@                                                     The Commonwealth of Massachusetts                                Willam Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth                                                Massachusetts Historical CommissionSeptember 25, 2000Secretary Bob DurandAttn.:MEPA OfficeExecutive Office of Environmental Affairs251 Causeway Street, 9th FloorBoston, MA 02114-2150RE:Powder Mill Square, Andover, MHC #RC.24461, EOEA #12306 Dear Secretary Durand:   Staff of the Massachusetts Historical Commission has reviewed the Environmental Notification Form submitted, received September 6, 2000, concerning the proposed project referenced above.   The proposed project site is included within the Andover Village Industrial District, a district listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and also listed in the Andover National Register Multiple Resource Area.   It is the understanding of the MHC that the proposed project consists of the redevelopment of an existing industrial/residential site adjacent to and west of North Main Street and north of and adjacent to Stevens Street. It is the understanding of the MHC that the proposed project consists of the demolition of all properties located on the project site and the construction of a 65,216 SF office building and a 72 unit residential development complex with access to the site via a driveway along Stevens Street west of North Main Street and egress along North Main Street opposite the Shawsheen Plaza Driveway. The MHC also understands the proposed project includes signalization of the north exit drive and the interconnection and coordination of the Shawsheen Plaza traffic signal with the Stevens/Harding/Railroad Street traffic signals. This project will also consist of the replacement of the existing signals with new signals and widening of Stevens Street to provide a third lane for left-turning traffic.   The MHC has determined that as currently proposed, the project will have an "adverse effect" on the historic districts listed above through destruction of these State Register listed properties (950 CMR 71.05(a)). In accordance with 950 CMR 71.07(3), MHC requests the opportunity to consult with the project proponent to seek ways to avoid, reduce, or mitigate the anticipated adverse effect.   In addition, the project area is archaeologiclly sensitive and is likely to contain archaeological sites associated with the industrial development of Andover. The project area was part of an eighteenth- century industrial complex that included a powder mill and a grist mill. In the nineteenth century textile mills were built in the area. These stood until the mid twentieth century. MHC requests that an intensive (locational) archaeological survey (950 CMR 70) be conducted for the project area. The survey should be included in the scope for the project EIR if an EIR is required for this project. The purpose of the intensive survey, which must be conducted under a permit from the State Archaeologist, is to locate and identify any archaeological resources that may be affected by the proposed redevelopment.   These comments are provided to assist in compliance with M.G.L., Chapter 9, Sec. 26-27C, as amended by Chapter 254 of the Acts of 1988 (950 CMR 71.00) and MEPA. Please contact Eric Johnson (archaeology) or Taya Dixon (above-ground issues) of this office regarding this project.Sincerely,Judith B. McDonough Executive DirectorState Historic Preservation OfficerMassachusetts Historical Cornmissionxc:   Dermot J. Kelly, DJK Associates, Inc.Thomas D. Laudani, Northpoint RealtyDEP, Northeast Regional OfficeAndover Historical CornrnissionPeter Hadley220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston,Massachusetts 02125(617) 727-8470Fax:(617) 727-5128 TTY:(617) 878-3889www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc