Haverhill public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will consider a $14,667,000 loan order to fund Phase 2 of the Locke Street Combined Sewer Separation Project. The council will also hold hearings on proposed zoning amendments for solar energy systems and floodplain overlay district updates. Several event permits and annual license renewals are up for approval.

• Loan order for $14,667,000 for Phase 2 of Locke Street sewer, water, and drain improvements
• Proposed zoning amendment requiring roof-mounted solar energy systems on new buildings
• Proposed zoning amendment updating the Floodplain Overlay District Ordinance
• Gift acceptance of $2,280 from Nunan Florist for Edible Avenue at Riverside Park
• Public hearing set for June 17 on solar and floodplain zoning amendments

City Council

The City Council will vote on granting a license to Essex County Greenbelt Association, Inc. to use a city easement at 915 North Broadway for pedestrian access to a 33-acre open space parcel. The council will also consider a home rule petition to waive the maximum age requirement for a police officer candidate, a proposed 24-bed geriatric unit addition at Haverhill Pavilion, and the 2025-2030 Housing Production Plan. Several routine items such as appointments, license renewals, and event permits are also on the agenda.

• License to Essex County Greenbelt Assoc., Inc. for use of city easement at 915 North Broadway
• Home Rule Petition for Adam T. Jankowski to take police civil service exam despite age limit
• Application from WP Acquisition Sub, LLC for 24-bed geriatric unit addition at 76 Summer St (Haverhill Pavilion)
• 2025-2030 Haverhill Housing Production Plan for certification by state EOHLC
• Ordinances: No parking on east side of Marshall St; handicap parking at 212 Wilson St

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission will hold show-cause hearings for Academy Liquors, Grab N Go Market, and Bradford Liquors over alleged sales of alcohol to persons under 21 on April 22, 2025. The commission will also consider several new entertainment, common victualler, and alcohol licenses, as well as one-day liquor permits for events. A discussion item regarding business practices at Royal Crest Motors is also on the agenda.

• Show-cause hearings for Academy Liquors, Grab N Go Market, and Bradford Liquors for alleged underage alcohol sales and related violations
• Application for new all-alcohol restaurant license for La Nueva Lechonera at 145 Winter Street
• Application to amend entertainment license at G's to add drag show performances
• Applications for farmer's market liquor licenses at 10 Church Street for 1634 Meadery, Blisspoint Meadery, and Saltbox Cidershop
• Application for Motor Vehicle Class II transfer for A.J.s Village Auto Sales & Service at 1422 Broadway

City Council

The City Council will hold a hearing on a zoning amendment for Battery Energy Storage Systems, continued from March 18. Councilors will also hear updates on The Beck development in Bradford and discuss the future of Youth Services & Mental Health funding after ARPA. Several event permits and license renewals are on the agenda.

• Zoning amendment hearing for Battery Energy Storage Systems (continued from March 18)
• Status update on The Beck development in Bradford from Procopio representative
• Discussion on future of Youth Services & Mental Health account after ARPA funding ends
• Order to grant easements to National Grid for underground gas and overhead electrical systems at 685 Washington St for new Consentino Middle School
• Petition from National Grid to construct underground electric conduits on Main St (hearing June 3)

City Council

The City Council will consider approving the 2025-2030 Haverhill Housing Production Plan and authorizing the mayor to submit it to the state for certification. They will also vote on opening the roadway at 17 White Street for sewer and water service installation. Several event permits and one-day liquor licenses for Cider Feast and Tattersall Farm tastings are up for approval, along with annual license renewals. The council will also discuss a road to the proposed NECC and Whittier Vo-Tech Joint Campus.

• Order to authorize mayor to submit 2025-2030 Haverhill Housing Production Plan to EOHLC for certification
• Order to open roadway at 17 White Street for sewer and water service installation
• One-day liquor licenses for Cider Feast (June 19, Harbor Place) and three Tattersall Farm tastings (June 26, July 24, Aug 15)
• Discussion of road to proposed NECC and Whittier Vo-Tech Joint Campus
• Ordinances amending city code on conservation, boats, firearms, ice entry, and parks

City Council

The City Council will consider authorizing a contract with Flock Group Inc. for license plate monitoring cameras and software for the Police Department. The council will also hear updates on the Whittier Vo-Tech project and the city's drought emergency, and vote on a $500,000 transfer for youth mental health programs.

