Amesbury MA

“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 pedestrianfriendly 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. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04

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