; to meet their health, economic, social and cultural needs; and to encourage maximum independence to improve their quality of life. The COA serves over 4000 Amesbury seniors and their families as well as those in surrounding communities through regular activities, case management and the Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT).
The City of Amesbury joined communities around the country honoring the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Memorial Day.
MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONCOVID-19 VICTIMS AND SURVIVORSMEMORIAL DAY 2022
WHEREAS, the first Monday in March has been designated as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the world, creating a global pandemic that continues to have catastrophic effects on human life and our communities; and
WHEREAS, in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 public servants, frontline and essential workers, and health care professionals took selfless actions to protect their neighbors and communities and find innovative ways to provide services; and
WHEREAS, we have lost more than 5 million people worldwide, more than 900,000 people in the United States, more than 22,000 people in Massachusetts and 51 Amesbury residents to this virus; and
WHEREAS, each life lost to COVID-19, each inequality and broken system brought to light, and each sacrifice made shall never be forgotten.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KASSANDRA GOVE, Mayor of the City of Amesbury join the United State Conference of Mayors in remembrance of those who have lost their lives, honoring all who have been impacted by COVID-19 and commemorating our healthcare and essential workers.
We had another great year in 2021. We continued to weather the COVID-19 pandemic but also saw an increase in response to our programs and services to pre-pandemic levels. I want to thank everyone on our team for their ongoing dedication to this community!
In addition to everything else, many of our departments also collaborated to stand up a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Amesbury High School where thousands of Amesbury residents received their vaccine.
Looking forward to all that 2022 will bring!Kassandra
244 days that City offices were open in 2021.City offices closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January), Washington’s Birthday (February), Snow Day (February 1), Patriot’s Day (April), Memorial Day (May), Independence Day (July), Labor Day (September), Columbus Day (October), Veterans Day (November), Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving (November), the day before Christmas (December) and New Year’s Eve (December).
$5,219,375.68 in grant funding received across all departments.Grants received for emergency services equipment, IT improvements, Council on Aging programming and more. See a full list of grants applied for and received here.
149 exemptions granted and $190,383 tax dollars abated by the Office of the Assessor.
194 babies born in Amesbury.The City Clerk processed 194 birth certificates in 2021.
99% and 98% collection rates for FY21 real estate and FY21 personal property taxes, respectively, by the Office of the Collector / Treasurer.The Collector / Treasurer works hard to get as close to 100% collection on real estate and personal property taxes.
110 development applications processed by the Office of Community & Economic DevelopmentThis included 64 Conservation Commission permit applications and 46 Planning Board permit applications.
738 COVID-19 vaccine appointments made by the Council on Aging.At the beginning of 2021 the COA was instrumental in helping older adults get vaccination appointments at the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative clinics as well as other surrounding vaccine sites. They surveyed almost 4,000 people and made/received nearly 3,000 phone calls to help our residents get vaccinated.
2,304 kids attended Recreation programs.The Recreation Department is almost back up to pre-pandemic numbers for their programs (2,623 in 2019).
314 permits issued by the Health Department.Including 10 pools, 53 burial permits and 138 food establishments.
105,567 items checked out of the Amesbury Public Library.The Library reopened the building to the public while also continuing to provide curbside services.
1,914 building permits issued by Inspectional Services.This included 205 electrical permits, 36 new construction residential and 13 decks.
3,600 hours of training completed by the Amesbury Police Department.Full-time APD officers completed annual training which included First Responder/CPR, De-Escalation and Use of Force, Implicit Bias, Responding to Pandemics, Mass Gatherings, Longevity in Law Enforcement, Legal Updates, Domestic Terrorism and responding to Emergencies of those with a Mental Illness are to name a few.
1,212 medical calls responded to by Amesbury Fire Rescue.They also responded to 31 fires, 89 car accidents, and over 1,000 inspections.
Hi Amesbury, The winter season is here and so much has changed since we last checked in. As the seasons have changed, the cold weather and snow is upon us, it seems like a great time to reconnect. Like many of our city’s businesses and residents, the I AMesbury 2030 task force is ready to look back on 2021 and review all that we have accomplished.
In December 2020, Mayor Gove initiated the I AMesbury 2030 task force and we had our first meeting to discuss our purpose and goals for the two years ahead. One year into our plans and we have made some impressive strides towards developing our City’s master plan.
We are eager to announce the Recreation goals short document – one of our first, formal documents completed and a huge stride toward our community’s plans for the future. This document provides an overview of the Recreation element, the lenses through which it is viewed, and the goals and vision our City has for the years ahead.
This is the first short document of many to come – we anticipate one per element – so, I want to take a moment and share how it was created. Our task force has worked hard to gather community feedback and combine that with relevant data from our biggest contributors in these elements. It’s truly a collaborative process!
