Urban Renewal Reunion In the Works 
WHAV’s Open Mike Show Listeners Mourn Lost Downtown

By Tim Coco
President and General Manager (volunteer)

During the last few weeks, the aftermath of Haverhill’s ill-fated urban renewal projects has become a recurring theme during the Open Mike Show (Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)

Listener Brian recalls the orange spray-painted “HHA” letters on dozens of condemned homes and businesses. HHA stood for the Haverhill Housing Authority—the agency responsible by law for carrying out the demolition. Tom Thornton, on the program to discuss financial planning, noted he and his father were hired to appraise the buildings before they were taken by eminent domain. Listener Dave talked about living on Carleton Court—a street that has been ripped from the map. Even Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini called the program to reminisce about how his law firm was forced to leave the Grad Building on Merrimack Street when that building’s days became numbered.

Lost & Found: Revisiting Urban Renewal

It isn’t normally possible to turn the clock back 40 or more years, but a slightly better than imaginary reconstruction is in the works at WHAV. This would likely involve trolley and walking tours, street signs where thoroughfares no longer exist, a luncheon reunion of residents and businesses displaced by the wrecking ball and a symposium with photography exhibit.

As early as the late 1950s, the city of Haverhill sought Federal approval of plans to eliminate “blight” and “slums” from its downtown. On Oct. 22, 1963, the Haverhill City Council sealed the fate of 96 buildings and 156 residents from Main Street east to Mill Street and the Merrimack River north to today’s upper boundary of the James P. Ginty Boulevard. The then-$2.8 million Pentucket Urban Renewal Project was born.

Originally, the corner of Main and Summer Streets east to Stage Street, was to be spared the wrecking ball. This block contained the stately home of the Pentucket Club and the old Haverhill Public Library. However, at the request of the library and Haverhill District Court, the 1965 Civic Center Amendment expanded the scope of the demolition area, adding about $1 million to the cost. The following January, a Summer Street tenement became the first victim of urban renewal.

That was only the beginning.

Even though there were signs the Pentucket Urban Renewal Project was failing, the Haverhill City Council and Planning Board approved the estimated $12 million Merrimack Street Urban Renewal Project in June, 1969. With few exceptions, everything between Main Street west to Emerson Street and from the Merrimack River north to today’s Welcome Street would be destroyed.

Those original exceptions included Merrimack Valley National Bank (today’s Gleason Law Offices), Haverhill Boys Club, Haverhill National Bank (Bank of America), Haverhill Gazette Co. (now a parking lot), Haverhill Savings Bank (TD Bank), Pentucket Bank, Woolworth’s department store and today’s Salvation Army Thrift Store. As the Merrimack Street Urban Renewal Project ran out of money, other buildings would be spared including the old WHAV studios on How Street.

Many Streets Would be Vacated

Merrimack Street Urban Renewal Project
Spring
Pecker (between May and Bailey)
How (between May and Bailey)
Garden Court
Bragg Court
City Hall Court
Court Street
Fleet Street
Pecker (between Bailey and Merrimack)
Sturgis Place
Chase Lane
Merrimack Place
Saltonstall Court
Mechanics Court
Pecker Street Court
Masonic Court
Academy Court
Hazeltine Court
Crescent Place

Pentucket Urban Renewal Project
Vestry Street
Stage (portion)
Cross Street
Plummer Street
Green Street (portion)
Moore Street (portion)
Kent Street (portion)
Carleton Court
Lindel Street (portion)
Gardner Street
School Street (portion)
Came Avenue (portion)

Lost & Found: Revisiting Urban Renewal (working title) would serve as a fundraising event for nonprofit WHAV. No date has been set for the reunion, but those interested in participating or volunteering may tune in to the Open Mike Show from 6:30 to 8:30, Monday night, or call (978) 374-2111.

Become a WHAV Member
Support Independent, Community Radio With a $25 Pledge

When you support not-for-profit WHAV, you ensure the community always receives accurate, independent and objective news reporting. A free media is vital for the functioning of democracy.

Your annual donation of $25 or more makes you a member of WHAV and you are entitled to the benefits outlined below. Additional donations during year will accrue and count toward higher levels of benefits. You will automatically be notified when you reach a higher benefit level. If you have already contributed, thank you and spread the word.

To join, or receive more information, click here. A contribution form also appears at the bottom of this page. Business sponsorships remain available here.