Methuen Business and Community Guide

Methuen
Mass achus etts
A BUSINESS & COMMUNITY GUIDE
The City of Methuen would like to acknowledge
these businesses for their generous
support of this publication.
City of Methuen
Methuen City Hall, Searles Building
41 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844
www.cityofmethuen.net
Where History Meets Progress
Welcome to the City of Methuen!
Methuen is located in the Merrimack Valley with convenient highway access, 27 miles north of Boston and 26 miles from
Manchester, New Hampshire. It is a City with a “small town feel” and so much to offer! Methuen is rich with historic buildings and
character. We have outstanding school and athletic facilities that are primary attractions for families looking to move into the community.
We have an experienced workforce both locally and within the region. The City has a very active Senior Center that provides a wide
variety of programs. Methuen is also home to exceptional recreational resources such as the Merrimack River, Forest Lake, and the
Methuen Rail Trail.
The reconstruction of the I-93 Rotary represents a major investment in the community that will set the stage for future business
growth. The rotary project will improve traffic flow and capacity, and open potential development opportunities. More than 100 acres of
developable land area exists west of the rotary.
The City of Methuen focuses on fostering job growth and implementing business- friendly policies. We are a designated Economic
Target Area by the state, which enables new and existing businesses to apply for tax incentives when relocating or expanding in our city.
We also have local tax incentives that we are able to offer to potential businesses.
If you would like more information about relocating or expanding your business in Methuen, please contact our Director of
Economic and Community Development, William Buckley, at 978-983-8565 or WJBuckley@ci.methuen.ma.us.
Methuen is Open for Business!
Sincerely,
Mayor Stephen N. Zanni
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Population - 49,112 – (2014)
County - Essex
Median Household Income - $67,768
Median Resident Age - 39.8 years
22.4 square miles
Population density is 2,166 people per square mile
Mean travel time to work (commute) is 26.3 minutes
Ideal Location:
Methuen is located 27 miles north of Boston, 11 miles north of Lowell,
26 miles from Manchester, New Hampshire and 236 miles from New York
City with convenient highway access to Routes 28, I-93 and I-495.
Methuen is served by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit
Authority’s bus service and the nearest rail station, part of the MBTA
Commuter Rail, is nearby in South Lawrence. Amtrak is located a short
distance in Haverhill. The Lawrence Municipal Airport is located in nearby
North Andover.
Housing Data:
• Tax rate for 2015, residential property is $14.60/$1,000
• 754 housing units per square mile
• 10,726 number of single family parcels
• 16,885 housing units
• 72.2% homeownership rate
Transportation:
Methuen has exceptionally good highway and rail facilities linking the
major cities and towns to each other and to the port, airport, and
intermodal facilities of Boston.
“I-93 Restructuring”
Start Date - July 2014 • End Date - Spring 2018
The project will alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety. The key components of the project include:
Building a new I-93 southbound on-ramp and off-ramp to a realigned Route 110/113
Realigning two existing off-ramps
Constructing new signalized intersections east and west of the interchange
Constructing two noise barriers
Adding bicycle lanes and sidewalks for improved and safer access
This publication is
Published & Distributed by:
GDP
GLOBAL DESIGN & PUBLISHING LLC
860-963-0414 • marketing@gdpublishing.com
www.gdpublishing.com
All design and text is provided by Global Design & Publishing, LLC in collaboration with The City of Methuen, Massachusetts.
All text and images have been carefully compiled for this publication. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the content.
Photography by: Jim Tourtellotte (additional photos provided by Global Design & Publishing, LLC). Copyright ©2016,
Global Design & Publishing, LLC. Any reproduction without our written permission is prohibited.
METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS
METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS
3
3
Where HISTORY Meets PROGRESS…
F
irst settled in 1642 and officially incorporated in
1726, the City of Methuen, MA retains a culture
rich in history with a community committed to
progress. This uniquely shaped City lies along the north
banks of the Merrimack River, in the beautiful Merrimack Valley, and is located just 30 miles north-northwest
of Boston and 25 miles south-southeast of Manchester,
NH. Methuen’s Downtown location along the Spicket
River Falls forged its success during the height of the
United States’ industrial growth in the early 1800s. The
Nevins’, Tenneys’ and Searles’ families played a significant role in Methuen’s history and development, as they
were instrumental in founding many of Methuen’s landmarks that still stand strongly today.
