Michael Schroth says it’s time to save the trees in the Acre and Mount Washington. He just needs a little help from Haverhill’s government to get started.
Pointing to green spaces left unwatered, and “filthy” areas across the city, Schroth last week implored city councilors, “We can do much better, and it doesn’t take an army to do this. We’re not caring for what we’ve got.”
As only WHAV reported, he spoke during a City Council subcommittee meeting on residential development, which some say has gotten out of hand. He’s set to appear before the full Council Tuesday night.
By way of introduction, he said, “I am a horticulturalist. That’s my training. I’ve grown 100 acres of apple trees in the desert of Washington State. But that was a previous life. Now I’m a retired teacher.” He added he helps clean up the city as a volunteer.
Having lived in the Acre for a little under 20 years, Schroth said his tree-lined street has become the envy of the neighborhood. York Street, he said, had only one when he moved there. Now, it’s bursting with green.
He’s set his sights on White Street. “I’ve decided to adopt the trees on White Street. Trees are a problem right now. It’s hot. If you get out there, you’re hot, and you’re going to get overwhelmed, but it’s doable to take care of them.”
Schroth said he hasn’t seen anyone from the city watering dry patches, and volunteered to take action. In his view, all it would take is a few people in pickups to keep the city clean and its green spaces healthy. “I’m a do-er. Let me do it—and we’ve got a lot of people like that.”
He beseeched the assembled city officials for access to water and mulch. Public Works Director Robert E. Ward yelled from the audience he could get Schroth what he needs.
In other news, Dante Perella is requesting an age waiver for the civil service exam. He hopes to become a police officer. Turning 33 before the next testing cycle, he just missed the age cut-off, set at 32. He pointed to eight years in the Army National Guard and five years as the owner of a car detailing business, saying the experiences instilled discipline and leadership skills.
The Haverhill City Council meets Tuesday night at 7, remotely and in-person at the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. Council Chambers, room 202, Haverhill City Hall, 4 Summer St. As a public service, 97.9 WHAV plans to carry the meeting live.