Andover

Town of Andover Offering Resources to Support Business Recovery Efforts

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Town of Andover
Andrew P. Flanagan, Town Manager
36 Bartlet St.
Andover, MA 01810

townsealandoverFor Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

ANDOVER — Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan is pleased to announce that the Town of Andover and dedicated members of the community are offering new forms of support to businesses as they continue their recovery from the Merrimack Valley gas crisis.

Networking Event Coming Later This Month

Andover business owners are invited to a networking event later this month that is designed to position businesses to expedite their recovery through stronger professional networks.

On Sunday, Jan. 27, business leaders are invited to come together at Oak & Iron Brewery, 18 Red Spring Road, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to discuss how they’ve been impacted by the gas crisis that began last September and share ideas for how they can help each other and the greater business community recover.

The event is hosted by the Free Christian Church, and those interested in participating may RSVP by clicking here. Anyone with questions may direct them to Brian Bethke at [email protected].

 

Town And Non-Profit Offering Multiple Types of Assistance to Businesses

The Town of Andover has partnered with non-profit Entrepreneurship For All (EForAll) to offer its business community a variety of practical resources to aid in their recovery efforts.

“From the outset of this crisis, we’ve been committed to supporting our businesses any way we can, by advocating for them and connecting them with crucial resources,” Town Manager Flanagan said. “As a next step in that support process, we’ve retained a variety of professional and volunteer services that can help ease the path to recovery

The following options are being offered at no cost to Andover businesses:

  • Marketing Assistance: Through EForAll, the town has enlisted the services of a professional marketer who is available to work on an individual level with businesses, developing a customized marketing plan and analyzing their websites and online presence to maximize their effectiveness.
  • Bookkeeping Help: Businesses that have active claims and need help compiling the proper paperwork, or those that simply want to streamline their record keeping, will have access to a professional bookkeeper who will work directly on site to provide support.
  • Claims Assistance: Through the town, businesses can connect directly with Columbia Gas claims staff to expedite their claims and resolve any issues they may have encountered through the claims process.
  • General Assistance: EForAll has established a group of volunteers with expertise in a wide range of industries — from human resources to real estate and beyond — who can answer business owners’ questions on any number of topics.

Businesses that are interested in taking advantage of any of these resources are encouraged to email coordinator Nathan McNiff any time at [email protected] or call him at 978-335-6513 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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Town of Andover Seeks Volunteers for Municipal Business Advisory Council

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Town of Andover
Andrew P. Flanagan, Town Manager
36 Bartlet St.
Andover, MA 01810

townsealandoverFor Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Town of Andover Seeks Volunteers for Municipal Business Advisory Council

Group Will Develop Recommendations for how $2 Million Will Be Allocated to Support Business Recovery

ANDOVER — Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan announces that the Town of Andover is seeking volunteers to help guide the town’s work supporting businesses and economic development as it recovers from last fall’s gas crisis.

The Essex County Community Foundation and the Lawrence Partnership will oversee the distribution of up to $2 million to support projects and initiatives in Andover, and the town is seeking stakeholders to serve on the new Municipal Business Advisory Council.

The council will be made up of nine business owners from the affected area and will also include town staff that will lead the effort. The council is expected to be assembled and begin work by early February.

Anyone interested in being considered for the council is asked to submit a letter of interest to Ann Ormond, Director of Business, Arts and Cultural Development, by noon on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

“The Municipal Business Advisory Council will develop a variety of ideas about how we can direct this funding in effective and meaningful ways,” Ormond said.

To submit a letter of interest, click here.

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Andover Fire Rescue Encourages Residents to Avoid Thin Ice

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Andover Fire Rescue
Chief Michael B. Mansfield
32 North Main St.
Andover, MA 01810

For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 14, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Andover Fire Rescue Encourages Residents to Avoid Thin Ice

ANDOVER — Fire Chief Michael Mansfield would like to remind residents that any ice over town waterways is too thin and should be avoided until later in the season.

