290-unit riverfront complex coming to Haverhill

Development with apartments, businesses, park approved

HAVERHILL — The City Council has approved the biggest riverfront housing development in Haverhill’s history.

The $100 million project planned by the Procopio Companies of Lynnfield will transform the long-vacant Ornsteen Heel factory property in Bradford into a 290-unit apartment complex with a variety of amenities, including a spacious public park with an amphitheater.

The council approved the project this week by an 8-1 margin, with Council President Melinda Barrett casting the lone dissenting vote. Barrett, who lives in Bradford, said she could not support the development because it would cause parking and other problems for Bradford residents.

During a public hearing on a request for a special permit for the Procopio Companies, Mayor James Fiorentini called the project “easily the best proposal we’ve had in 20 years.” He said it will create a “beautiful waterfront park” for public use.

Fiorentini said the park, which will be next to the southern end of Comeau Bridge, was made possible because the developer has an agreement to buy the Skateland roller … [ FULL ARTICLE ]