It was one of the first new buildings in Haverhill to take advantage of the new Interstate 495 highway during the early 1960s, but it’s going away. Built as the Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge on a relocated portion of Lowell Avenue, the now Best Western closes this month to make way for a modern hotel. In a statement, owner Giri Hotel Management said Best Western Merrimack Valley closes Oct. 23, for, what it called, “renovations.”
“The hotel will reopen under a new brand, with expanded in-room amenities and room types… The property will reopen in 2023,” according to the statement.
With the Rocks Village Bridge scheduled to open to traffic again Monday, Oct. 10, a plea by the Haverhill City Council, Town of West Newbury and state representatives to exclude heavy-truck traffic on that span is, apparently, water under the bridge for the time being. City cCouncilor Thomas J. Sullivan, who spearheaded the drive to have the Mass.
Haverhill school officials are seeking larger space for the city’s Gateway Academy, a smaller alternative for those struggling at conventional middle and high schools. Superintendent Margaret Marotta told WHAV listeners last June the new Gateway School at Crowell School is limited to around 120 students, but she always expected it to grow. Appearing on WHAV’s morning show his week, she explained why the school is soliciting bids for a three-year lease.
The Essex County Ghost Project and Witches Wonder are celebrating the Halloween season with a ghost hunt and talk in Haverhill. The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7:15 p.m., at the Duston-Dustin Garrison House, 655 Hilldale Ave., Haverhill.
