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"This is a lot of units at once," said Town Planner Ethan Parsons.  "The town has never before experienced a project of this scope."

From thelocalne.ws

Original:

194 units in 9 Buildings

  • 492 Bedrooms

  • 345 Parking spots

  • 3 Buildings - 4 stories 57'

(Ipswich Zoning is 3 stories & 37' in Residential)

40B means all Local Zoning & By-Laws don't apply

  • No Site Plan Review

  • Height & Density Rules don't apply

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What about our Water, Schools, Traffic & Safety Issues?

  • 40B Developers don't pay for improvements

  • Taxer Payer picks up increased costs

Revised:

194 units in 9 Buildings

  • 372 Bedrooms

  • 309 Parking spots

  • 3 Buildings - 4 stories 48'7"

(Ipswich Zoning is 3 stories & 37' in Residential)

We don't get to Vote!

  • Mass Housing Approves or Denies

  • ZBA can deny or approve with Modifications

  • Developer can appeal to the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) who usually rules for the Developer

Isn't it good to add Affordable Housing?

  • Absolutely.  We should add it in a manageable way

  • We should be able to choose where and how much and use the rules of Ipswich

Doesn't the Developer have rights?  Yes.

  • He can develop 83 units by right

  • If he includes 10% as Affordable Housing (Density Bonus)

    • 8 units per acre​

    • 7 more than permitted in surrounding area

What can you do?

  • Sign the Petition Today-the petition will be sent to the Board of Selectmen & MassHousing

  • Attend the Board of Selectmen's Meeting on Monday May 1st

  • The BOS must submit a letter to the State by May 8th with concerns

  • Mass Housing will Approve or Deny the Plan

If we do not act, this developer can and will build these structures and we will have to raise taxes. Under 40B law, he has no obligation to finance or reimburse the Town for the inevitable investments we will need to make in fire protection, education, traffic, safety, water, and sewage to accommodate this project.



We are not against Affordable Housing or Development.  We absolutely want to partner with responsible and friendly developers, 40B or not. Developers who want to retain the Character of Ipswich and add housing at a reasonable rate that is sustainable without impacting our resources and environment to maximize their own profit.   The "Residences at Essex Pastures" project jeopardizes everything that Ipswich has already done to further the cause of mixed-income housing and threatens the very character of our great community.

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© 2017 by Keri Cordima MacRae. Proudly created with Wix.com

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The author has tried to take information from reputable sources and has given credit where appropriate.  Any opinions expressed are from the author.

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