Here's a look into how the Recreation document and its contents came to be:
Public participation and feedback. We asked YOU for input on recreation in Amesbury and focused our efforts on addressing your needs and wants for the future. We connected with the public through listening sessions, polls, surveys, and pop-up events. We also held a Recreation Summit with representatives from more than 20 organizations who use our recreation areas.
Data collection. We collected the data we received from the public and combined it with data we collected in our research of similar and surrounding towns and cities.
Goal Drafting. Our Goals & Vision subcommittee drafted initial goals for recreation in 2030 based on community feedback and collected data.
Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration. We shared the goals and vision for recreation with Amesbury’s recreation stakeholders – the departments and people at the helm of making these changes happen. We asked what they need, and what they require, to accomplish these goals.
Recreation Plan Development. The short document we are sharing today is a direct reflection of the efforts and input of all the voices in Amesbury. It shares where we are today, where we want to be tomorrow (in 2030), and the goals we need to accomplish to get us there.
The best part of this process is that it’s a constant work in progress. We loved creating spaces for residents to share their inputs and new ideas. Understanding what people valued most for themselves and their families allowed us to weave those values into the plans and goals we presented. Seeing the connections between the individuals and the plans has truly made these efforts worthwhile.
As we're now halfway through our master planning process, I’d also like to take a moment to share a personal perspective as well. Volunteering for I AMesbury 2030 this year has been extremely rewarding. I’ve seen the impact each resident can have on shaping the future of our City. I know a statement like that can sound idealistic and stereotypical, but for me it has been true. It’s been wonderful to be a part of a group that has a pulse on our community, to hear ideas like creating an event for kayak rentals at Lake Gardner, and then watch it come to life within weeks. Your feedback is valued, the efforts are intentional, and these goals are within reach.
I recognize that our task to gather community feedback has become more difficult and may continue to grow more difficult in the future. Our community has seen many changes in 2021, and with big changes can come big opinions. Whether related to an election, a new school breaking ground, or an old mascot retiring its name, our City’s residents have had their share of big opinions this past year.
I mention these polarizing topics because, my hope and my ask for 2022 is that Amesbury’s residents stay tuned in and connected. The I AMesbury 2030 efforts to gather community feedback are only successful if residents are willing and open to sharing their thoughts. We are eager to continue to explore new ways to engage with our neighbors and friends in 2022 and do everything we can to provide positive places to collect feedback. We have so much more to cover in the next year, and we need your help.
Beginning Monday, February 14, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority’s (MVRTA) Route 51 Haverhill-Amesbury bus will be making a slight change in Amesbury that will make all the difference for Amesbury residents. Making public transportation more easily accessible and better utilized is a goal for Mayor Gove and the MVRTA. The route change comes after Mayor Gove met with the MVRTA’s new Administrator, Noah Berger, to make suggestions for improvement.
“The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority is an important partner for the City," said Mayor Gove. "We have many residents who rely on public transit for their jobs, to meet their basic needs and access grocery stores, and just to get around. This route change, while minor, will have a major impact for folks who live on the route and for others to access the resources along Main Street like Our Neighbors’ Table and the Post Office. I look forward to continuing to work with Noah on future improvements and initiatives.”
In the existing route, the Route 51 bus leaves the Nicholas J. Costello Transportation Center at 68 Elm Street, drives through the center of Amesbury up Friend Street, takes a left on School Street then a right on Sparhawk Street, and a left on Highland Street to get to Route 110.The new route will have the bus continue straight from School Street to Main Street for easy bus access for Heritage Towers, Our Neighbors’ Table and the Amesbury Post Office, then turn onto Wells Avenue for access to the Amesbury Health Center. The new route passes by key locations in Amesbury to provide better public transportation access to residents who may need it.
MVRTA Administrator Noah Berger said, “we at the MVRTA are super excited about implementing our new downtown routing in Amesbury. Not only is the new bus route via Main Street more direct and efficient, it also better serves key destinations our riders need to get to. This is exactly the type of service improvement we are seeking to implement across our service area. We are grateful to Mayor Gove and her very talented team for first raising the question of changing the routing with us and then collaborating with us to make sure the infrastructure was in place to make it happen.”
Improving public transit can positively impact everyone in the Amesbury community and has been a topic of discussion for the City’s Age-Friendly Task Force since they started meeting in 2021. A good public transit system improves access to community resources, healthcare, employment, and recreational activities for all ages. Having more residents utilizing public transit means reducing congestion on the roads, as the City continues to address traffic concerns.
The MVRTA is also going fare-free on all local fixed routes and EZ Trans paratransit services starting March 1, 2022 for at least a 2-year period. Fares will still be collected on the Boston Commuter bus and Ring & Ride services. With the fare-free service, the City hopes to see more people utilizing the MVRTA.
