Click image for Haverhill City Council agenda.
Paul Bellos tells Haverhill city councilors he believes reverberations and noise from commuter rail and freight trains running below his Laurel Avenue house became more intense after construction of the five-story Beck apartment building.
In a letter to the Haverhill City Council, Bellos is asking to discuss his concerns Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. He writes that once windows and siding were installed during the summer of 2024, he began to notice a “bass echo reverb” at his property which registers as high as 89 decibels inside and 102 decibels on his side porch. Michael Morales, a candidate for City Council last fall, is also expected to speak on the matter.
Councilors will also hear a request from Mayor Melinda E. Barrett to spend $300,000 for a roof repair or replacement feasibility study. The Massachusetts School Building Authority requires the study before the state will consider sharing in the cost of roof repairs at Golden Hill School, 140 Boardman St.
Barrett will also ask the Council to approve an amended version of a new Housing Production Plan for the city. As reported by WHAV last May, the initial 56-page document outlined the current status of housing in Haverhill. Prepared by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission with city input, it notes that since 2000, rents in Haverhill have increased 86% and home prices are up 101%.
In a letter to the Council, Barrett said the new plan would allow residents to build three-unit residences, often called “triple-deckers,” without having to apply to the Council for a special permit; create a “starter home” zoning district; allow for the review of city land suitable for residential development; and promote more housing for seniors as well as encourage expanding tax relief for older homeowners who wish to stay in their existing homes. The plan gives the city a better chance qualifying for state economic development grants.
The mayor also plans to recognize retiring Fire Chief Robert M. O’Brien for his 31 years of service to the city. O’Brien leaves his post Saturday, Jan. 17, and is being succeeded by Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Cesati.
Councilors will hold a hearing to revoke a permit it previously issued to Broco Energy for additional propane storage at its 168 Hale St. depot. Councilors issued a permit for a 30,000-gallon above ground tank and additional transport trailer trucks in December. However, neighbors requested a new hearing since a required notice of the hearing was not sent in a timely manner.
The continuation of a hearing on the request by Creek Brook CML to store 19,000 gallons of edible shortening oil at its new Dunkin’ Donut bakery off Route 97 is also on the agenda. However, the attorney for the company asked to delay the hearing until the Council’s Tuesday, Feb. 3, meeting.
The hearing was continued from Dec. 16 to allow the city’s inspectional services department time to investigate an air quality complaint. In a story reported first by WHAV, Sean Wilson, who lives downwind of the plant, complained that his house has smelled like doughnuts since the massive bakery opened in October. The facility fries a million of the sweet treats a day and supplies Dunkin’ franchisees throughout New England, according to the company’s attorney, JT Couch.
The Council will take up several items tabled from its Dec. 16 meeting which require a two-thirds majority vote to pass. They include a loan order to borrow $1.2 million to replace the artificial turf at Haverhill Stadium, a request to enter a lease agreement for three trucks for the city’s Highway Department and to purchase a 41-acre parcel of land in Merrimac from the DiBitetto family for the protection of Haverhill’s public water supply. The items were tabled due to the absence of several councilors.
Sarah LoVasco notified the Council of her resignation from the Washington Street Shoe District Historic Commission because she is moving out of town.
Finally, Barrett will proclaim Monday, Jan, 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the city.
The Haverhill City Council meets Tuesday night at 7 p.m., 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.