• Order to authorize a contract with Flock Group Inc. for license plate monitoring cameras and software (up to 5 years)
• Transfer of $500,000 from free cash to fund fiscal 2025 Youth Activity & Mental Health
• Public hearing on a 24-bed geriatric unit addition at Haverhill Pavilion, 76 Summer St
• Drought emergency update: Kenoza Lake at 106.0 feet, 6.4 feet below average; limited outdoor water use guidelines proposed
• Ordinance to ban parking on Bridge St and establish handicap parking at 51 Arch St

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission will hold show-cause hearings for three businesses over alleged violations, including permitting illegality on premises and serving alcohol to minors. The commission will also consider several one-day liquor license applications, a new entertainment license, and a new common victualler license.

• Show-cause hearing for Mr. Mike's Restaurant & Lounge (1149 Main St) over alleged illegality on March 4, 2025
• Show-cause hearing for AMVETS (576 Primrose St) over alleged illegality on March 4, 2025
• Show-cause hearing for La Pizza DiForno (109 Merrimack St) with multiple alleged violations including sale of alcohol to persons under 21
• New entertainment license application for The Lasting Room (122 Washington St) with amplified music and dancing
• One-day liquor license for Holy Archangels Armenian Church (1280 Boston Rd) for a wedding on April 12

The Haverhill License Commission approved a new entertainment license for The Lasting Room at 122 Washington Street, allowing amplified music, dancing, karaoke, and live performances with restrictions including no outdoor amplified music. The commission also approved one-day liquor licenses for four events, an amendment to Wicked Axe's entertainment license to add cornhole and drag shows, and a new common victualler license for Hug In A Mug Cafe. All votes were unanimous 3-0.

• Approved new entertainment license for The Lasting Room (3-0) with hours ending 12:30 AM weekdays/Saturday, 1:30 AM Friday, 12:30 AM Sunday, and no outdoor amplified music
• Approved one-day liquor license for Holy Archangels Armenian Church wedding on April 12 (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for Haverhill Firefighting Museum fundraiser on May 3 (3-0)
• Approved one-day liquor license for CiderFeast on June 19 (3-0), pending event permit and TIPS certifications
• Approved three one-day liquor licenses for Tattersall Farms to Taste events on June 26, July 24, and August 14 (3-0 each), pending event permits and TIPS certifications
• Approved amendment to Wicked Axe entertainment license adding cornhole and drag shows (3-0), pending police and inspectional services approval
• Approved new common victualler license for Hug In A Mug Cafe (3-0)

City Council

The City Council will vote on accepting a $60,000 gift from Cedar's Mediterranean Food for remodeling the Haverhill Police Department fitness room. They will also hold a hearing on a request from Target Corporation to keep temporary storage containers at 35 Computer Dr during store remodeling. Several ordinance amendments related to conservation, including changes to chapters on boats, firearms, and parks, are introduced and filed for 10 days.

• Accept $60,000 gift from Cedar's Mediterranean Food, LLP for police department fitness room remodel
• Public hearing on Target Corporation's request for 35 temporary storage containers at 35 Computer Dr for 12 weeks
• Ordinance amendments filed: General Provisions, Boats and Boating, Firearms, Ice on water bodies, Playgrounds/Parks/Recreation
• Petition from National Grid for underground electric conduits at Kenoza Ave
• Appointments to Commission on Disability Issues and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ad Hoc Commission

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on a request to build a 4-unit condo building at 0 Nichols Street in the RU Zone. The agenda also includes accepting a $75 gift for a St. Patrick's Day party, a no-parking ordinance on Cottage Street, and several annual license renewals. Most other items are procedural or ceremonial.

• Public hearing on 4-unit condo building at 0 Nichols St (RU Zone)
• Gift order: $75 from Atwood Memorial for St. Patrick's Day party at Citizens Center
• Ordinance: No parking on Cottage St, east side, entire length
• Annual license renewals for taxi, junk dealer, pawnbroker, and other businesses
• Proclamation: March 2025 as Women's History Month

City Council

The City Council will consider authorizing a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Golden Hill Elementary School project at 140 Boardman Street, and will receive a declaration of a drought emergency effective March 19, 2025, prohibiting all non-essential outdoor water use. The council will also hold hearings on several zoning amendments, including changes to accessory dwelling units, mixed-use, and battery energy storage systems.

