City of Methuen Master Plan

Methuen Master Plan 2007
Among those in the top category are:
PFS-1.1: Develop and implement a 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Update it
annually.
PFS-2.1: Renovate or build a new high school.
LU-3.1: Carry out the recommendations of the Downtown Development Plan to create a
complete riverwalk along the Spicket River and to provide a small boat ramp on it. Carry out
that plan’s further recommendations to redevelop property along the Spicket River to open up
the backs of buildings to the Spicket River and to create indoor views from redeveloped
buildings.
LU-1.2: Redefine zoning and subdivision rules and regulations via a comprehensive revision,
and involve private consultants as necessary. As part of this effort, incorporate Smart Growth
principles where appropriate, including adoption of Low Impact Development (LID) in the
subdivision and site plan regulations, consider the use of 40R and 43D districts in downtown
and elsewhere, open space residential development, inclusionary zoning, and historic
preservation and redevelopment incentives (special permits, density bonuses, “by right” zoning
for transit-oriented development).
H-1.1: Evaluate the feasibility of encouraging (through the negotiation of a development
agreement) the use of any undeveloped parcels in Methuen as part of an affordable housing
strategy.
ED-1.1: The City should consider acquiring or expanding an existing business park, or develop
a new business park.
ED-2.1: Review and assess the City’s development review process, including organizational
structure. Ensure that the process is clearly defined, guarantees flexibility, projects a business
friendly attitude, and encourages high quality developments.
TC-2.2: Develop effective incentives to encourage mixed-use development to have a significant
number of people living in the downtown.
TC-1.1: Continue to work with EOT to develop a plan for Route 110/113 rotary improvements
that can be funded and implemented and will improve local roadway conditions.
HCR-1.7: Rehouse the City Archives and collection in an appropriate, environmental
controlled location.
Time table assignments reflect target start dates (within a 5-year horizon) for strategy implementation
and are intended to correlate with the priority ranking, as follows:
Priority 1 2007-2008
Priority 2 2009-2010
Priority 3 2010-2012
Where multi-year efforts are anticipated, end dates are extended. Several of the recommendations are
noted as on-going efforts. These include policies regularly promoted by the City (e.g. Regulatory Relief
Task Force), and some recent initiatives begun during the Master Plan process (design of the Arlington
Neighborhood Community Center).
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