Andover takes Sneak Peek at permanently affordable housing

Affordable housing is critical to the vibrancy of Andover. That’s what town leaders and community members agreed as they got a sneak peek into the first 100% permanently affordable housing community in Andover. Attendees also had the chance to meet the Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) students who are building one of the duplexes and learning trades in the process. Definitely a win-win opportunity for Andover, GLTS and the new homeowner

Town manager Andrew Flanagan noted that affordable housing is critical to who Andover is as a community and looks forward to welcoming these 6 families. According to the federal census bureau, the median property value in Essex County is 5.4 times the median household income while for the United States as a whole that ratio is about 3.6 times, meaning that Essex County housing is much less affordable for prospective residents. These homes along with previously built ACT homes provide permanently affordable home ownership for 13 families in Andover.

Meegan O’Neil, Merrimack Habitat Executive Director, noted that Governor Baker has highlighted affordable housing as the number one barrier to our communities’ future economic growth. Andover Community Trust (ACT), Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity and GLTS are making this affordable vision a reality.

Colin Smith Architecture of Lexington donated the architectural services. The homes have been designed to minimize energy consumption including super-insulated walls, roof lines for efficiency and a solar-ready roof. In addition, large windows reduce artificial lighting demands and use of precut lumber eliminates waste. One of the duplexes was redesigned by architect John Pearson to include one fully accessible home.

John LaVoie, GLTS superintendent, noted that these students are the future tradespeople for our community whether for renovations, plumbing, or HVAC and added that “this opportunity also allows our students to build those skills right on site that would not be possible if it weren’t for a building project such as this. Simulating and doing mockups at school are not the same as coming out on the project and working in the environment.”

ACT collaborates with the Town of Andover to build affordable family homes that blend seamlessly into existing neighborhoods. This Lupine Road site and all ACT homes are restricted permanently as affordable and will never convert to market rate housing.

About Andover Community Trust
Since 1992, Andover Community Trust has advocated for and developed permanently affordable homes in the Andover Community with a focus on families with children. We maintain a strong belief that economic diversity is an important contributor to vital and livable communities. ACT increases the number of affordable units built in Andover, saves existing affordable units through resales, and offers high school students the opportunity for real-life work experiences through its partnership with Greater Lawrence Technical School. To donate, volunteer or learn more please visit andoverclt.org .

About Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity
Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHFH) is a nonprofit builder of affordable homes, founded in 1985 by concerned local citizens who came together as volunteers. MVHFH is local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the largest nonprofit homebuilder in the world with a network of over 2,100 branches. We build simple, affordable, comfortable homes in partnership with the families who need them. We have delivered on our mission for 100 families to date. To help fund our work, we opened our ReStore in Lawrence, MA, where we sell donated appliances, furniture, building materials, and home furnishings at greatly reduced prices. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit merrimackvalleyhabitat.org.