Methuen City Hall
4
METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS
City of Methuen Departments
“The City Known as the
Town of Methuen”
Historically, due to its town meetingselectmen form of government, Methuen
was known as the Town of Methuen, until
it adopted a charter replacing its government to that of a city mayor-city form,
indicative of most cities. In a gesture of
traditionalism, the community retained
the name “Town of Methuen” in its
charter, but for legal purposes, became
known as “The City Known as the Town
of Methuen”. Today, it is simply known as
“The City of Methuen”.
Notable Structures:
Nevins Memorial Library - 305 Broadway.
Built in 1883 to honor David C. Nevins, Sr.
as a memorial gift. In adition to functioning as a state of the art resource center, the
library is also the custodian of the Nevins
Memorial Library Historic Collection.
The Searles Building - located at 91 Pleasant
Street, serves as the Town Hall.
Tenney Castle Gatehouse - 37 Pleasant
Street. Originally a two-storied rough stone
farm house built in 1830, it is the only surviving element of the large estate of Charles
H. Tenney.
Methuen Memorial Music Hall - 192
Broadway. Built in 1909 by Edward Francis
Searles to house “The Great Organ”, a very
large pipe organ that had been built for the
Boston Music Hall.
Today, the Searles Tenney Nevins Historic
District, established in 1992, preserves the
distinctive architecture and rich character of one of Massachusetts’ most unique
neighborhoods.
David C. Nevins
Assessing Department
(978) 983-8530
Mayor’s Office
(978) 983-8505
City Council
(978) 983-8510
Office of Economic
& Community
Development
(978) 983-8560
Community Development
Division
(978) 983-8560
Conservation Division
(978) 983-8650
Emergency Management
(978) 983-8698
Office of the City Clerk
(978) 983-8515
Office of the Treasurer/
Collector
(978) 983-8517
Fire Department
(978) 983-8940
Office of Veterans
Services
(978) 983-8585
Health Division
(978) 983-8655
Planning Division
(978) 983-8560
Highway Department
(978) 983-8892
Police Department
(978) 983-8698
Business Line
Transfer Station
(978) 983-8865
Highway Dept.
Housing Authority
(978) 682-8607
Public Works
(978) 983-8545
(978) 983-8892
Transfer Station
Human Resources
(978) 983-8580
Recreation Department
(978) 983-8590
Inspections Division
(978) 983-8625
Senior Center
(978) 983-8825
Charles H. Tenney
Edward F. Searles
Methuen City Fathers
Nevins - David C. Nevins, Sr. was a wealthy New England Industrialist
with great public spirit and generosity.
Tenney - Charles H. Tenney became one of the most successful
commissioned merchant and hat dealers in the world.
Searles - Edward F. Searles was born and raised in Methuen. Son of a
cotton mill worker, Charles married a wealthy widow which allowed him
to pursue his passion for architectural and interior design.
MMEETTHHUUEENN MMAASSSSAACCHHUUSSEETTTTSS
55
“Where HISTORY Meets PROGRESS… At WORK”
M
ethuen is a place that has a long history of economic development through business enterprise. Industrial growth in the 1800s
strongly influenced Methuen’s progress. Methuen cotton mills
at Spicket River Falls lead to the increased manufacturing of hats, shoes and
textiles in small factories. Today, Methuen is home to several family owned
and operated manufacturing companies, producing a range of things from
environmentally friendly packaging products to surgical robotic positioning
systems. Manufacturing in Methuen remains an important and vital part of its
continued development.
In addition to a strong and historic manufacturing base of business, Methuen is host to
numerous retail and service oriented businesses as well, with the Loop, perhaps, being the
most popular choice to visit. The Loop, 90 Pleasant Valley Street, is home to over 30
shops, services and eateries, as well as housing a 20 screen, state of the art, movie theater.
Developed on the site of a former shopping mall, the Loop is a place where there is always
something exciting going on.
Other businesses ranging in Services, banking, medical and retail fill both the City’s
historic and developing spaces.
The Loop- Merchant Directory
Major clothing stores: Marshalls, Old Navy, Gap and Gap Kids, Dress Barn, LOFT,
Olympia Sports, Bath & Body Works, Famous Footwear
Restaurants: Friendly’s, Not Your Average Joe’s, Olive Garden, Orange Leaf, Starbucks,
T.G.I.Friday’s, Wendy’s Other: Super Stop & Shop, Chuck E. Cheese’s
Largest Employers in Methuen
Holy Family Hospital – 70 East Street, holyfamily-hospital.org
Comfort Home Care – 147 Pelham St, chcnursing.com
3M Touch Systems – 501 Griffin Brook Drive, solutions.3m.com
North Reading Transportation – 55 Hampshire Road, nrtbus.com
6
METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS
A Business Success Story!
