Does Amesbury already have a 40R, and if so, what are the benefits to Amesbury?

Yes. In 2007, Amesbury adopted a zoning amendment for the Amesbury Gateway Smart Growth Overlay District for a group of properties in a 52-acre area located along Interstate 495 (I-495) and Route 110/150. At the time, a 268-unit multi-family development was proposed under MGL 40B (a Comprehensive Permit). That proposal did not seek to address concerns regarding traffic and drainage impacts on the neighborhood. The City proposed and adopted a 40R District in order to secure state incentive payments and support state funding for infrastructure improvements along Route 110.

As a result of the project being approved under a 40R District, the City received nearly $1.2 million in incentive payments from the State. Additionally, state funding is also provided for the local share of any school-costs associated with any school-aged children residing within an 40R project.

View the Amesbury Smart Growth Set 10-15-2020 Page 01 (PDF)

Show All Answers

1. Where is the proposed Smart Growth Overlay District located?
2. Why is a Smart Growth Overlay District being considered for the Elm Street and Upper Clarks Road Area?
3. What are the future development possibilities if the Smart Growth Overlay District is adopted?
4. What is the difference between a 40R and 40B?
5. What makes this location suitable for a 40R designation?
6. Does Amesbury already have a 40R, and if so, what are the benefits to Amesbury?
7. What are the proposed sub-districts and how many housing units are allowed within each sub-district?
8. How much density is required under a 40R District?
9. What is affordable housing and what are the likely rental rates?
10. How many units are in the approved 40B development?
11. Does the approved 40B require adding a separate emergency access?