Board releases Avalon bonds, previews energy bylaw
Planning Board · Meeting of September 8, 2026
North Andover Planning Board releases Avalon bonds, previews clean energy bylaw overhaul. Director of Planning Jean Enright reported that Avalon Communities had satisfied all conditions on the completed Sutton Pond development, and the board unanimously released the project's bonds, including a $340,000 surety bond for the subdivision roadway. Two hearings, for 291 Mass Avenue (applicant Donna Backman) and 0 Berry Street (Town of North Andover), were continued to September 22.
Staff planner Samantha Carr walked the board through a proposed new Article 21 zoning article bundling solar, wind and a new battery storage bylaw, required by state regulations, 225 CMR 29, that take effect October 1. Carr said the town could adopt an optional environmental mitigation fee, calculated as "$50,000" per acre multiplied by a project's impact score, for high-impact projects scoring 15 or above of 25 possible points. No vote was taken on the bylaws; Carr said she'll return October 6 with data on how other towns are progressing.
The board also approved prior minutes, with one member abstaining, and adjourned.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,675 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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