“We purchased the property at 147
Pelham Street in the spring of 2011.
After 20 years of neglect, the building
was in terrible shape. We completely
restored it into a beautiful, modern
medical office building of 45,000SF.
We couldn’t have done it without the
help of the city of Methuen.
The city shared in the development
of this property by granting us tax
Incentive financing (TIF). We started
our company in Methuen with just
my partner, Brandon Howes and
myself. Comfort Home Care now
employs over 420 employees. We
could not have grown our company
to be the second largest employer in
the city if not for the help from the
Mayor and every one at city hall. The
city is very pro business and wanted
to help create an environment
that allows companies to grow and
prosper. I am always hearing of other
companies complaining that they get
no help from city or town officials. I
tell them to come to Methuen.
I would like to take this opportunity
to thank Mayor Zanni and all the folks
at city hall for helping to contribute
to the success of Comfort Home
Care. I look forward to continuing
the great relationship between the
city and our company. I am sure
Methuen will continue to help businesses grow and prosper. That is
what makes Methuen a great place to
bring your company to.”
— John Cook
Voted #1 Company in Massachusetts
by the Boston Globe in 2014 and
Comfort Home Care employees voted
to make it the #2 Top Workplace in the
whole state of Massachusetts.
The Loop
Business Resources:
Office of Economic & Community Development - Promoting
economic development, fostering and monitoring neighborhood development, and improving the overall quality of life in
Methuen continue to be the primary objectives of the Methuen
department of Economic and Community Development.
www.cityofmethuen.net
Tax Incentives
Focusing on job growth through small businesses, Methuen
offers a tax incentive program to draw businesses into the
City through the State’s Economic Development Incentive
Program (EDIP), which provides tax credits for businesses
that foster job creation and stimulate business growth. In
addition to State incentives, Methuen has approved Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to provide businesses a break on paying
property taxes on any new value from facility improvements.
Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce - the largest business to
business network serving over 1,000 businesses in the Merrimack
Valley including Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, North Andover,
Haverhill, Lowell and Southern NH.
www.merrimackvalleychamber.com
Merrimack Valley Means Business - A regional marketing and
development initiative, developed by the Merrimack Valley
Planning Commission, that highlights priority development
projects and provides quick links to key municipal officials, zoning
information and community organizations. mvmb.biz
The ValleyWorks Career Center (VWCC) - A One-Stop career
center, providing a wide range of services to job seekers and
businesses, youth to adults in the Merrimack Valley.
www.valleyworks.cc
Methuen Board of Trade - Established in 1922, this is an association for the advancement of the business, civic and social welfare
of the city of Methuen.
Massachusetts Office of Business Development - This is the
State’s One-Stop source for businesses seeking to relocate to
Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current
operations here. www.mass.gov
Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Plan (EDIP)
is a tax incentive program designed to foster job creation and
stimulate business growth throughout the Commonwealth. Participating companies may receive state and local tax incentives
in exchange for job creation, manufacturing job retention and
private investment commitments. www.mass.gov
METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS
7
“Where HISTORY Meets PROGRESS… In LIVING”
Methuen is located along the north banks of the Merrimack River in the beautiful
Merrimack Valley. Methuen is a place of many contrasts, reflecting its 19th Century
development as a busy factory town. Three millionaires and their families made their
homes in Methuen providing jobs, creating important city structures, churches, mills
and elegant estates. Home to many historical landmarks including the Methuen Memorial Music Hall and Nevins Memorial Library, this city is rich in history and culture.
Regency at Emerald Pines
by Toll Brothers Active
Living® is an active-adult community of single-family homes with
first-floor master suites and will
include first-class amenities located
just minutes from I-495 and I-93 offering low-maintenance at its finest! At
Regency at Emerald Pines, sweeping
oak trees and peaceful nature provide
a tranquil setting for this community
located in Methuen, MA. Regency
at Emerald Pines offers a variety of
award-winning, ranch-style and 2-story
home designs with the ability to select
hundreds of customizing luxury options to build your dream home. The
planned resort-style amenities include;
a clubhouse with lounge, fitness center,
heated outdoor pool, tennis and bocce courts, putting green, and garden
center. Regency at Emerald Pines is
the place where you can create your
own perfect country club lifestyle.
Methuen offers exceptional recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors.
The Grey Court State Park, built atop the restored ruins of the Charles H. Tenney
estate, features wooded walking trails and scenic landscapes. The Methuen Rail Trail
connects three communities in northeastern Massachusetts as it follows the route of
the former Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. The
trail runs through Methuen and crosses the Nevins Bird Sanctuary then leads to the
historic Methuen Railroad Depot built in 1907.
