Haverhill council accepts donated lots, approves easements tied to Little River dam removal and landfill closure

The Haverhill City Council on Oct. 21 approved a package of land and easement actions that the mayor said are steps in longer infrastructure and open‑space projects.

Council accepted a gift from the Kissel family of three small parcels on Guile Street (Map 671, Block 602, Lots 7A, 8A and 9A). The mayor said the family had been paying the small property taxes on the lots and elected to donate them to the city.

Separately, the council authorized easements with private property owners and contractors related to the Little River Dam removal project. The mayor described the action as a procedural step that will permit construction of a park and walkway area and noted that dam removal has been in the city’s planning discussions for several years.

Council also approved acquisition of a permanent easement from Massachusetts Electric Company needed for the Northern Mound landfill closure project. That measure required and received a two‑thirds vote. City staff said the easement connects access and monitoring between the existing Southern Mound (which already has a cap and solar panels) and the Northern Mound; the project will include environmental monitoring and plans showed athletic fields on the capped Northern Mound once construction is complete. DPW staff indicated an 18‑month construction window once work begins; council and staff said further steps and permits will follow in coming months.

All measures were presented as steps in long‑running efforts to address flood risk, landfill closure obligations and future recreational uses.