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More housing is coming to downtown Haverhill if the Haverhill City Council approves a special permit to build five rental apartments above Olivia’s restaurant. Members are also expected to schedule a public hearing on a plan for nine apartments at the former Haverhill TV and Appliance building.
Councilors tomorrow night will hear plans by Phil Rice of Krueger LLP to build five rental apartments on the second, third and fourth floors of the building at 142 Essex St. The address will be known as 4 Batchelder Court.
Housing is allowed under the city’s Smart Growth Overlay District for downtown. Parking will be 300 feet away at 10 leased spaces at 17-35 Locke St.
The project has the endorsement of Economic and Planning Director William Pillsbury Jr. In a letter to councilors, Pillsbury writes, “The proposed project represents an excellent development consistent with the goals of the city to revitalize the downtown.” He also recommends the Council waive an affordability requirement, saying “it provides needed market rate apartments in the inner-city area without the requirement to add additional utilities to service the project.”
Councilors are also expected to place on file until Feb. 25 a special permit request to build nine apartments in the former Haverhill TV and Appliance building, 21-27 Washington St. Commercial space will be maintained on the first floor of the building, while rental apartments will be built in the upper three floors. Parking will be leased at the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority garage.
The Haverhill City Council meets Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., in the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. City Council Chambers.