A Historic City Stepping into Its Next Chapter

Exploring community-centered development as a path to new economic vitality

 

Amesbury, Massachusetts, is a dynamic New England city that has mastered the art of balancing historic charm with ambitious, well-executed growth.

With its desirable location near the seacoast and strong community identity, Amesbury is attracting new residents, businesses, and investment opportunities.

To sustain this momentum, city leadership is taking a proactive and highly effective approach to expansion. They prioritize hands-on development oversight and targeted infrastructure investments to shape a future that aligns with Amesbury’s unique character.

Leadership is driving major residential and economic development initiatives and carefully integrating them into the city’s historic landscape.

According to Mayor Kassandra Gove, the goal is to create developments that “fit within the fabric of the Community, something that looks like it has always been there.”

With over 1,000 housing units in progress—including the transformative Rocky Hill neighborhood—the city is expanding its housing stock while maintaining architectural integrity through thoughtful zoning updates and design standards.

Meanwhile, the Munters project, a $100 million investment, has reinforced Amesbury’s ability to attract and retain major employers, adding over 400 jobs and demonstrating the city’s capability to support large-scale economic ventures.

These ventures are rooted in Amesbury’s hands-on planning approach, which streamlines development without compromising quality.

With a planning team that collectively has decades of expertise, the city ensures that every project is feasible and enhances Amesbury’s long-term vision.

As Amesbury stands on the edge of a transformative period, the limits of its ongoing evolution have yet to be determined.

With ambitious projects underway, a strong foundation of leadership, and a community invested in its future, Amesbury is redefining what it means to be a thriving small city.

The next chapter is unfolding—one that promises innovation, economic vitality, and a deepened sense of place.

The city’s present operations will determine its future, and currently, Amesbury is securely treading a path to success.

Preserving Legacy While Preparing for Expansion

Nestled in picturesque northern Massachusetts, Amesbury is a quintessential New England city that has skillfully preserved its small-town charm while embracing thoughtful growth and modernization.

With its rich history, vibrant downtown, and scenic natural surroundings, Amesbury offers a unique blend of urban and rural living.

“You could live in one area of Amesbury or another and live two totally different lifestyles,” Mayor Gove states.

Whether residents prefer the walkable downtown lifestyle or a more secluded waterfront experience, the city provides diverse options that cater to a wide range of needs.

The city’s leadership is also keenly aware of the delicate balance required to sustain growth while maintaining the community’s past integrity.

“We have a lot of development coming… so, a priority for us is to maintain what we’ve done, in terms of providing design standards and pattern books for developers, especially for some of our upcoming large housing developments, so that we can honor the historic integrity and character of the community while providing growth opportunities to give people more places living options,” Mayor Gove explains.

These measures ensure that new projects seamlessly integrate into the existing landscape, preserving the city’s aesthetic while accommodating expansion.

Amesbury’s downtown is the heart of the community, featuring historic buildings, small businesses, and charming streetscapes. The city has prioritized infill development to  sustain and enhance this vital area,

“We have a very low vacancy rate and a downtown full of small businesses and local entrepreneurs. So, we’re looking at the properties we own downtown and seeing how we can repurpose those and provide mixed-use opportunities to expand both residential and commercial availability,” Mayor Gove explains.

The city recognizes the importance of having a vibrant and livable downtown that fosters economic activity and community engagement.

By transforming underutilized properties and adding residential units above commercial spaces, Amesbury is killing two birds with one stone: increasing housing availability while supporting local businesses.

The city is also enhancing public spaces through initiatives like brick sidewalk restoration and placemaking projects to support a more pedestrian-friendly design and ensure that Amesbury remains an inviting destination for both residents and visitors.

Critical Infrastructure to Support Economic Growth

Like many communities across the country, Amesbury faces the challenge of providing adequate housing to meet growing demand.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount of work to expand our housing opportunities. We are considered an MBTA-adjacent community, so we’re part of the state’s efforts to increase multifamily buy-right development and by the MBTA requirements… we’ve changed our zoning in three different areas in particular to allow for more housing options, a real variety of development,” Mayor Gove says.

By designating specific parcels of land for higher-density residential projects, the city is focusing on creating more diverse housing options that accommodate various lifestyles and income levels.

Things like large apartment complexes, single-family duplexes, and row houses are all on the docket for development.

