The Haverhill City Council gave the green light last night to construction of a 290-unit apartment complex, on the Merrimack River across from the Bradford commuter rail station.

Key to the City Council’s support of the project by the Procopio Company of Lynnfield was a proposed nearly $2 million realignment and signalization of adjacent streets. The complex includes two five-story buildings and a 3.2-acre public park adjacent to the Comeau Bridge at the site of the former Ornsteen Heel Factory. It will also include land presently occupied by Skateland and an abandoned gas station.

Mayor James J. Fiorentini said the park, which will be gifted to the city after it is constructed, will turn what is now a blighted area into a welcoming entrance to Bradford.

“The waterfront park will provide a beautiful gateway to Bradford. It will be the first thing people will see when they enter Bradford and will give an incredible impression to people entering the city, or that area of the city. It will include a public playground, a walkway around the water, a rest area, benches, a new dog park,” he said, endorsing the project.

The park will also include a splash pad area for children, an amphitheater and a launch area for kayaks. The buildings will feature … [ FULL ARTICLE ]