North Andover Select Board backs development talks for China Blossom apartment proposal

NORTH ANDOVER — June 15, 2026 — North Andover Select Board opens talks on 124-unit China Blossom redevelopment while approving a $2.6 million snow and ice deficit transfer. Princeton Properties CEO Andrew Chapin presented a Local Initiative Program proposal Monday to replace the Osgood Street restaurant site with two four-story residential buildings totaling 124 units and a 3,500-square-foot scaled-down replacement restaurant, with the China Blossom family potentially operating the new eatery. Assistant Town Manager Andrew Shapiro told the board the town sits at 8.07 percent on the state's Subsidized Housing Inventory — roughly 230 units short of the 10 percent threshold needed for safe harbor from forced 40B overrides. No vote was taken on the China Blossom proposal; the board directed staff to collect public comment and begin drafting a development agreement framework. On fiscal matters, Public Works Director Jim Stanford reported a $2.6 million snow and ice deficit — among the five largest on record — that will leave the town with thinner-than-usual free cash. The board also approved a new tipping-fee contract with Wheelabrator North Andover at $98 per ton, up from $94, with a current fuel surcharge of $5.35 per ton, and signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding with the Joseph and Herman Youth Center Board.