Haverhill

Last of Haverhill’s Powder Houses Appears Destined to be Added to National Register of Historic Places

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Haverhill’s 1845-era powder house on Golden Hill appears to be a shoo-in to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Massachusetts Historic Commission last month deemed the cone-shaped, circular, brick structure eligible for listing and forwarded its recommendation to the U.S. Interior Department. Haverhill city councilors are expected to be briefed on the process Tuesday night by city Community Development Division Director Andrew K. Herlihy. Haverhill has been seeking since at least as early as 2019 to win the federal designation as it potentially opens the door, perhaps literally, to grants and other restoration aid. According to preservation consultant Lisa Mausolf, the front entrance of the powder house was removed in 1883 and sealed with brick.

Education

Haverhill’s Nettle School Students Benefit From Annual School Backpack and Supplies Drive

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A successful backpack and supplies drive recently delivered for students attending Haverhill’s Dr. Paul C. Nettle School. Haverhill School Committee member Paul A. Magliocchetti said the annual drive, spearheaded by West Congregational Church, works to determine where to make the biggest impact when choosing schools each year. “We have a close working relationship work with the superintendent and find out where there is the highest need. It was Nettle this year,” he explained. Magliochetti thanked volunteers led by West Church Youth Group Leader Gerry Roldan and Pastor Todd Becker.

Community Spotlight

Ozzie’s Kids Halloween Fundraiser Oct. 12

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Ozzie’s Kids plans a day of fun and fundraising during its Halloween Fundraiser Saturday, featuring Trunk or Treat, raffles, baked goods and more

The event for kids of all ages takes place Saturday, Oct. 12, with doors opening at 11 a.m., at the Elk’s Club, 24 Summer St., in Haverhill. Children’s tickets are $1 and adult tickets are $5. Trunk or Treat takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and costumes are encouraged. Afterwards, children can enjoy visits from familiar characters from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The bake sale features treats starting at 50 cents.

Election Central

Barrett Committee Plans ‘Fall Celebration’ Wednesday

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Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett plans a “Fall Celebration” Wednesday night in support of her re-election campaign. The fundraiser takes place Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 6-8 p.m., at Casa Blanca Mexican Cantina, 2 Essex St., Haverhill. Contributions are suggested in the range of $100 to $1,000 and may be made payable to Melinda Barrett Election Committee, 22 Littlefield Court, Haverhill. Donations may also be made online.

Education

Bradford Christian Academy Plans Open House Oct. 17 at New Upper School Location

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Bradford Christian Academy, which recently moved its Upper School to the campus of Northpoint Bible College and Seminary, plans an open house this month where it will showcase its expanded classes and high light programs.

The open house for the private Christian school takes place Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4-6 p.m., at Hasseltine Hall, 320 S. Main St. “We are thrilled to share this milestone with the Haverhill community,” said Head of School Victoria Kennedy. “Our new campus is designed to support a dynamic learning environment, and we look forward to welcoming guests to see how BCA is growing and contributing to the community.”

Refreshments will be provided and attendees are encouraged to bring any questions about BCA’s academic programs and student life. No reservation is required.

Haverhill

Expect More Rush Hour Delays Tuesday Morning as I-495 South Repairs Continue Near Ward Hill

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Southbound traffic along Interstate 495 is expected to remain sluggish Tuesday morning as work continues to repair a Ward Hill-area water main break. State transportation officials said the right lane and breakdown lane are expected to remain closed during rush hour traffic as the city completes repairs and lanes are resurfaced near the break. As 97.9 WHAV traffic reports advised drivers Monday morning, commuters were slowed just south of exit 106 in Haverhill and along secondary roads. State Police reported “significant pavement and roadbed damage,” described as a “sinkhole.”

The state advises those traveling through the affected area should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution.

Haverhill

Conservation Commission Hears Plan to Clean Former Haverhill Coal Gas Manufacturing Site

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The proposed spring cleanup of a downtown site once used to manufacture home heating, cooking and lighting gas will involve treating groundwater, capping and excavating, including within the adjacent Little River. The Haverhill Conservation Commission heard plans by Boston Gas Thursday to address more than 170 years of coal gas-related contamination at 284 Winter St., a site now occupied by a Haffner’s gasoline station. (For a history of coal gas manufacturing in Haverhill see WHAV’s “Haverhill’s Gilded Age Robber Barons: Haverhill Gas Light Co.”)

Billie Jo-Gauley, of Anchor QEA, design and engineering firm for the in-river portion of the site, said the goal of the is to “advance the site toward a permanent solution.” She said air will be pumped below groundwater, which would allow air above the groundwater that contains volatile compounds to be removed and treated. “The intent is to decrease the concentrations [of volatile compounds] in the subsurface,” she said. “This work will include the relocation of an electric line that’s located above a former (gas) holder that’s located on the site as well as some limited soil excavation to remove some hardened coal tar deposits,” she told commissioners.

Haverhill

To Address Shortage, Haverhill to Allow Civilian Flaggers on Road Work Sites

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The City Council last week gave its approval to allowing civilian traffic flaggers at area construction sites because of a shortage of uniformed help. Mayor Melinda E. Barrett explained the city has had difficulty filling detail positions on construction sites. She said allowing civilian help “is an effort to expand the pool of people to do flagging and keep traffic moving around job sites.” Police Chief Robert P. Pistone said the ordinance “speaks for itself.”

“As we know, there’s a lot of construction going on in the city between the bridge that will be coming on next year, the Lupoli building—drive around the city, there’s construction everywhere,” he said. “We’re, quite frankly, not even able to fill using retirees or out of town officers to fill all of the details.”

The ordinance gives police officers a first right of refusal. “If it’s not filled with them, through talking with the city solicitor, and we could put out an RFP [request for proposal] to some flagging companies and make sure they meet the provisions of this ordinance by way of training, insurance and liability and they would then hire flaggers,” he said.