Developer’s drawing of a proposed Domino’s Pizza that will be part of the redevelopment of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church property.
Haverhill residents and city officials are expected to learn Monday night the latest details of the proposed design of a new Domimo’s Pizza shop building at the site of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church.
The Haverhill Historic District Commission is scheduled to review the demolition and redevelopment plans for the 110 Main St. site at the corner of Winter Street and across from Haverhill City Hall.
City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan told his colleagues during Tuesday’s council meeting while the historical commission has no veto power over the project, it can still offer suggestions as to how the new building would blend into the neighborhood.
Councilor Mary Ellen Daly O’Brien said she is standing by her previous vote against the project out of concern what other businesses could potentially locate there.
I don’t want to see a nail shop, a dollar store, that’s my next worry. If I had my way that church would not be coming down. I didn’t get my way and this is a very nice beginning. But all will be revealed whether it ends up looking like a strip mall or not,” she said.
Sullivan is hopeful the project will be appealing to councilors and the public alike.
“Unfortunately the developer doesn’t necessarily have to take those suggestions. Fortunately, the developer has done a pretty good job with the initial design. So I’m hoping this will be a positive outcome to what could have been a negative one,” Sullivan said.
The Historic District Commission meets at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 21, in Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. Council Chambers at City Hall.
In other council news, Councilors William J. Macek and Joseph J. Bevilacqua asked their colleagues to review or amend zoning ordinances to regulate placement and duration of temporary storage structures or containers on residential properties. Macek said the issue came to light from complaints during a meeting of the Highlands Neighborhood Association that he and Bevilacqua attended.
A subcommittee will discuss the request and bring a report back to the full council at a later date.
All this hand wringing and teeth gnashing over ……a pizza shop. Really? THIS is the most important thing taking up space in the minds of our locally elected officials?
Should it be a Gothic design? Contemporary? – what colors are acceptable? Would it be better if they only sold tofu pizza?
Perhaps this group of liberal do-gooders would be happy if it was left empty – we could tar it all over and build a circular bike path and dog walking track? Maybe we could put in “reserved parking” spaces for the Mayor and his staff – “reserved” meaning – “FREE” – to the average commoner.
Or maybe we could just let a pizza shop open and START CONCENTRATING ON THE BEST WAY TO LOWER OUR PROPERTY TAXES AND WATER RATES AND FOCUS ON SOMETHING IMPORTANT!!!!!
What would happen if Haverhill appreciated historic preservation like Newburyport, Andover, and Salem MA? Hmmm. Let’s see. Property values and real estate income might increase. Is that SOMETHING IMPORTANT ?
We cannot afford to wait for development or pay for all that goes along with these “Historical boards” who mostly just want to hear themselves talk and grab some power. We ( Haverhill) are late to the party behind Lawrence, Lowel, and Newburyport. Most businesses value the historic assets of an area. They will do what they can afford to do and keep the business afloat. But,this is getting ridiculous.
How long have we been talking about these same issues…..years….decades ?? It took 50 years, since Johnson federalized everything, for this lunacy to filter down into the cities and towns from Washington. The all knowing idiots in D.C., have succeeded in sucking all the money and power away form the people. Are they really idiots then ? They are all pretty damn wealthy and we sit here bitching about water rates and Gothic frontages. Hysterical it is.
No dominoes