Haverhill

Haverhill Councilors Green Light 7 Affordable Homes

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The Haverhill City Council Tuesday granted a special permit to Essex County Habitat for Humanity to convert a single-family home on upper Washington Street into three affordable homeowner units and add two duplex units to be sold to low-income residents. Members also approved a private developer’s plans to replace a dilapidated single-family home on the Merrimack River with three condominiums.

The city blessed the seven-unit, Washington Street, project last year when the Community Development Department approved $250,000 from the city’s federal HOME grant allocation towards the purchase. Community Development Division Director Andrew K. Herlihy endorsed the project. “I don’t come up here for every housing project, but I’m proud of this project. This project represents exactly the type of housing that we need.

Haverhill

Podcast: Woofstock’s Morgan Previews September Plans

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Haverhill’s Woofstock returns next month for its third year, and event organizer Cyndie Morgan says visitors can expect even more. Last year, Woofstock brought 1,100 people and 400 dogs. During a recent appearance on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, Morgan explained why she expects increased participation this year. “We know this year it’s absolutely going to be a higher number. I know for myself, personally, when I’m out in the community.

Haverhill

AHEPA Lends Lifelike Ben Franklin to Museum of Printing

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The Library of Congress calls Benjamin Franklin “the most accomplished printer in Colonial America” and it seems appropriate he’d have a place at Haverhill’s Museum of Printing during this semiquincentennial celebration year. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Acropolis Chapter 39 of Haverhill is lending the museum its three-dimensional hologram of Franklin, A signer of the United States Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, Franklin rose to fame 44 years earlier when he began printing “Poor Richard’s Almanack” in 1732. “This is a unique way to combine history with modern technology,” said E. Philip Brown, who developed the hologram presentation for AHEPA. “Benjamin Franklin was not only a founding father but also one of America’s greatest printers, making the Museum of Printing the perfect place for his holographic debut. We hope this is just the first of many stops as the exhibit travels throughout Haverhill during the 250th anniversary celebration.”

The hologram system was purchased by AHEPA Acropolis Chapter 39 as part of its efforts to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary.

Haverhill

Haverhill, Lawrence Receive Federal Grants to Aid Local Police

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Haverhill and Lawrence are among area cities to share in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. Congresswoman Lori Trahan said Wednesday Haverhill was awarded $39,354 to pay for upgraded Tasers and training, while Lawrence was awarded $43,500 to modernize its patrol technology. “Our police officers show up for us every day, and this funding helps us show up for them. Byrne JAG grants put real tools in the hands of local departments so officers can do their jobs as safely and efficiently as possible. That means safer communities for all of us to call home,” said Trahan.

Community Spotlight

Next Stargazing Night at Tattersall Farm Aug. 20

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The next opportunity to gaze at the heavens from Haverhill’s Tattersall Farm is coming up. Weather permitting, amateur astronomer Mike McDougal and other members of the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club will set up telescopes and help the public find planets, star clusters, binary stars, nebulae and faint galaxies. As it gets darker, Saturn, with its many moons, is expected to be easy to spot this time of year. Stargazing takes place Thursday, Aug. 20, beginning at 8:30 p.m., at the farm, 542 N. Broadway, Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Back-to-School: Haverhill Schools Collecting New and Used Clothing

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Haverhill Public Schools’ Family Resource Center is collecting new and used clothing to help students in need get ready for the new school year as part of its “Fits and Kicks Drive.”

In particular demand are new underwear, socks and sneakers in sizes for children in kindergarten through high school. Gently used and clean sweatshirts, hoodies, sweaters, sweatpants, coats, T-shirts and tops as well as used shoes and sneakers are also accepted. During August, a collection box is outside the Family Resource Center, 45 Fountain St., Haverhill. Those with questions may call Maria Maldonado Cruz at 978-420-1967 or email [email protected].

Haverhill

Healey Unwraps MassHealth Outreach Program in Haverhill Visit

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(Additional photographic gallery below.)

Gov. Maura Healey was in Haverhill Tuesday to launch an education campaign for residents, who already qualify for health insurance help, but face onerous paperwork to remain on MassHealth insurance after new federal rules go into effect. Healey, joined by physician and state Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MassHealth Assistant Secretary Ryan Schwarz and Health Care For All Executive Director Jennifer Lemmerman, explained President Donald Trump’s plan to downsize Medicaid was passed by Congress last year. “It cut a trillion dollars—one trillion dollars—from healthcare. Of course, they did, they called it ‘Big and Beautiful,’ because it basically was tax cuts for the wealthiest,” the governor said. Healey said a state awareness program, “Keep Your Coverage,” is aimed at people who still qualify for Medicaid—called MassHealth here—such as those who work in low paying jobs or are students over 26 that are paying their way through college.

Haverhill

Haverhill Council Debates Security vs. Surveillance Cameras

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With one vocal exception, Haverhill city councilors agreed Tuesday night the city’s Flock license plate readers are a valuable tool, but expressed worries about how data might be used. After 90 minutes of discussion before a standing room only crowd, councilors also agreed strict guidelines must be in place to prevent misuse of surveillance cameras. Members voted unanimously to ask City Solicitor Lisa L. Mead to draft an ordinance spelling out how cameras can be used and what guardrails are needed. They also voted to send the matter to the council’s Public Safety Committee for further study and debate. Similar to the technology used to collect highway tolls, Flock cameras have proliferated in recent years as a policing tool because they transmit the location of a specific vehicle in real time.