Additionally, Amesbury has embraced accessory dwelling units (ADUs), allowing homeowners to convert existing structures like carriage houses and barns into livable spaces.

This approach not only increases housing stock but once again aligns with city leadership’s intention to preserve the city’s architectural heritage.

With rapid development underway, Amesbury is taking proactive steps to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with expansion as well.

The city has secured grants and federal funding to upgrade water and transportation systems in high-growth areas, ensuring that these developments have the necessary support.

Collaboration with regional planning agencies has been instrumental in advancing transportation improvements that enhance walkability and connectivity.

Aligning infrastructure projects with private developments showcases Amesbury’s commitment to sustainable growth that benefits both current and future residents and businesses.

However, these are not the only initiatives that the city has in place to foster a cohesive economic environment.

One of the most significant investments in recent years is the Munters project, a $100 million industrial development that serves as the company’s North American headquarters.

This facility, which spans over 400,000 square feet, has created approximately 60 new jobs and solidified Amesbury’s reputation as a business-friendly community.

“The spot they chose to put the building was probably the most challenging site in the entire community from a topographical standpoint. So, it was a recipe for a lot of problems, but we didn’t encounter them. The developers did a really good job on their side, working with local officials, largely in the building department, but also conservation and planning to manage the construction process,” explains Director of Community and Economic Development Nick Cracknell.

The success of the Munters project is a testament to Amesbury’s proactive approach to economic development. “We hold the developers’ hands and give them a lot of guidance on how to get through the permitting process and take them through it,” Cracknell confirms.

By providing additional tax incentives to bolster its strong relationships with developers, the city was able to retain this major employer despite competing offers from neighboring states.

This collaborative spirit and willingness to adapt have been key to Amesbury’s ability to attract and retain businesses.

A Future Built on Public-Private Partnership and Civil Expansion

Amesbury’s growth strategy is rooted in collaboration, with public-private partnerships playing a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.

The planning department has cultivated a hands-on approach, working closely with property owners and developers to align projects with the city’s vision.

“We are hands-on urban designers… a lot of community planning departments lack practical expertise, so they’re bureaucrats… we get our hands dirt in the project and try to move things along so that they don’t take forever,” Cracknell explains.

Through an open-door policy, Amesbury’s planning team engages with investors at the earliest stages of project development. This proactive engagement streamlines the approval process and ensures that developments enhance the community’s character rather than detract from it.

One notable example of this collaborative approach is the Rocky Hill neighborhood, a 400-unit mixed-use development meticulously planned to integrate seamlessly into Amesbury’s landscape.

According to Cracknell, this project, estimated at $250 million, has huge implications from a permitting standpoint. The goal is not to overburden infrastructure and road capacity to properly support the completion of the development.

Lastly, in addition to housing and economic development, Amesbury is enhancing its recreational and civic amenities to improve residents’ quality of life.

Recent investments in public spaces include upgrades to Lake Gardner Beach, new wayfinding signage for recreational areas, and enhancements to sports facilities.

“Another space we’re working on is our public boat ramp. We received a grant to install a new dock to accommodate our Harbor Master with a Harbor Master shack,” Mayor Gove states.

The most exciting part of the boat ramp initiative is the introduction of a solar-powered ferry service in partnership with the Regional Transit Authority.

This innovative transportation option will connect Amesbury with nearby Newburyport, offering both commuter and leisure routes that enhance regional mobility.

Additionally, Amesbury has also relocated its city hall to a newly renovated building in Market Square, creating a centralized hub for government services and community engagement.

As Amesbury looks ahead, its leadership remains focused on maintaining the city’s unique character while embracing opportunities for expansion. With over 1,000 housing units in the development pipeline, the city is navigating an unprecedented period of growth.

By leveraging public-private partnerships and critical investments in infrastructure, Amesbury is ensuring that this growth is both sustainable and beneficial to the community.

From historic preservation to cutting-edge economic initiatives, Amesbury exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban development.

As the city continues to evolve, it remains committed to fostering a high quality of life, supporting local businesses, and preserving the essence of what makes Amesbury a truly special place.

The next chapter of Amesbury’s story is unfolding, and it promises to be one of innovation, resilience, and continued success.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Amesbury, Massachusetts
What: A historic New England city balancing growth, economic development, and historic preservation
Where: Located in northern Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border and the seacoast
Website: www.amesburyma.gov