A Haverhill City Council subcommittee is recommending strict controls on surveillance technology, who has access and for how long, but not necessarily an outright ban on automatic license plate readers and other outdoor cameras. The Council’s Public Safety Committee took 90 minutes of testimony Thursday night, weighing individual privacy and security against faster crime fighting and lifesaving. Before any final action is taking by the full City Council, committee members reassured opponents the city is on a path to cancel its contract with Flock Safety. Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan, one of four subcommittee members, summarized the city is “keep its options open.”
A new 37-unit building on Haverhill’s Emerson Street downtown will a serve as a supportive housing pilot designed for people with complex medical histories experiencing chronic homelessness. The Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance said Thursday the four-story, 94 Emerson St. building was developed in collaboration with Eliot Community Human Services and local developer Ted Ammon and supported by a three-year grant from UnitedHealthcare.
Construction has begun to convert a single-family Victorian home on upper Washington Street into three homeowner condominium units and add two duplex units on the property. Developer Essex County Habitat for Humanity and former owners Keith and Diane Boucher welcomed officials Thursday to see renovations begin. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director credited the Bouchers, who now live across the street, for selling the property at below-market value.
Methuen High School athletics had some notable accomplishments this fall season, and the girls hockey team is looking forward to another run at the championship. The 2026 season saw the swim and dive, field hockey and boys cross country teams all win the Merrimack Valley Conference championship. Ava Nartiff earned Merrimack Valley Conference player of the year for field hockey while breaking the school record for most goals in a single season by putting up 27.
