Plans to build 34 units of affordable housing, off Hilldale Avenue in Haverhill, and movement to complete the rehabilitation of the former George S. Cogswell School into art space, were among four Haverhill beneficiaries of state Community One Stop for Growth grants.
State Rep. Andy X. Vargas said Friday Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Edward Augustus released the grants.
Haverhill Housing Authority was awarded $83,595 in Site Readiness money for pre-development activities to support its $28 million housing plan on land it owns at 230 Hilldale Ave. Creative Haverhill, overseeing the creation of the Cogswell ArtsSpace will receive $470,000 in Underutilized Properties funding. Other recipients were Community Action, which was awarded $100,000 in Urban Agenda funding for MakeIT Haverhill to host immigrant-focused job and career fairs, and Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, granted $120,000 in Community Planning funding to support cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley with their zoning and accessory dwelling unit regulations.
“The Community One Stop for Growth program is a vital resource for Haverhill. The funded projects will play a key role in the city’s continued economic growth,” said Vargas. “The Haverhill Housing Authority will receive critical support for their affordable housing project, Community Action will continue to support residents through workforce development at MakeIT Haverhill, Cogswell will revitalize one of our oldest properties into a hub for artists and community events and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will continue supporting regional growth,” said Vargas, adding he is “proud to have supported these applications and will continue to advocate for programs like this.”
Vargas singled out the Cogswell team, saying it has been “diligently chasing these dollars for several years. Their perseverance made a real difference in helping us make the case as well.”