The Haverhill City Council gave the go ahead tonight, to the construction of five new residential units in the Waterfront District.
Phil Rice of Krueger LLP outlined his plans for constructing the units on the second, third and fourth floors of an old mill building at 4 Batchelder Court. That building is best known as the site of Olivia’s Restaurant.
Rice said the apartments will fit within the footprint of the existing building which he said is in excellent condition. He also said that because of the utility upgrades done when the restaurant was being built, there shouldn’t be a need for any additional excavation work.
Rice has done other construction jobs in Haverhill that have been praised by all of the council members, including Thomas J. Sullivan.
“I can’t say enough about your continued investment in our downtown and I want to thank you for that. It’s good to have local people who believe in the community, believe in the downtown and are helping us revitalize it and I will fully support your project,” Sullivan said.
As WHAV first reported Monday, 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 council also voted to place on file until Feb.25 a special permit request to build nine other apartments at 21-27 Washington St., in the former Haverhill TV and Appliance building.