• Authorization to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for Golden Hill Elementary School at 140 Boardman Street
• Declaration of a drought emergency effective March 19, 2025, banning non-essential outdoor water use
• Public hearings on zoning amendments: zone line adjustment for Waterfront Zone C, mixed-use, accessory dwelling units, and battery energy storage systems
• Order to adopt the Prudent Investment Rule for city trust funds
• Continued hearing on a permanent storage container at 84 Madison Street

License Commission

The License Commission approved a Motor Vehicle Class II license transfer for Eziddin Eljedn, doing business as iMotors at 194 River Street, pending receipt of a business occupancy certificate. The approval was subject to police and fire approval, building inspector conditions, clear building access, and parking requirements including one handicap spot and one 9x19 customer spot. The vote was unanimous (3-0).

• Approved Motor Vehicle Class II license transfer for iMotors at 194 River Street, pending business occupancy certificate (3-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will hear presentations on tax abatement programs ahead of the April 1 deadline and on efforts by Ruth's House Inc. It will also hold a hearing on a flammable license amendment for 44,000 gallons of fuel storage at 123 Railroad Ave and consider an ordinance to amend the Commission on Disability Issues membership requirements.

• Hearing on flammable license amendment for 22,000 gallons diesel aboveground and 22,000 gallons gasoline underground at 123 Railroad Ave
• Ordinance to amend Commission on Disability Issues membership from fixed 9 to 5, 7, or 9 members
• Presentation by City Assessor Christine Webb on tax abatement programs before April 1 deadline
• Order to pay $5,502 to Combustion Service Co of NE from Water Dept
• Ordinance for handicap parking at 24 Fifth Avenue

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission approved several license applications including a new entertainment and common victualler license for Teo's Tacos, name changes for The Reserve Steakhouse and JGB Supermarket & Restaurant, extended Sunday hours for Crusttown, and manager/officer changes for Haverhill Ridgerunners Fish and Game Club. A show cause hearing for Smith's Tavern resulted in a requirement to update video footage retention to 30 days.

• Approved new entertainment and common victualler licenses for Teo's Tacos at 695 South Main Street (3-0)
• Approved change of DBA from The Reserve Restaurant to The Reserve Steakhouse at 77 Washington Street (3-0)
• Approved change of DBA from Union Supermarket HL to JGB Supermarket & Restaurant at 420 Washington Street (3-0)
• Approved amendment of common victualler and entertainment licenses for Crusttown to extend Sunday hours from 12 PM-10 PM to 12 PM-1 AM (3-0)
• Approved change of manager and officers for Haverhill Ridgerunners Fish and Game Club at 462 Kingsbury Avenue (3-0)
• Approved minutes from February 6, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Placed information on file regarding Bradford Village Square's failure to provide receipts of returned alcohol (3-0)
• Required Smith's Tavern manager to update video footage retention to minimum 30 days within one week (3-0)

City Council

The council voted 9-0 to authorize the mayor to execute documents allowing MassDOT to take permanent and temporary easements and fee interests in eight parcels along Route 125 for bridge replacement. They also approved fee increases for notary oaths ($20) and home birth registrations ($35), accepted several gifts for a St. Patrick's Day party, and continued a hearing on a permanent storage container to March 18. A petition for a 24-bed geriatric unit addition at Haverhill Pavilion was scheduled for an April 8 hearing.

• Approved MassDOT easement taking for Route 125 bridge project (9-0)
• Approved fee increase for notary oath administration to $20 and new home birth registration fee of $35 (9-0)
• Accepted $100 gift from Melinda Barrett for St. Patrick's Day party (9-0)
• Accepted $500 gift from Haverhill Bank for St. Patrick's Day party (8-0, 1 abstention)
• Accepted $100 gift from Sarah's Place Adult Day Health Center (9-0)
• Accepted $200 gift from Bethany Community Services (9-0)
• Continued hearing on permanent storage container at 84 Madison St to March 18 (9-0)
• Scheduled hearing for 24-bed geriatric unit addition at Haverhill Pavilion for April 8 (9-0)

City Council

The council approved a $260,000 settlement to acquire 16.5 acres on Crystal Street for water supply, including an access easement. Four related votes passed unanimously. The council also confirmed several board appointments and set a March 25 hearing for a 4-unit condo proposal at 0 Nichols Street.