The Amesbury Council on Aging (ACOA) recently received a donation of a used Ford E350-2015 van from the MVRTA (pending Council acceptance) which the ACOA will run as the COAVan to help older adults with rides. More information will be shared on this initiative shortly, with the van expected to be on the road at the end of February.
The Amesbury Cultural Council recently awarded $12,100 in grant funding to local individuals, artists and organizations through the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s (MCC) annual grant program. Applicants can apply for grant funding to support projects, programs, events, operations, capital projects, fellowships and more, provided that the funding will be used for something related to arts, humanities and sciences, has a public benefit, and is local to Amesbury.
The Cultural Council met in December to review all of the applications and vote on which applicants would receive funding. Applicants who did not receive funding were notified mid-December, and then applicants who will receive funding were notified in January. Grantees have the rest of 2022 to request reimbursement for their project or program.
“We had a wonderful variety of applications this year. It’s always a difficult process to award these grants but we are so excited for the projects we were able to grant.” said Rachel Wood, co-chair of the Amesbury Cultural Council.
The 23 grant recipients for the FY22 grant program are:
AMESBURY
Amesbury Mosaic Rock: Su Bailey | spring 2022 | Upper Millyard
Aperture on Amesbury 2022: Amesbury Carriage Museum, Inc. | Saturday, June 18, 2022 | downtown Amesbury
Chainsaws, Cheeseburgers and Rock N' Roll – Live!: Jesse M. Green | 2022 | Amesbury Middle School
Community Coloring Books: Susan L. Smith | spring 2022 | Nicholas J. Costello Transportation Center
Edwardian Holiday Tea: Rita Parisi | Wednesday, December 14, 2022 | The Towers Community Room
Family Day - Spring 2022: Amesbury Carriage Museum, Inc. | Saturday, May 21, 2022 | Industrial History Center and Upper Millyard
Flair in the Square: Amesbury Chamber of Commerce & Industrial Foundation, Inc. | Thursdays in June, July, & August 2022 | Market Square
Hip Hop Dance Chair Exercise for Seniors!: MUSIC Dance.edu | February 2022 | Nicholas J. Costello Transportation Center
Jumpin' Juba senior concert: Steven M. Hurlbut | summer 2022 | Nicholas J. Costello Transportation Center
Kids Jam with Toe Jam Puppet Band: City of Amesbury | Thursday, June 30, Kid's Day in the Park, Amesbury Days | Amesbury Town Park
Nature in your neighborhood - All about birds: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary | spring 2022 | Woodsom Farm
Nun Of This and Nun of That!: The Delvena Theatre Company | Thursday, April 7, 2022 | Nicholas J. Costello Transportation Center
Painted Murals on Library Walls: Amesbury Public Library | late spring 2022 | Amesbury Public Library
NEWBURY
Newbury Town Day Welcome Center: Robin Lawson | Saturday, June 18, 2022 | Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm
NEWBURYPORT
2022 Spring Panto: OnStage, Inc. | May 28, 29 & June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 | Maudslay State Park
Hillyer Festival Orchestra Brings Opera and Broadway Hits to MAC: Maudslay Arts Center, Inc. | Sunday, July 17, 2022, 2 pm | Maudslay Arts Center, Maudslay State Park
Newburyport Chamber Music Summer Festival 2022: Newburyport Chamber Music Festival, Inc. | August 2, 2022–August 14, 2022 | various locations in Greater Newburyport area
NCS Spring Concert 2022 – Remembrance and Renewal: Newburyport Choral Society, Inc. | Saturday, May 14 & Sunday, May 15, 2022 | Belleville Church
Newburyport Documentary Film Festival: Newburyport Film Festival, Inc. | September 16–25, 2022 | The Firehouse Center for the Arts and the Screening Room
Newburyport Lantern Festival 2022: Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awareness | Sunday, September 4, 2022, 5–9 | Frog Pond at Bartlet Mall
Newburyport Literary Festival: The Newburyport Literary Festival | April 29-May 1, 2022 | Virtual
Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay 2022: Open Air Sculpture | September 10–October 2, 2022 | Maudslay State Park
SALISBURY
Salisbury Day - Music: Town of Salisbury | September 2022 | Salisbury Beach
“Every year the Amesbury Cultural Council, through the Massachusetts Cultural Council grant program, helps increase the arts and culture opportunities in Amesbury and the region,” said Mayor Kassandra Gove. “We know how important the arts are to making a community vibrant and improving our quality of life - I’m looking forward to seeing these programs come to fruition this year!”
The Amesbury Cultural Council is a board of the City of Amesbury, and is looking for more volunteers and voting members. If you’re interested in getting more involved, you can attend one of their meetings (1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm; currently meeting virtually). To join the Cultural Council as a voting member, you must be appointed by the Mayor. Applications for appointment are located on the City’s website, and can be submitted in person or online.