Toll Brothers Active Living® is the
active-adult development division of
Toll Brothers, Inc., the nation’s leading
builder of luxury homes.
Interested homebuyers can get
more information by calling
978-557-5511 or visiting
RegencyAtEmeraldPines.com.
Advertisement
8
METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS
Located in close proximity to Boston, Lowell and Manchester, New Hampshire, residents
of Methuen enjoy easy access larger cities for exceptional dining and entertainment.
Within Methuen, The Loop offers shopping, dining and a state-of-the-art movie theater.
Plus family fun at JayGee’s IceCream and Fun Center.
The students of Methuen receive an excellent education and have easy access to nearby
colleges and universities. Families and seniors are well cared for through local family and
healthcare services. The City of Methuen is a great place to live and raise a family.
Greycourt State Park
Greycourt State Park
Outdoor Living:
With more than 27 City owned parks and playgrounds outdoor
recreational opportunities abound, so whatever the season, there
is always someplace to go and something to do!
Long standing Festivals:
Family Fall Festival - There are numerous family friendly activities
including a costume contest and pumpkin decorating.
Festival of Trees - A marvel of the Merrimack Valley for over two
decades, a family celebration of the sights
and sounds of the Holidays.
Taste of the Festival - A gala event featuring food items from some of the region’s
best restaurants.
Family Fun:
JayGee’s IceCream and Family Fun Center has been serving
homemade ice cream and providing family entertainment to
families across Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley and Southern
New Hampshire since 1983. Today, the family owned and operated business has 2 locations. The Methuen, MA location offers
Homemade Ice Cream and an amusement center which includes
Go-Karts, Batting Cages, Bumper Cars, an Arcade & Party Place,
as well as a brand new, beautifully designed Safari Miniature Golf
Course. Jay Gee’s Fun Center also provides birthday parties and
group outings for schools and group organizations. In July 2012, Jay Gee’s expanded
over the border and opened their second
location serving Homemade Ice Cream in
Salem, NH, which is open year round.
The Methuen YMCA offers a variety of
programs based on the interests and needs
of the community, particularly those of our
youth. methuen.mvymca.org
Outdoor Parks & Recreation:
Methuen Rail Trail - A 2.4 mile trail through
the heart of the City and suitable for walking, hiking or cycling.
Forest Lake - This 55 acre natural great pond offers an
abundance of activities as well as being the perfect place for
bird watching.
Greycourt State Park - A 24-acre park built atop the restored
ruins of the Charles H. Tenney estate. It offers wooded walking
trails, scenic landscapes and plays host to the City’s annual Fall
Festivals, among other events.
The Loop offers shopping, dining, and a movie theatre featuring
stadium seating, digital surround sound, RealD 3D feature films
and IMAX. www.attheloop.com
Nicholson Stadium
Nicholson Stadium is the newly renovated and expanded home of
the Methuen Rangers, named after Rogers’ Rangers, the precursor
of the US Army Rangers, which was founded by town resident
Robert Rogers. Completed in 2015, the Stadium is an example of
an investment in children for the betterment of the City.
Merrimack River - The River forms approximately seven miles of
the City’s southern border with numerous walking trails, beaches
and boating opportunities.
METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS
JayGee’s
Festival of Trees (Photo courtesy of The Simon Group)
JayGee’s
9
Tenney Grammer School
Education
The Methuen School District is comprised of four K-8 Grammar Schools, a new State of the Art High School, and an Adult
Education Facility with a district-wide enrollment of approximately 7,000 students. The high school offers a broad range of
opportunities with newly renovated and state of the art classrooms
equipped with all the technology necessary for 21st Century
learning. The City of Methuen has a history of strong support for
the educational system that serves the residents of Methuen.
www.methuen.k12.ma.us
Public Schools
Elementary – Pre K- grade 8, High School grades 9-12
Methuen High School-2000 students.
