Haverhill

Essex National Heritage Area Launches 25th Season of Trails & Sails

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Surrounded by local nonprofits and Revolutionary War reenactors—and with support from Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and other North Shore leaders—Essex National Heritage Area formally kicked off the 25th season of its Trails & Sails program on Tuesday. Trails & Sails takes place from Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 27, with free exhibits, lectures and events along the themes of “Essex County Revolution 250,” “Outdoor Explorations,” “Life by the Water” and “Stories We Share,” welcoming residents and visitors to discover the region’s history, culture and natural beauty. Events take place throughout the county with many nearby events scheduled in Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover.

Haverhill

Report Says ‘False Claims,’ Reduced Overtime, Rude Words Eroded Haverhill Police Morale

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An investigation, released Tuesday, into the Haverhill Police Department’s former chief and deputy found no significant policy violations, but appeared to back union member allegations of false comments and offensive conduct. Attorney Regina M. Ryan of Discrimination and Harassment Solutions was retained last October to study four allegations against now-retired former Police Chief Robert P. Pistone Jr. and Deputy Haverhill Police Chief Stephen J. Doherty Jr. The investigation was limited to “operations, policies and practices” of the two leaders, but not the separately investigated death of a civilian a little more than a year ago and sudden death of Patrolman Katelyn M. Tully last September. In its own statement Tuesday, the Haverhill Police Patrolmen’s Association said the report “…reinforces our belief and knowledge. That these individuals, Pistone and Doherty, were not fit to serve in leadership roles or represent our community. We will not recognize their former ranks.”

Ryan said in a heavily redacted report that Pistone chose not to participate in her investigation, but Doherty cooperated and defended his conduct.

Gigliotti

Haverhill Settles with Deputy Chief Doherty; Review Finds Judgment Lapses

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Deputy Haverhill Police Chief Stephen J. Doherty Jr. will voluntarily leave the department next spring after reaching agreement with the city. The agreement and investigation findings were released Tuesday by Mayor Melinda E. Barrett after more than a year of department turmoil that last October saw three police chiefs in a week. Doherty signed the agreement July 17 and Barrett July 27 and it calls for Doherty to continue taking his regular salary of $4,566 a week through next March. The deputy will then receive $171,879 in various sick and vacation pay buybacks, time due and other contractual leaves. Of that amount, the city will deduct $55,704 for “valid setoff” under state wage law.

Haverhill

Haverhill B&B Proposal Stalls After Neighbor’s Zoning Discovery

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The applicant requesting permission to open a bed & breakfast in a renovated Victorian on East Broadway faces a new hurdle—either live there or get a zoning variance. City Solicitor Lisa L. Mead told the Haverhill City Council in a letter the proposal by Maryam Salehi-Ala-Yamin for 421 E. Broadway that she live next door does not meet the city’s current zoning standard. Mead wrote, “. . .the owner must literally occupy the home where the rooms are being let.” Otherwise, she would be operating a hotel, Mead noted, adding hotels are not permitted in a rural residential zone.

Community Spotlight

Emmaus Cycle for Shelter Readies for 38th Annual Ride

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Emmaus is getting ready for September’s 38th Annual Cycle for Shelter, a tradition where cyclists raised more than $2.4 million to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Cycle for Shelter, one of the region’s longest-running charity cycling events, traces its roots back to Emmaus founding Executive Director Tom Bentley, His original 1,200-mile bicycle journey from Georgia to Massachusetts inspired it after visiting more than 100 organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. Participants can choose from several ride options, including 100-mile, 62-mile, 35-mile and 15-mile routes; virtual ride; and the new 5K Emmaus Family Ride, adding a more accessible option for riders of all ages. The ride begins and ends at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, where participants and volunteers will gather afterward for a complimentary barbecue, live music, lawn games, wellness activities and a craft beer garden for guests 21 and older. “Each scenic route showcases the beauty of northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, with fully stocked rest stops, route support and mechanical assistance provided throughout the day to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” organizers said.

Business Bulletin

Riverbend Merrimack Valley Selects Boyack as CEO

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Evan Boyack Tuesday joined Riverbend Merrimack Valley, which operates Riverbend Bradford House and Ray of Light Recovery Café in Haverhill, as its chief executive officer. Boyack succeeds Michael Reinke, who stepped down. During his tenure, a statement said, the organization expanded services, strengthened its financial position and advanced its mission. Reinke is transitioning to full-time ministry, where he will serve as an Episcopal priest in Connecticut. “Evan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and commitment to Riverbend’s mission,” said Louise Griffin, chair of the Riverbend board of directors.

Haverhill

Donnelly Moves up to Sergeant in Haverhill Police Force

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(Additional photograph below.)

Nicole Donnelly, a 14-year veteran of the Haverhill Police Department, was promoted to sergeant in a City Hall ceremony Monday morning. With her father, sisters, three children and other family members and friends looking on, Donnelly took the oath of office as administered by Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright Esposito. Haverhill Police Chief Wayne J. Tracy recalled when Donnelly joined the department as a patrol officer June 1, 2012, and how she has matured in the position. “It’s been fun to watch her grow over the years. One good thing about Nicole is I know that she cares about people deeply, including the people in this room and the people in this department.

Haverhill

City Councilors to Revisit Proposed Bed and Breakfast at Tuesday Meeting

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Haverhill city councilors continue deliberating during a public hearing Tuesday night whether to allow a proposal to turn a single-family home in a rural zone into a four-unit bed-and-breakfast business. Maryam Salehi-ala-Yamin initially proposed to operate the small inn in the renovated Victorian she owns at 421 E. Broadway as well as host small weddings, tea parties, baby showers and cooking classes there. When the council took up the issue at the end of June, however, her abutting neighbor objected to potential noise and added traffic that would be generated by regular outdoor parties. Salehi-ala-Yamin, who lives next door, was asked by councilors to return with a more modest proposal. The plan, which requires a special permit from the Council, prompted several dozen letters and petitions from neighbors who either object or support the idea.