Amesbury’s Golden Triangle: What This 28-Acre Redevelopment Means for the Community

Amesbury’s Golden Triangle is quickly becoming one of the most significant land-use conversations on the North Shore

Located near Route 110 and the I-495 interchange, this 28-acre area is under review for a major redevelopment proposal that includes roughly 400 new homes, internal green space, and transportation-adjacent density aligned with the MBTA Communities Act.

This post breaks down what the Golden Triangle is, why the project is getting so much attention, and how it fits into the region’s broader housing and zoning landscape.

Where Is the Golden Triangle?

The site sits between Elm Street, Route 110, and the 495 interchange — a triangular area identified for its access to major roadways, existing utilities, and potential to absorb needed housing without pushing development deeper into rural parts of Amesbury.

Because the parcel is large, shovel-ready, and not adjacent to historic districts, it has become one of Amesbury’s primary areas for meeting state zoning requirements.

What’s Being Proposed?

The concept includes:

• Around 400 total homes

• A mix of apartments, townhouses, and single-family units

• Internal walking trails and open space

• A neighborhood layout intended to create a complete community instead of isolated apartment blocks

While the details continue to evolve, the core goal has stayed consistent: create a walkable residential district in an area already suited for higher density.

Why This Matters Locally

This project intersects with several major regional issues:

1. Housing Supply

Essex County’s inventory remains at historic lows. Concentrating new multi-family housing on a major corridor helps relieve pressure on existing neighborhoods.

2. MBTA Communities Compliance

Amesbury, like other MBTA-adjacent towns, must zone for multi-family housing. The Golden Triangle is one of the most suitable areas to meet those requirements without impacting historic streetscapes.

3. Traffic & Infrastructure

Residents have raised concerns about volume on Route 110 and how infrastructure upgrades will be handled. These discussions are ongoing through public hearings.

4. Environmental & Open Space Questions

Because the project includes internal green areas, questions about maintenance, stormwater management, and long-term stewardship remain central to public comment.

Public Feedback So Far

Common concerns include:

• Traffic congestion

• Water capacity and seasonal restrictions

• School enrollment

• Scale relative to surrounding homes

These issues will continue to shape the project as it moves through the Planning Board and potential future phases.

Watch the Full Discussion Across All Platforms

Short-form clips and explanations are available here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ-eLJSjbtn/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EugYpVTc5/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelperson_realtor/video/7571998298240732429

Long-form deep dive:

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/_LOTzjVM6hQ?si=s4WE59BV4XvP-kER

Listen to the full podcast episode:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlisted-local-real-estate-community-politics-and/id1852076582

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cGrbJwH0a6ncPv5ziF67s

See the proposal from the City of Amesbury: https://www.amesburyma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4937/24_1003_GTA_DesignGuidelines---Rocky-Hill

Bottom Line

The Golden Triangle isn’t a done deal — it’s an evolving land-use conversation that affects Amesbury’s housing strategy, local infrastructure, and long-term growth planning. As more hearings take place, this redevelopment will continue to be a major point of discussion for residents across the Merrimack Valley.