The Town of Andover is wrapping up its climate resilience grant project with our partner, Fuss & O’Neill Engineering. The project focused on assessing Andover parcels adjacent to the Shawsheen River for the potential to protect homes and businesses from flooding. A combination of computer assisted modeling and in-field site assessments were completed during the project.
Factors that weighed into the prioritization included the extent to which the parcel 1) connected wildlife habitats, 2) contributed to water quality, 3) provided other ecosystem services, and 4) contained natural topology features amenable for nature-based flooding solutions. Social benefits like increased access to green space, improved river access, and other recreational or quality of life also played a part in the parcel ranking. Local residents were involved in the assessment process early on to gain frontline perspectives and determine which social factors are most important to the community. A steering committee made up of Andover Planning Board and Open Space Task Force members further contributed insight and direction. Nearly all of the data and reports from the project are now available via a new web-based portal.
Comments and questions should be directed to Joyce.LosickYang@andoverma.us.
