Beacon Hill News

Sen. Finegold to Address Business Trade Group on $4 Billion Mass Leads Act

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Sen. Barry R. Finegold is taking part in a discussion today on the recent $4 billion economic development law he helped shepherd through the legislature. Finegold, chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao address members of NAIOP Massachusetts, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. The forum will be moderated by NAIOP CEO Tamara Small about what has become known as the Mass Leads Act. The legislation, signed into law Nov. 20, is focused on job creation, supporting business growth, expanding workforce development programs and supporting regional economic development initiatives.

Business Bulletin

Atkinson, N.H., Trail System Gets Boost from Pentucket Bank Charitable Foundation

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The Atkinson Conservation Commission will create an accessible trail system in Atkinson, N.H., thanks to help from the Pentucket Bank Charitable Foundation. Pentucket Bank Charitable Foundation donated $10,000 to support the necessary infrastructure for the project, which aims to provide greater outdoor access to residents of all abilities and foster community engagement with nature. “Protecting the environment is a crucial responsibility,” said Pentucket Bank President and CEO Steve Jaskelevicus. He added, “By supporting the Atkinson Conservation Commission, we are investing in the future of our planet and ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from its natural beauty.”

The trail project will be a collaborative effort with partners including the Recreation Department, Elder Services, UNH Cooperative Extension, Kimi Nichols Center, youth groups and local schools.

Beacon Hill News

Auditor DiZoglio Says Senate Democrats are Breaking the Law with Audit Response

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By Alison Kuznitz

The group of Senate Democrats tasked with handling Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s quest to probe the legislature agreed Monday to meet with her office. While senators said they are looking for “prompt and constructive engagement,” DiZoglio said the response to her audit launch is the latest example of lawmakers “breaking the law.”

In a five-page letter responding to DiZoglio’s repeated outreach, subcommittee chair Sen. Cindy Friedman and Sens. Will Brownsberger, Jo Comerford and Paul Feeney proposed three possible times to meet on either Jan. 29 or Jan. 30.

Business Bulletin

Commuter Improvements Focus of Haverhill Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast

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Merrimack Valley Transit’s Noah Berger, administrator, and Christina Minicucci, development director, are scheduled to address members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce tomorrow during the monthly Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast. Berger and Minicucci will discuss “new developments in our local transit system.”

The discussion takes place Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 7:30-9 a.m., Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., third floor, Haverhill. Admission is $25 each for Haverhill Chamber members and $35 each for non-members and includes breakfast. Reserve online at HaverhillChamber.com or by calling 978-373-5663.

Crime

UTEC Among Those Receiving State Grants to Help Reduce Repeat Offenses by Those Leaving Prison

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The Essex County Sheriff’s Department was among those recently awarded state Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative grants to reduce repeat offenses and improve outcomes of people aged 18 to 25 who are leaving prison. Chelsea-based Roca was awarded $1.6 million to provide programs for the prison and probations operations of the Sheriff’s Departments of Essex, Hampden and Suffolk counties, while UTEC—which operates in Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell—was awarded $1.2 million for prisons operated by the Sherriff’s Departments in Essex and Middlesex counties. According to the state, programs partner with the departments to deliver pre- and post-release services. “Quality reentry programs are essential to preventing recidivism and improving outcomes for young adults. The Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative combines evidence-based programming with ongoing technical assistance and strong collaboration between partner agencies and service providers.

Region

Updated: Dive Team Recovers Body of 56-Year-Old Woman Who Fell Through Ice in Atkinson

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Editor’s note: WHAV cautions listeners and readers to listen and look for the names of official sources when following social media posts and even some other news organizations. Absent attribution, first reports are often no more than rumors or speculation. WHAV takes care to obtain trustworthy information and name official, reputable and reliable sources. Online comments are often erroneous and initial first responder communications are subject to on-scene verification. The body of a 56-year-old Atkinson, N.H., woman was recovered Sunday morning from Big Island Pond by a New Hampshire Fish and Game dive team after a search and rescue operation.

Business Bulletin

Lennon Joins Merrimack Valley Planning Commission as Environmental Program Manager

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Former Amesbury City Councilor Adrienne D. Lennon was recently named environmental program manager at Haverhill-based Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. According to the quasi-public agency’s latest newsletter, Lennon leads a team of talented specialists in the technical service areas of environment, land use, climate and clean energy planning. “She is an experienced public administrator and environmental planner, centering her practice around ecological climate resilience, community engagement and how to reconnect people and nature. Her background in environmental regulations and policy development, natural resource assessments and land management, and climate impact and carbon reduction strategies bring a holistic view of regional planning to the Environmental Program.”

Previously, Lennon worked as an environmental scientist and project manager at a New England-based architectural, engineering and construction firm serving public and private clients. She is also a former Gloucester conservation agent and Amesbury conservation commissioner.

Region

District Attorney Names 66-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed in Lawrence Crash

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Essex County District Attorney’s office Thursday released the name of a 66-year-old man who was struck and killed by two cars while crossing a Lawrence street Tuesday night. Luis Zamora Gonzalez of Lawrence was struck by both a 2014 Buick Enclave and 2018 Infinity QX30, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker’s office. Lawrence Police and Fire and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene where Zamora Gonzalez was pronounced dead. “Our sincere condolences are with the family of Luis Zamora Gonzalez,” said Tucker. “We hope that they may find strength in community during this very difficult time.”

The incident took place Tuesday at about 9:08 p.m., while Zamora Gonzalez was crossing Broadway in Lawrence near a fast-food restaurant.