Vision Haverhill 2035, the guiding development document was written and adopted before the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, population growth was moderate, the economy was steady, and infrastructure capacity, although aging, was considered adequate.

However, the last several years have drastically changed our city:

Rapid Housing Growth: Dozens of new developments, multiple being large scale developments consisting of 200+ Units, have been approved and built, many without corresponding upgrades to schools, water lines, and roads.

Shifts in the Job Market: Post-pandemic work-from-home trends have changed commuting patterns, local spending habits, and housing demand.

Strained Infrastructure: Sidewalks, sewer systems, and waterworks are operating at or near maximum capacity.

Population Pressures: Our city’s population has grown faster than projected, with more young families moving in, increasing the strain on schools and public safety services.

Despite these changes, we are still making multimillion-dollar land use and development decisions based on outdated assumptions. Without updated information and a clear roadmap, we risk overbuilding, overspending, and losing the character that makes Haverhill unique.

A modernized Master Plan that:

- Uses real-time data to guide growth decisions.

- Balances housing and economic development with infrastructure capacity.

- Reflects resident priorities gathered through extensive public engagement.

- Protects green space, strengthens neighborhood identity, and supports local business districts.

Create a Master Plan Task Force within 90 days:

- Include residents from every ward, local business owners, educators, environmental experts, and community advocates.

- Ensure diversity of age, background, and profession for well-rounded decision-making. 

Citywide Engagement Campaign:

- Hold at least one listening session per ward within the first six months.

- Launch an online Master Plan portal for residents to submit feedback and track updates.

- Partner with Haverhill’s media outlets and community groups to reach underrepresented voices.

Comprehensive Data Update:

- Commission an independent infrastructure capacity study (roads, water, sewer, schools, police/fire readiness).

- Update housing market analysis to understand affordability trends and population projections.

- Assess environmental risks, including flood zones, traffic congestion, and green space loss.

Smart Growth Development Rules:

- Focus new growth in areas where utilities, roads, and public safety resources already exist.

- Protect green spaces, agricultural land, and sensitive environmental areas from overdevelopment.

Quarterly Progress Reports:

- Publish transparent, plain-language updates on the city website and in local papers.

- Hold public review sessions before finalizing the updated plan.