Haverhill and several other Essex County cities and towns with major flooding damage from the Aug. 8 storms were denied federal disaster relief coverage last Friday. Mayor James J. Fiorentini, who shared the notice Thursday, and the City Council had declared a public emergency in the immediate aftermath of the storms in hopes of bolstering the city’s case for emergency financial assistance for public infrastructure, businesses and homeowners. One hundred and seventy-two residents submitted private property damage claims forms totaling about $2.5 million and 21 businesses submitted claims totaling about $3.7 million.
The full City Council, as expected, ratified two non-binding ballot questions asking voters to weigh in on whether a candidate should be allowed to run for, or hold, two elected offices at the same time. As WHAV reported first late last month, a subcommittee recommended placing the questions before voters. Those sprung from a proposal by Council President Timothy J. Jordan, Council Vice President John A. Michitson and Councilor Melissa J. Lewandowski to ask voters opinions about a charter change to prohibit someone from running for more than on elected position in the same election cycle.
Haverhill High School Latin teacher James “Jay” Fiorentini Jr. remains on unpaid leave and, despite a judge relaxing some restrictions this week, the Haverhill school administration said Thursday he is still not allowed on school property. Fiorentini is accused of “annoying/accosting” two students during a May 4 incident—details of which remain impounded at Newburyport District Court. “His presence remains restricted from our school buildings,” school Superintendent Margaret Marotta said, responding to an inquiry by WHAV.
Nora Trebbe Maroulis has joined Historic New England to spearhead planning for a $150-$200 million fundraising campaign that will support such projects as a planned mixed-use downtown Haverhill Center and the revitalization of the Otis House property in Boston. The campaign, aided by a $250,000 state earmark secured by Haverhill state Rep. Andy X. Vargas, encompasses program advancement, capital investments and endowment growth. “It’s inspiring to be part of HNE’s vision and to stand on the brink of achieving something that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
