MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — A biotech company shared more details about its planned campus off Atwater Avenue before the Planning Board on Monday.
The meeting was the first in a series of hearings related to the Cell Signaling Technology’s application, Planning Board Chair Ronald Mastrogiacomo said.
Company officials presented an overview of the project, including details on building materials to be used, landscaping at the site, and traffic into and out of the campus.
Cell Signaling Technology has proposed to build a scientific research and development facility off Atwater Avenue at the site of an old granite quarry. The site is adjacent to Route 128.
Construction of the facility would happen two stages, with one section of the structure to be five stories tall and another section two stories tall, according to the proposal, and a “ring road” would be built that would encircle the facility.
Craig Thompson, chief operating officer with Cell Signaling Technology, told those gathered on Monday that consideration of the building plan began several years ago when company operations began to outpace its facilities in Danvers and Beverly. The Manchester property was purchased in July 2022, he said.
Thompson said assistance from the Planning Board helped move the project ahead.
“What you did was open the door for us,” said Thompson. “We’re very excited about this project.”
Thompson described the company’s environmentally friendly philosophy — which strives to lower its carbon footprint.
Cell System Technology is a member of 1% for the Planet, he said, which is a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental organizations working to support people and the planet. Members commit to donate at least 1% of annual sales to environmental groups.
“We are focused on protecting the environment and inspiring the next generation of scientists,” Thompson said.
Anthony Michetti, the sustainability director for Cell Signaling Technology, said the company’s focus includes lowering its use of fossil fuels and utilizing building materials that are ecologically sensitive. Plans for the Manchester campus include use of an environmentally friendly heating and cooling system.
“Geothermal will be used in the project,” he said.
Lynn Giesecke, a principal with Jamaica Plain-based Studio 2112 Landscape Architecture, presented a basic overview of the landscaping for the project.
“It’s a dream project from a sustainability perspective,” said Giesecke. “It’s a dream project architecturally. It’s a beautiful blank slate for us to do some really wonderful things.”
Planning Board review of the project is expected to last between three and four months, according to Paul Young of Novus Public Affairs, the public relations company hired to represent Cell Signaling Technology.
Mastrogiacomo said Monday’s public hearing is continued to April 8. The ultimate goal, he said, is to acquire site plan approval for the project.
“I’m hoping it will be over by June, but who knows?” he said last week of the hearings. “It’s a big thing for Manchester.”
Founded in 1999, Cell Signaling Technology operates its global headquarters on Trask Lane in Danvers and its operations headquarters at 32 Tozer Road in Beverly. The company employs approximately 700 workers worldwide, Thompson said, adding the majority are located at the Danvers and Beverly sites.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.