Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

August 20, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

City Moving Ahead to Improve Inner-City Sidewalks

HAVERHILL- Mayor James J. Fiorentini today joined an inspection crew from the City and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) on Garfield Street. These workers are categorizing, compiling and prioritizing an inventory of conditions of sidewalks, curbs and trees in the Community Development target area of the City, which comprises most of the inner city of Haverhill and other working-class neighborhoods. This work is being funded by the City through federal funds it receives through the Community Development Block Grant program.

This field work is being undertaken by interns of the MVPC who have been reviewing conditions on a street by street basis, with the help of computerized technology.

“This effort will help us allocate taxpayer dollars to the most critical streets that need sidewalk repair or installation,” noted the Mayor. “Many of these streets have not seen significant investment in sidewalks,trees or curbing since the 1930s. With the help of MVPC and City Public Works staff, we will use thesefindings to focus our efforts on the most neglected areas,” added the Mayor. "

“I intend to ensure that our working class neighborhoods have an improved appearance and the quality of life and safety benefits that are found on streets with good sidewalks, street trees and curbing,” addedthe Mayor.

Mayor Fiorentini reviews a sidewalk inventory map on Garfield Street with (l-r) Michael Stankovich, City DPW Director, and officials and staff from the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.

The Mayor thanked MVPC and Director Dennis DiZoglio for their efforts, which mirrors similar pavement management inventories that were undertaken on roadway conditions last year.

“This is another example of my administration bringing technology to government,” added the Mayor.