Haverhill May Benefit from House Community Benefit District Bill

Haverhill’s downtown and Mt. Washington neighborhoods have been named federal “Opportunity Zones” and the city may further benefit from the passage of new related legislation. (Courtesy photographs)

The City of Haverhill may soon see an economic boost thanks to the passage of House legislation that establishes Community Benefit Districts in an effort to promote local business development.

State Rep. Andy Vargas this week joined his legislative colleagues on Beacon Hill to mark the passage of the bill, which could afford local business owners the ability to organize and advocate for improved services and municipal support.

“As Haverhill continues to grow and develop, it is key for us to create opportunities for economic collaboration,” Vargas said in a statement. “Community Benefit Districts allow for public/private/nonprofit partnerships and will give Haverhill additional capacity to manage our vibrant downtown.”

The new legislation comes one month after Haverhill’s Mount Washington neighborhood and downtown district were federally designated as “Opportunity Zones,” allowing the city to take advantage of exclusive tax benefits and other economic incentives relative to those areas.