An active population of endangered Blanding’s turtles has prompted Haverhill city officials to largely abandon plans to develop the old Dutton Airport off Route 110 into a business park. William Pillsbury Jr. said the city received a preliminary report earlier this year prepared by biologists at the state’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program which describes an active breeding habitat for the turtles in the marshy land on the abandoned private airfield. Pillsbury said the city hoped to develop some 800,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space on the property with the help of the Greater Haverhill Foundation, but the state’s environmental analysis suggests less than half that area would be available for building. Pillsbury told Haverhill city councilors Tuesday that while the owners of the property could still pursue development, the city no longer believes a business park is a viable option.
Two young wine makers are planning an experimental vineyard at Whittier Birthplace in Haverhill. Eliot Martin and his wife Katie Luczai are preparing to plant 26 varieties of grapes on 1.7 acres of land at Whittier Birthplace next spring. Martin explained the allure of the Haverhill farm.
The percentage of students, ages 25 and above without a prior college degree, grew by nearly 40% since the state launched its first version of free community college, called MassReconnect. The program, proposed by Gov. Maura T. Healey in 2023, brought 20,000 new students to community colleges, such as Northern Essex Community College, in the last two years, according to new data from the state’s Department of Higher Education. All told, between the program and MassEducate, launched last fall, community college enrollment is up 24%.
Two buildings in Groveland are getting attention as area legislators say they got money put aside in the recently approved $61 billion state spending plan. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester and Rep. Adrianne Pusateri Ramos of North Andover report securing $45,000 in earmarks for Groveland, including $25,000 to pay for a market analysis and feasibility study for property at 46 Washington St. and $20,000 for the demolition and cleanup of the former Valley Screw Company in Groveland.
