Mayor Thatcher Kezer announced that the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has awarded Amesbury $20,000 for planning assistance for a new Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District in the downtown area.
The Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District will be in the western portion of the central business district encompass School Street and will encompass properties including the Sacred Heart Church campus. The city is seeking to create a 40R district with mixed use development including residential, commercial, retail and office space.
“We continue to focus on smart strategies growth and development in critical areas of the city. This is another example of how we are leveraging outside dollars to accomplish critical activities and reach important goals,” said Mayor Kezer of the funding award.
The funding for the Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District was supported by both Senator Steven Baddour and Representative Michael Costello. The two Legislators have been vocal in their support of Amesbury’s efforts relative to planning and development.
The Mayor’s focus on investments in planning and infrastructure has reaped multiple successes for Amesbury in recent months. Since August, the Mayor has announced approval of funding from various state agencies for projects including $177,000 in engineering funding for completion of the Riverwalk, $120,000 in funding for technical assistance for the Golden Triangle, and this recent award.