Adding a residential component to this project will definitely have an impact on the schools. There’s no way around it. The developer has indicated that his voluntary restrictions on the size of the apartments and the 55+ restriction on 25-33% of the total units should reduce that impact to some extent.
There is no question that children will be living in some of these apartments and will become students in the Andover School system.
The real question is how many of the 225 age and non-age restricted apartments will result in additional school age children attending Andover Public Schools.
The developer has said that the guiding agency estimates zero students per 1 bedroom and studio apartments.
The developer also indicates that his rent will be a higher rent for 1 bedroom and Studio apartments than the other developments around Andover.
Points to Consider:
The other apartment developments in town have exceeded the original estimates (Hamilton Green, Slate) which has resulted in additional students added to schools which are already at capacity. The numbers vary depending upon where you get them but Sanborn School classrooms are over capacity.
A resident pointed out that the apartments in some of the other developetns are 1bd+loft/den, 2 bed, & 3 bed and they are not comparable to what’s proposed for this project. Still, it is believed the estimates from these other developments for additional students were low compared to the numbers added to the school system enrollment.
Here is some information regarding the developments and student counts: http://www.aps1.net/DocumentCenter/View/5253
School Capacities from 2014 redistricting: http://www.aps1.net/DocumentCenter/View/5252
Enrollment data: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/state_report/enrollmentbygrade.aspx?mode=school
Questions:
Why doesn’t the developer make ALL apartments age restricted to all residents must be 18+?
Why doesn’t the developer limit the number of people allowed to be in a 1 bedroom and Studio apartment?