• Approved $260,000 land acquisition on Crystal Street for water supply (10-0)
• Approved order of taking for Crystal Street property (10-0)
• Approved settlement agreement with James E. Young Jr. and Victoria Angers (10-0)
• Approved $260,000 transfer from Water Fund to new capital fund (10-0)
• Accepted $100 gift for St. Patrick's Day party at Citizen Center (10-0)
• Confirmed Sheila Cuevas to Haverhill Housing Authority (10-0)
• Reappointed five members to Community Affairs Advisory Board (10-0)
• Set March 25 hearing for 4-unit condo at 0 Nichols Street (10-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will vote on accepting three gifts totaling $1,950 for senior programs, including a St. Patrick's Day party and taxi vouchers. A public hearing is scheduled for March 11 on a request to store 40,000 gallons of fuel at 123 Railroad Avenue. The council will also confirm appointments to the Planning Board and other boards, and hear an update on the HP3 workforce development program.

• Accept $200 gift from Wingate Residences for St. Patrick's Day party at Citizen Center
• Accept $250 gift from Breakfast Exchange Club for St. Patrick's Day party
• Accept $1,500 gift from Breakfast Exchange Club for 'Happy Rides' taxi voucher program for seniors
• Public hearing March 11 on SPFL 25-1: request to store 20,000 gallons diesel aboveground and 20,000 gallons gasoline underground at 123 Railroad Avenue
• Re-appointments to Planning Board and other boards, including April DerBoghosian, Paul Howard, Nate Robinson, and others

The City Council approved a special event permit and waived fees for L'Arche Boston North's 'Longest Run' Ski-A-Thon and après party at Ski Bradford on February 22 (rain date March 1). The council also accepted three donations totaling $1,950 for the Council on Aging's St. Patrick's Day party and 'Happy Rides' taxi voucher program, and confirmed multiple board appointments including nine Planning Board members.

• Approved L'Arche Ski-A-Thon event and waived fees (10-0)
• Accepted $200 gift from Wingate Residences for St. Patrick's Day party (10-0)
• Accepted $250 gift from Breakfast Exchange Club for St. Patrick's Day party (10-0)
• Accepted $1,500 gift from Breakfast Exchange Club for 'Happy Rides' taxi vouchers (10-0)
• Confirmed nine Planning Board reappointments (10-0)
• Confirmed Penelope Guerrero to Community Affairs Advisory Board (10-0)
• Confirmed Penelope Guerrero to Washington Street Historic Shoe District Commission (10-0)
• Accepted resignation of Kalister Green-Byrd from Haverhill Housing Authority (10-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will meet to consider two loan orders totaling $1.5 million for school facility studies and hear updates on a large-scale solar field permit and utility pole work. The meeting includes routine approvals, license renewals, and appointments.

• $1,200,000 loan order for John G. Whittier Middle School feasibility study at 256 Concord St
• $300,000 loan order for Silver Hill Elementary School roof schematic design at 675 Washington St
• Continued hearing on large-scale solar field special permit off Lovers Lane (Christopher Anderson for SPI Solar Inc)
• Joint pole location petition for Curtis St (National Grid & Verizon)
• Ordinance to amend traffic rules for heavy commercial vehicles on Forest St to West Lowell Ave

The City Council unanimously approved two loan orders: $300,000 for a schematic design for roof replacement at Silver Hill Elementary School and $1,200,000 for a feasibility study for the John G. Whittier Middle School. Both items were placed on file with 11-0 votes. A proposed citywide historic house signage program was sent to the Administration and Finance Committee for further review. The council also continued a special permit hearing for a large-scale solar field off Lovers Lane, with discussion focused on the Dover Amendment's implications for conditions the council may impose.

• Approved $300,000 loan order for Silver Hill Elementary roof schematic design (11-0)
• Approved $1,200,000 loan order for Whittier Middle School feasibility study (11-0)
• Sent historic house signage program to Administration and Finance Committee for review (11-0)
• Approved change to in-person absentee voting deadline for preliminary election (11-0)
• Approved joint pole location on Curtis Street for National Grid and Verizon (11-0)
• Approved revenue and expense reports for December 2024 (11-0)
• Continued special permit hearing for solar field off Lovers Lane; no vote on conditions yet

City Council

The City Council will hear that the state has determined Haverhill is compliant with the MBTA Communities Act, allowing as-of-right multi-family housing in designated overlay districts. The council will also hold a continued hearing on a special permit for a large-scale solar field off Lovers Lane and receive a request for a public hearing on a zoning amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units. Several routine license renewals and appointments are on the agenda.

