Select Board Discusses Potential Reuse of Shawsheen School, Reviews Forest Stewardship Plan, Approves Updated Section to Board Policies

ANDOVER, MA – The Andover Select Board held its second meeting of January on Monday, January 27 in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Offices. The Board received a presentation on the proposed re-use of the Shawsheen School in anticipation of the Preschool, which is currently housed at the site, moving to the new West Elementary/Shawsheen Preschool following the conclusion of this school year. Director of Recreation Joe Connelly outlined the potential use of the facility for Recreation programming, which he anticipates being a revenue-generating use of the facility. During the presentation, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan outlined the process for determining the long-term use of the Shawsheen School, highlighting the value of the Recreation programs being offered at the site while that  public engagement process takes place. 

The Board also received an update from Conservation Land Manager Mike Murray on the Wood Hill/Bald Hill Forest Stewardship Plan, a proactive program that seeks to enhance forest health on these critical Andover Conservation properties. Finally, the Board reviewed and voted to approve an updated section of the Select Board Policies related to the installation and construction of personal wireless facilities. The revised policy aims to maximize local control over personal wireless service facilities siting while adhering to legal constraints.

Shawsheen School Re-use Options
Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and Director of Recreation Joe Connelly presented an overview of the potential re-use of the Shawsheen School for Recreation programming. The presentation also examined other options for the site, which will no longer serve as a pre-school at the end of this school year.

The Shawsheen School is situated on 4.59 acres in the Shawsheen Heights neighborhood at 18 Magnolia Avenue. The property was deeded to the Town of Andover by the American Woolen Company in the 1920s. The deed stipulated that the site should be used for school purposes. In 2015 and again in 2023, Town Meeting took action to petition the legislature to change the use of the parcel from school purposes to general municipal purposes. The existing preschool at the site is set to move to the recently completed West Elementary/Shawsheen Preschool next fall and will vacate the current facility at the end of this school year. The Town will take occupancy of the facility on July 1.

According to Connelly, the school features a series of large classrooms, a gymnasium, cafeteria, a functioning kitchen, and other assets that would make the school an ideal site for expanded Recreation programming. Potential programming that could be offered at the site includes morning programs for pre-school aged children (e.g., preschool enrichment, drop-in play opportunities, and tumbling classes). After-school programs could include adaptive sports, school enrichment, and cooking programs. Evening programs for adults could include activities such as pickleball. As programming ramps up in FY2026, Connelly anticipates that revenue would cover expenses and generate a small surplus. He anticipates that in a full year of programming, Recreation could generate an estimated net revenue of $276,753.

Flanagan and Connelly emphasized that Recreation programming could operate at the Shawsheen School on a short-term basis, even while a broader community process takes place on the permanent use of the building. This programming could be discontinued if a decision is made to use the school for an alternative purpose. Any long-term option for the site would take several years to finalize, and during such time Andover Recreation could use the school, create new community benefits, and generate revenue. Alternatively, according to Flanagan, the Town could “mothball” the building, closing the building while its long-term use is determined, which would cost about $55,000 annually.

Long-term options for the Shawsheen School noted in the presentation include selling the parcel, re-using it for a municipal purpose with limited investment, or re-using it for a municipal purpose with a major investment.

The Town has hired a firm to conduct a market analysis to determine the value of the school. This analysis is expected to be provided to the Town in February. The Town would undertake extensive public engagement over the coming year to determine the community’s preferences regarding the long-term use of the building. This process would continue following Shawsheen Preschool moving to its new facility and Andover Recreation beginning short-term programming at the facility.

Bald Hill-Wood Hill Reservation
Conservation Land Manager Mike Murray presented an update on the Wood Hill/Bald Hill Forest Stewardship Plan. This plan, initially created ten years ago under the Mass. DCR Forest Stewardship Program, focuses on enhancing forest health through climate adaptation, resilience, and biodiversity. The updated plan aims to increase carbon sequestration and storage, regenerate forest trees, and improve bird and wildlife habitats.

Murray outlined the first phase of the plan, which involves selecting two tree “stands” within the 233-acre Wood Hill/Bald Hill Reservation. Stand 5, a 50-acre area of white pine and mixed hardwoods, will undergo selective thinning to encourage the growth of climate-resilient trees and regenerate understory hardwoods. Stand 2, a 3-acre area of white ash and hardwood, will see a salvage cut to remove ash trees killed by the Emerald Ash Borer and treat invasive species, creating early successional habitat.

The second phase involves developing a Forest Cutting Plan, which includes marking trees for harvest, mapping skid trails, and outlining best management practices. The plan prescribes the species and amount of trees to be harvested, ensuring compliance with the Chapter 132 Forest Cutting Practices Act. The next steps include creating bid documents, advertising the timber sale, and conducting a public walk to discuss forest management.

Murray emphasized the importance of public outreach and collaboration with conservation organizations to support active forest management for health and climate mitigation. The plan aims to ensure the long-term health and resilience of Andover’s forests while balancing ecological and community needs.

Select Board Policy on Personal Wireless Facilities  
The Board reviewed in a second reading a proposed new section of the Select Board Policiespertaining to personal wireless facilities. The policy was initially reviewed by the Board during its January 14 meeting. After receiving an overview of the proposed policy by Attorney Alan D. Mandl, the Board discussed aspects of the policy and voted to approve the policy. 

The existing policy was approved by the Select Board in 2019, and establishes guidelines for the placement and construction of personal wireless facilities consistent with the standards of the Federal Telecommunications Act. The revised policy aims to maximize local control over personal wireless service facilities siting while adhering to legal constraints. It covers wireless facilities located in public ways but does not extend to those on private property, which are subject to zoning laws. The policy includes provisions for peer review, post-construction compliance with FCC radiofrequency emissions regulations, annual certifications, and the removal of facilities no longer in use. 

The Board’s review of this section of the Select Board Policies is part of a comprehensive review of the document. Town Counsel Doug Heim has been tasked with presenting revised policies for the Board’s consideration with the goal of establishing a more accessible and organized structure to the overall document.

Other Notable Actions 

• The Select Board approved a one-day liquor license to Oak & Iron Brewing Co, enabling the company to operate a beer garden at the upcoming Winterfest event at Pomps Pond on Sunday, February 2 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
• The Board voted to continue a public hearing on an application from National Grid for the construction of underground electric conduits across Teaberry Lane and Ballardvale Road, requesting more detailed technical drawings from National Grid.
• Town Manager Andrew Flanagan announced that the Permanent Town Building Advisory Committee will hold a series of public forums regarding the Andover High School Improvement Project. Forums will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 7:00 PM in the Select Board Room, Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 PM in the Select Board Room, and Thursday, February 20 on Zoom.

 The full meeting can be viewed online through AndoverTV. The Select Board is scheduled to meet next on Monday, February 10.