For the first time since 2002, Merrimac is in the process of updating its master plan. The possible changes have left residents with mixed feelings about what Merrimac could see in the future.

The master plan is what the town committee plans to do or change in Merrimac in the next 5-10 years. Possible changes to the master plan are composed of whether or not developments should be made such as different residency installations, apartments, townhomes, Topshop living, and senior living facilities should be implemented or land and trail conservation. Lastly, if there should be more opportunities for business in the downtown region 

Residents Thoughts 

In an interview done with a Merrimac resident Roseann McKenna, a resident of Merrimac for the last nine years, when asked the question whether Merrimac uses its vacant land such as the Emery Street Field properly expresses, “Yeah I mean I feel that keeping the land the way it is is better for Merrimac, even though it is small here, it is a scenic town, and that is what is great about it.” 

When asking Tighe Hosman, a resident of Merrimac for the last eighteen years, what he thinks should be changed in Merrimac’s masterplan, he feels that “the lack of youth employment in Merrimac is very unbeneficial because there are not many jobs so if you live in Merrimac and want a job you must go somewhere else to work.” Hosman perfectly encapsulates one of the problems of Merrimac which is the lack of employment opportunities.

The words of the Merrimac’s residents make it apparent that Merrimac’s residents feel that the conservation of Merrimac is crucial, however, more business opportunities could be equally beneficial. 

Merrimac’s Current Employment 

Merrimac currently has 24 different businesses and employment opportunities; however, the requirements to be considered for these jobs are that someone must be over the age of 21 and must have an education beyond high school. This severely limits youth employment and opportunities for those who do not have an education beyond high school. That being said, this causes many residents to have to seek employment in neighboring towns such as Amesbury, Haverhill, or Groveland. 

Introduction of Businesses  

Merrimac’s future possible changes also consist of letting more businesses settle down in Merrimac. The sought-out benefit of this implication of more business would be the increase in the flow of commerce and money through Merrimac. Furthermore, this would provide more funding for future projects and Merrimac’s conservation. 

Closing Remarks 

Overall, these sought-out changes are likely to come to fruition as they are wanted by many Merrimac residents. In the next 5-10 years Merrimac will slowly shift its focus of what is important to residents.