Four Elementary Schools:
• Comprehensive Grammar School
• Tenney Grammar School
• Timony Grammar School
• Marsh Grammar School
Private Schools
Saint Monica’s Catholic School offers a strong, Catholic education from grades K through 8 for students throughout the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire.
www.stmonicamethuen.org
The St. Ann’s Home and School provides a continuum of assessment, treatment, educational, and community-based services for
children, adolescents, and young adults who present with a variety
of mental health, emotional, and educational challenges.
www.st.annshome.org
Presentation of Mary Academy
Located on the historic Searles Estate in Methuen, Massachusetts,
Presentation of Mary Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory
high school for young men and women. PMA provides students
with a quality education that has been integrating Catholic beliefs
and values with academic excellence since 1958.
www.pmamethuen.org
The Greater Lawrence Technical School is a regional technical
high school serving the four communities of Andover, Lawrence,
Methuen and North Andover. It is fully accredited by the New
England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is
located in Andover in close proximity to colleges, business and
industry. It is accessible by major highways and is situated in an
area that has seen major growth of high-tech business and
industry. www.glts.net
Additionally, there are seven colleges/universities all within 22
miles of the City of Methuen.
Quote from Superintendent, Mrs. Judith A. Scannell:
“We are steadfast in promoting a positive attitude and fostering an environment of accountability. We continue to be encouraged
by our strong efforts and track record of student success, yet we will not rest on our laurels. Our District commitment “Success for
all Students” speaks to the tremendous potential in each of our students to achieve academically and socially. The City of Methuen
has a history of strong support for the educational system that serves our children. As Superintendent I am proud of the quality of
our teaching staff, and our Administrators, the increasing involvement of our parents and, the
efforts and progress of our students in Methuen Public Schools.”
10
10
M EE T
TH
HU
U EE N
N M
MA
A SS SS A
AC
CH
HU
U SS EE T
TT
T SS
M
Healthcare
Holy Family Hospital — “One of America’s Top 100 Hospitals
For more than 60 years, Holy Family Hospital has had a long tradition of providing world-class care, with compassion and respect, to
the residents of Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire.
Our award-winning care is based on our commitment to clinical
quality and unsurpassed service excellence. Holy Family Hospitals’ commitment to helping our communities stay healthy and
safe goes far beyond our walls. We know that a healthy community is more than just the absence of illness. As your community
hospital, we respond to major health needs, promote healthy
eating and active living, support safer neighborhoods, and improve
overall wellness through our community health programs and
community outreach. Ranked among the top 2% of more than
4,500 hospitals nationwide by Healthgrades, 2015 for consistent,
year-over-year superior clinical performance, Holy Family Hospital
remains a leader in quality health care.
www.steward.org
Child Health Center in Methuen, is dedicated to providing highquality, world-class pediatric care for children. The team at Child
Health Center has decades of medical experience, and has gained
a reputation for exceptional health care in the Merrimack Valley
area. New patients are always accepted. The Child Health Center
is part of a network of practices affiliated with Boston Children’s
Hospital, the number one ranked pediatric hospital in the US.
www.childhealthcentermethuen.com
Comfort Home Care is a home health agency that specializes in
dealing with two vital areas of need caring for those adults with
acute and chronic mental health issues, as well as offering traditional elder care services. www.chcnursing.com
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) works to
improve and maintain the health of individuals and families in the
Merrimack Valley by providing a network of high quality, comprehensive health care services and by training care professionals to
respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population. With six
locations in Lawrence and Methuen, GLFHC is a leader in family
medicine in the region. www.glfhc.org
Methuen Village at Riverwalk Park offers local seniors service-enriched Assisted Living and a secure residential Compass Memory
Support Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s disease and
related dementias. www.seniorlivingresidences.com
Since 1906, Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre has been
providing comprehensive medical, nursing and rehabilitative care
for individuals whose function has been impaired by injury, illness
or aging. Programs are designed for those patients needing both
short term rehabilitation in order to return home and those needing long term care and services. www.nevinsfamily.org
Holy Family Hospital
NATIC K MASSAC HUSETTS
11
Methuen
Mas sachusetts
Where History Meets Progress.
Methuen is a City with a small town feel. The principles of hard-work, industry and
integrity that built the City centuries ago still propel the City forward today.
It is a place “Where History meets Progress…”
• Located in the Merrimack Valley
• 27 miles north of Boston, 11 miles north
of Lowell, and 26 miles from Manchester,
New Hampshire
• Business friendly policies and local tax
incentives
• Home to successful thriving businesses such
as 3M Touch Systems, Comfort Home Care
and Holy Family Hospital
• Convenient access to air, highway and
commuter rail facilities
• Outstanding schools and athletic fields
• Educated & experienced workforce
• Local services for families & seniors
If you would like more information about relocating or expanding your business in Methuen, please contact our Director of
Economic and Community Development, William Buckley, at 978-983-8565 or WJBuckley@ci.methuen.ma.us.
Methuen City Hall, Searles Building, 41 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844
978.983.8560 • www.cityofmethuen.net