While Valley’s Amazon Bid Appears to Fall Short, Mayor is Optimistic

Aerial photograph of Osgood Landing, the former Merrimack Valley Works of Western Electric.

The Merrimack Valley’s proposal was centered around the former Western Electric plant in North Andover, now known as Osgood Landing. (Courtesy photograph.)

Amazon’s short list of 20 communities it is considering for a second headquarters doesn’t include the Merrimack Valley specifically. However, officials here are optimistic the local area could benefit if Boston is ultimately chosen.

Boston was one of the metropolitan areas to show up on the online retail giant’s list. Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said Thursday night he plans to offer his help to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.

“Boston’s position on the short list for Amazon’s HQ2 opens many exciting possibilities for Massachusetts and the region,” Fiorentini said. “We will cooperate in any way we can.  If Boston is picked, it would be an incredible economic and jobs boost to not only Boston, but to the entire state including Haverhill and the Merrimack Valley.

The mayor acknowledged the Valley’s proposal, centered around the former Western Electric plant in North Andover was “a long shot.” “But working together regionally, as we did in our proposal, provided us benefits and opportunities for the future. I look forward to continuing to work with our neighboring communities to attract future opportunities for the residents of Haverhill and the Merrimack Valley,” he said.

Fiorentini thanked the Haverhill-based Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for its “efforts on our excellent proposal and for all the work they put into this.”