Block of Haverhill’s Downtown to Be Temporarily Transformed in May

Block of Merrimack Street, between How and Main Streets, is target of effort.

Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) fellow Noah Koretz.

Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) fellow Noah Koretz.

On Saturday, May 6, an entirely new downtown Haverhill will emerge—at least along Merrimack Street, between How and Main Streets.

The idea is to build a temporary “better block.” The section of street will be designed as a prototype to attract more local business, encourage more time outdoors, add more beauty and bring more bicycles and foot traffic. In the end, organizers say, the downtown block brings more friends, laughter and conversations.

To get started, what’s being called a Community Walk and Talk takes place Thursday, March 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, 80 Merrimack St. The effort is being organized by MassDevelopment, in conjunction with the Haverhill Transformative Development Initiative and Team Better Block, a Dallas, Texas-based consulting, design/build firm focused on reclaiming cities for the public good, one block at a time. A workshop is planned for April 6.

Volunteers are being asked to serve on Street, Public Space, Pop-Up and Beautification Teams.

team_better_block_logoAlthough the transformation of a block of downtown is temporary, the idea is to encourage city officials and decision-makers to “change policy and fast-track infrastructure improvements.”

More information and a volunteer signup page appears online at teambetterblock.com/haverhill.

3 thoughts on “Block of Haverhill’s Downtown to Be Temporarily Transformed in May

  1. Sounds interesting, however if it impacts traffic I hope the city takes care of the light cycle at Main St and Ginty Blvd. This should be done prior to or at the start of this project.