Then-Rep. Brian S. Dempsey with Gov. Charlie Baker during the governor’s fall, 2016, visit to downtown Haverhill (WHAV News file photograph.)
Gov. Charlie Baker was scheduled to be in Haverhill this afternoon for a “walking tour” of downtown Haverhill.
The tour, said to be highlighting progress on Washington and Merrimack Streets, is under the auspices of MassDevelopment’s Transformative District Initiative.
Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash during a Haverhill visit this spring. (WHAV News file photograph.)
Until this year, Haverhill’s downtown redevelopment effort received a boost from the Initiative. Work included help assembling a downtown framework, technical assistance, a temporary “Better Block” concept and parking plan. It was led by TDI Fellow Noah Koretz, hired in 2015 and who has since been promoted as deputy director of the program.
Last fall, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash said, “The Transformative Development Initiative is a comprehensive approach to stimulating growth in the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities.” Ash, who chairs MassDevelopment’s board, added, “From Pittsfield to Peabody, we’ve seen communities create opportunities for economic growth and neighborhood revitalization through the TDI District designation.”