The Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or “SLF”) in North Andover. 

 

Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hops vines, and many other types of plants. This pest is known to impact grape/wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and can also interfere with outdoor recreation if infestations reach high levels, due to the swarming behavior of adult SLF in late summer and fall. That said, the insects themselves do not bite or sting – they are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers in areas where people are, and cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew.

 

We ask that you report any sightings of this pest.  You can do this by linking (https://massnrc.org/pests/slf) 

There are also guides for businesses and residents in infested areas, available here:

• Residents: https://massnrc.org/pests/linkeddocuments/SLFHomeownerMgmtGuide.pdf (and in other languages)
• Businesses: https://massnrc.org/pests/linkeddocuments/SLFChecklistForBusinesses.pdf
• Public Service Announcements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=229GTwmo_SY&list=PLmQQV2mhy-YPIfOxaa_5sR_ehsvdoB67n

– Public Forum: Cochichewick River Flood Study and Management Plan

Join the Town of North Andover, engineering consultant Apex Companies, and Groundwork Lawrence for a public forum on Wednesday, May 21st, starting at 6pm, at the North Andover Senior Center (481 Sutton Street) to discuss progress and initial findings for the Cochichewick River Flood Study and Management Plan.  This project involves studying the Cochichewick River, which runs from Lake Cochichewick to the Merrimack River, in order to better understand its vulnerability to flooding in the face of more frequent and intense rain events, such as what occurred in North Andover in August of 2023.  The result of the study, which was funded by the Commonwealth’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program, will include recommendations on how the Town and key stakeholders can address flooding in the area.  For more information, visit: https://www.northandoverma.gov/946/Cochichewick-Brook-Area-Flood-Study-and- 

– Biz-M-Power Grant Program for Small Businesses

MassDevelopment has opened a new round of the Biz-M-Power grant program for small businesses.  This funding opportunity is available for businesses with fewer than 20 employees and no more than $2.5 million in revenues. Biz-M-Power makes available matching grants to growth-oriented qualifying businesses. The program aims to help small and microbusinesses offset the costs of acquisitions, expansions, improvement or lease of a facility, purchase or lease of equipment, and other capital needs. Businesses interested in applying will have to show the required 20% of the owner’s funds available at the application point to be considered.  Applications are due by June 15, 2025.  See the links below for more information:

• Program Guidelines
• Application
• FAQs

– Holiday Reminder: Town Buildings, with the exception of Public Safety, will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025.

– Upcoming Trash Schedule

There will be no trash and recycling collection on Monday, May 26, 2025. Collection will be delayed one day for the week.

Employment Opportunities:

Click here to view the current employment opportunities and to download an employment application.

• DPW Operations Superintendent
• Full-Time Communications Officer
• Library Office Assistant
• Mechanic
• Part-Time Communications Officer
• Seasonal Laborers

Events and Reminders:

– Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, May 26 

Upcoming Meetings:

Upcoming meetings & important events for this week can be viewed at www.northandoverma.gov

Monday, May 19:

Conservation Commission

Tuesday, May 20:

Council on Aging

GLTS District School Committee

Sustainability Committee

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, May 21:

Merrimack Valley MPO

MVMPO Certification Review Public Involvement Session

Machine Shop Village

Public Forum: Cochichewick River Flood Study and Management Plan

Thursday, May 22:

MVMPO Certification Review Public Involvement Session

North Andover Housing Authority

Board of Health