Coaltition for Merrimack College Smart Growth

The Andover community is concerned about Merrimack College’s plan to construct student housing during phase 2 of their master plan on Austin Green, adjacent to Rock Ridge Rd and Elm St.  We believe the college and Board of Trustees have not done an adequate job of due diligence in determining the impact (5 Buildings, 350 beds) to the surrounding community or explored less disruptive sites that are not detrimental to Andover and North Andover residents.

Austin Green is the last area of open green space on campus.  It is a beautiful entrance and exit to the town of Andover. Once the fifty year old trees, hand planted by Fr. Kenney O.S.A., are removed and the Green is built upon they will be unable to go back.   Students will not have the recreation area we see them enjoying and the College will no longer have an overflow parking lot for special events.  Currently, the plans for this project do not address parking or traffic concerns. 350 students will impact an issue already unresolved by their current student population.

The surrounding community has had issues with water in their basements due to previous college projects. We have serious concerns that these issues will manifest itself again and with a greater impact.  Austin Green itself fills with water after storms. There is no guarantee from the College it will not.

Merrimack College is dependent on the Public Safety services Andover and North Andover residents provide. College crime is already in the neighborhood. Since September 2012 Merrimack related crime resulted in two gun charges, five weapons charges, and 30 arrests were made in the neighborhood adjacent to the College.  We have great concern that we will become an island between dorms and the crime and quality of life disruptions will be great. It is especially concerning because many of the homes have families with young children.  We feel it is Merrimack College's civic responsibility to build elsewhere on campus. They have other land options they have not explored.   Our community should be a consideration in their process .  Again, because of its dependence on our community resources and out of neighborly respect.

We recognize the college should be a vibrant part of the community and we want it to be successful, but not at the expense of the surrounding neighborhood and community.  Merrimack College itself states in their "Agenda For Distinction" they aim to place the common good ahead of the individual good and strive for mutual respect and honor among all members of the community. Please sign our petition below to ask the to build elsewhere in respect to the greater community that provides and protects them.
http://www.change.org/petitions/dr-christopher-hopey-leave-austin-field-as-preserved-green-space