Though temperatures have been colder lately, Andover Fire Rescue warns it has not been cold enough for long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on the ice.

“We generally consider all ice to be unsafe because there are simply too many variables, including ice thickness and water currents under the ice, so it’s best to simply stay away from icy surfaces,” Chief Mansfield said. 

Chief Mansfield encourages residents to be mindful of these safety tips throughout the winter when considering whether ice is thick enough to support their weight.

Thin Ice

The Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs says ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice two inches thick or less should be avoided completely. Ice with a depth of four inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety:

  • Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
  • Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 instead.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
  • Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
  • Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
  • Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15 percent weaker.
  • Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

  • Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
  • If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

If you have any questions, call Andover Fire Rescue at 978-475-1281. If you feel that someone may be in danger, dial 911.

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UPDATE #90 (5:30 p.m.) Town of Andover Provides Update on Restoration Process Following Gas Emergency

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Dec. 17, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-993-0003

 Town of Andover Provides Update on Restoration Process Following Gas Emergency

ANDOVER — The Town of Andover continuously seeks to provide residents and business owners with key updates regarding the ongoing recovery and restoration efforts following the Merrimack Valley Gas Emergency.

Restoration Update

A total of 32 Andover homes remain without gas service at this time, down from 48 on Wednesday, with approximately 92 total residential customers remaining without gas in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence. Of the Andover homes without service, all are completing the self-mitigation process.

Columbia Gas releases a daily briefing with updates on the progress of the restoration effort. Click here to read the briefing for Dec. 17.

Shop Locally and Win This Weekend

Town Manager Andrew Flanagan is pleased to announce that residents who shop and dine at local businesses will have the opportunity to enter a raffle and win a series of prizes.

From Thursday, Dec. 20 through Saturday, Dec. 22, residents will have an opportunity to win either a $500 gift card, $1,000 gift card or a grand prize of a $2,500 gift card.

  • Spend $50 to earn one raffle entry
  • Spend $51 to $100 to earn two entries
  • Spend $101 to $200 to earn three entries
  • Spend $201 to $300 to earn four entries
  • Spend $301 or more to earn five entries

To enter, residents should submit their receipts and an entry form in the submission boxes inside Old Town Hall between 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and between 10 a.m. and noon on Sunday.

Receipts must be from an Andover business, excluding chain restaurants and grocery stores. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 3 p.m.

Property Replacement and Claims

Hot water heaters, stoves and dryers will be replaced and boilers and furnaces will be safely repaired or replaced with those being repaired eventually being replaced beginning in the spring.

Columbia Gas has received nearly 5,000 claims from Andover residents and business owners and has paid out over $22.4 million to Andover gas customers so far.

If any resident or business owner in the affected area experiences frozen pipes, they are urged to call the Columbia Gas emergency hotline at 800-525-8222.

Free Parking Downtown

The Town of Andover will not collect parking fees at municipal parking lots through Dec. 30. The Town encourages downtown visitors to park in the municipal parking lots. This includes Lot 1 (between Andover Village Square and Caffé Nero), Lot 2 (behind Old Town Hall) and Lot 3 (Park Street Village).

Appliance Disposal

The disposal of condemned or replaced appliances is part of the recovery and restoration process. Your appliances will be removed and picked up by Columbia Gas or its contractors. Residents and business owners should not endure any cost for disposing of appliances.

Information for Landlords and Tenants

Attorney General Maura Healey’s office has released information for landlords and tenants affected by the Merrimack Valley Gas Emergency, which can be viewed in full here.

Alternative Housing 

Andover residents still have the option to seek free alternative housing while their gas service remains offline. Housing options include apartments, hotels and temporary trailers, and are completely paid for by Columbia Gas.

As of Sunday, 11 Andover families remain lodged in alternate housing arrangements, including apartments and hotels. That number is down from 15 on Wednesday. As customers’ service is restored, Columbia Gas is demobilizing trailer parks and other alternate housing arrangements.

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