The purpose of the articles is to amend our town’s By-Laws to prevent paving immediately adjacent to our drinking water source and connected tributaries. These areas are defined as “Priority 1” areas in the Watershed Protection Overlay District established in the town’s By-Laws.
The petitioners have spent time listening to feedback town committees, fellow residents and have also reviewed the articles with the town Moderator and Counsel. We value consensus and have no intention apart from protecting water safety and our green spaces. Based on the feedback received, the petitioners will amend the articles at the Special Town Meeting to address concerns about any “unintended consequences” for residents or the town. Please see the specific sections below which detail the amendments that they will propose for the existing warrant articles at The Special Town Meeting on March 11. Note that as of 9 AM Tuesday March 5, these articles continue to be revised in consultation with the town Moderator and Counsel to avoid unintended consequences on residents.
After amendment at the town meeting, Article 1 will read as follows:
Amend Section 8.8.6 Prohibited Uses, item 21 to read (bolding only to emphasize changes):
For lots constructed after June 1, 2009, in addition to the above-named prohibited uses the following shall apply: Any new building, structure, land-disturbing activities, excavation, or fill within Priority Zone 1 as defined in this Section 8.8, except for that which is necessary for the operation, modification, repair, replacement, or expansion of the Town’s public drinking water supply system, and non-asphaltic foot, bicycle, or horse paths and bridges and said systems excluding any affiliated parking lots, which will be consistent with the purposes set forth in Section 8.8.1.
After amendment at the town meeting, Article 1 will read as follows:
To amend the following sections of Article VIII of the town of Andover’s Watershed Protection Overlay District Zoning By-Law;
Amend Section 8.8.6, Prohibited Uses to add item #22 (bold only to emphasize changes to original article wording):
Any pedestrian walkway, paved or unpaved, that requires structure, land-disturbing activities, excavation, or non-topsoil fill within 50 feet of all water bodies and watercourses as defined in this Bylaw in Priority Zone 1; except for that which is necessary for the operation, modification, repair, replacement, or expansion of the following: the Town’s public drinking water supply system; the Town’s conservation of natural resources (whether by public or private organizations); the Town’s school grounds and facilities; safety and critical infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, bridges, roadways); golf courses; playgrounds; or projects on private property not prohibited by other sections in this Bylaw.
Following for reference is a link to the official notice from the Town of Andover:
