A proposed three-building, 136-unit apartment complex at 880 Boston Road would displace a miniature golf course, among other recreational facilities, owned by Cedardale Health & Fitness.
Still in early stages, Robert Johnson of Johnson Construction presented the project to the Conservation Commission last Thursday, saying he is likely to take it before the Haverhill City Council in the coming months. Environmental Health Technician Robert E. Moore Jr. told WHAV city department heads are currently reviewing it.
The plan, near the intersection of South Main Street, Route 125, would improve the health of a perennial stream that runs through the property and feeds into the Merrimack River. Johnson told the Commission it would restore the native environment in the 100-foot space between the bank and the buildings, an area which is currently filled with asphalt.
“I think it’s a terrific win for that brook,” Moore said. “Right now, you have lawn, concrete, artificial turf [and] golf holes up to within five or 10 feet of that stream bank.”
At the site of the former DiBurro’s Function Hall across the road, construction for a different residential project is already well under way. Haverhill city councilors voted in July of 2021 to approve Princeton Properties’ 153-apartment development, with demolition and foundation work beginning last January. At the time, Chief Executive Officer Andrew M. Chaban told WHAV the company was responding to a continuing need for housing in the city.
With his proposal of somewhat smaller magnitude, Johnson told commissioners it would offer 123 one-bedrooms, seven two-bedrooms, and six studios. Between the three buildings is a parking area, in addition to lots underneath them. After conversations with the fire department, he said he made sure to leave electric vehicle charging stations uncovered, as they can cause fires difficult to put out. Parking for the aMAZEment Action Playcenter will not be disrupted.
As the meeting wound down, Johnson said he has worked considerably to prevent the complex from encroaching on wetlands that ring it, without letting the buildings become too tall and without squeezing the middle parking area so much as to prevent fire truck access.