Haverhill put its best foot forward during a recent visit by a high-ranking state official, and took back some tips on accessing some of the $4 billion the state is setting aside for jobs and business.
Ashley Stolba, undersecretary of the state Executive Office of Economic Development, met with Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, City Councilor John A. Michitson, state Reps. Andy X. Vargas and Ryan Hamilton and other officials at Haverhill City Hall.
While the meeting was not open to the press and public, state Sen. Barry R. Finegold’s office displayed photographs on social media showing city officials giving updates on current projects. Stolba, for example, saw an overview of such projects as the $160 million Merrimack Street mixed-use project by developer Salvatore N. Lupoli and a proposal by Historic New England for a welcome center and retail and artist live-work space on Essex Street.
Barrett told WHAV the city sought to find out “What in that (state) economic development bill would some of these things fit into,” such as public infrastructure to support the projects. She noted, for example, the need to pay to separate combined sewers downtown. “It will bring money, people and tourism to Haverhill.”
The mayor said she was joined Economic Development and Planning Director William Pillsbury Jr., Assistant Economic Development Director Pamela Price, mayoral Chief of Staff Christine Lindberg and Community Development Division Director Andrew K. Herlihy.
Vargas said the purpose of the meeting was to find out “what’s relevant in the economic development bill and how Haverhill could best take advantage of what’s in the bill.” Referring to the city’s presentation of ongoing and possible redevelopment, he said, officials asked if any are eligible for state money.
Finegold was represented by his district director, Janice Phillips.
Stolba’s office did not respond to WHAV’s request for more information.