• State determination that Haverhill is compliant with MBTA Communities Act, with districts totaling 118.5 acres and capacity for 10,045 multi-family units
• Continued hearing on special permit for large-scale solar field off Lovers Lane (Document 83/2024; CCSP 23-16)
• Request for hearing on zoning amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), referred to Planning Board with hearing set for March 18, 2025
• Annual license renewals including junk dealer licenses with address changes (JUNK 23-3, JUNK 24-4)
• Tag day requests for HHS Girls Crew Team (April 25-27) and HHS Boys Crew Team (Sept 13-15)

Mayor Barrett informed the Council that the state has determined Haverhill is in compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, making the city eligible for infrastructure grants of $250,000 to $1,000,000. The Council also continued a special permit hearing for a large-scale solar field off Lovers Lane to January 28, 2025, due to two absent members. All other items—including approval of prior minutes, appointments, tag days, license renewals, and a zoning amendment hearing for accessory dwelling units—were approved unanimously (9-0) with two absent.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (9-0, 2 absent)
• Continued solar field special permit hearing to Jan 28, 2025 (9-0, 2 absent)
• Approved December 2024 abatement report (9-0, 2 absent)
• Set hearing for ADU zoning amendment for March 18, 2025 (9-0, 2 absent)
• Confirmed appointments to Dec 31, 2027 and non-confirming appointments (9-0, 2 absent)
• Approved tag days for HHS Girls and Boys Crew Teams (9-0, 2 absent)
• Approved junk dealer license address change and new license (9-0, 2 absent)
• Approved handicap parking ordinance for 37 Fountain St (9-0, 2 absent)

License Commission

The Haverhill Retirement Board approved the December 2024 warrant for $2,768,249.54 and an estimated January 2025 warrant of $2,600,000.00, both by 5-0 votes. The board also approved new member enrollments for 12 city employees and authorized a $60/hour consulting rate for Laura Angus. No executive session was held, and no retirements, disabilities, or survivor benefits were processed.

• Approved December 2024 warrant for $2,768,249.54 (5-0)
• Approved estimated January 2025 warrant for $2,600,000.00 (5-0)
• Approved new member enrollments for 12 city employees (5-0)
• Authorized $60/hour consulting rate for Laura Angus (5-0)
• Approved December 10, 2024 regular meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved December 10, 2024 executive session minutes (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Directed administrator to add Social Security WEP/GPO repeal info to website
• Tabled interview process for Benefits Counselor position (4-1)

City Council

The City Council will vote on the 2025 election calendar, including a preliminary election on September 9 and general election on November 4, and opt-in for early voting and vote-by-mail. They will also consider four zoning amendments, including corrections/updates, a waterfront zone line adjustment, mixed-use zoning, and battery energy storage systems. Other business includes appointing Cultural Council members, approving handicap parking ordinances, and paying $5,265 in prior-year bills.

• Approval of 2025 election calendar with preliminary (Sept 9) and general (Nov 4) elections, early voting, and vote-by-mail
• Zoning amendment for various corrections/updates to Chapter 255
• Zoning amendment to adjust Waterfront Zone C line to include parcel 103-3-1A on Parkway
• Zoning amendment to add new section 7.9 for Battery Energy Storage Systems
• Ordinances to add handicap parking at 14 Seventeenth Ave and 51 Greenleaf St

The City Council approved the 2025 election calendar, including a preliminary election on September 9 and general election on November 4, and opted into in-person early voting and vote-by-mail for all 2025 elections. The council also set public hearings for March 18 on four zoning amendments: various corrections/updates, a zone line adjustment for Waterfront Zone C, mixed-use regulations, and battery energy storage systems. Additionally, the council confirmed three reappointments to the Cultural Council and approved a joint pole location petition from National Grid and Verizon for Curtis Street.

• Approved 2025 election calendar, preliminary/general election dates, early voting and vote-by-mail opt-in, early voting room, polling locations, and poll workers (10-0)
• Set March 18 hearing for zoning amendment on various corrections/updates (10-0)
• Set March 18 hearing for zone line adjustment to include parcel 103-3-1A in Waterfront Zone C (10-0)
• Set March 18 hearing for mixed-use zoning amendment (10-0)
• Set March 18 hearing for battery energy storage systems zoning amendment (10-0)
• Approved joint pole location petition from National Grid and Verizon for Curtis Street (10-0)
• Confirmed reappointments of John Hassan, Candice Hoover, and Lois Harman to Cultural Council (10-0 each)
• Approved $5,265 in prior-year bills from Kimball Farm Feeds, Boston Systems, and Experian (10-0)