Historian says Haverhill mayor tossed him from commission because they spar over city's hot issue - development (Massachusetts)
It is the issue that defined this year's election - development that is changing the face of several parts of the city and, according to some local historians, threatening preservation of Haverhill's past.
Now the issue is playing a role in Mayor James Fiorentini's decision to oust a member of the city's Historical Commission, that member said.
Thomas Spitalere said he believes his support for a local law that would force developers to wait up to a year before demolishing historical buildings - a so-called "demolition delay ordinance" - was a key factor in his ouster from the commission.
"I made some noise with the scenic roads and demolition delay ordinances, but only after the Essex National Heritage Commission said Haverhill should have both to protect its history," Spitalere said. "So as chairman, I took it upon myself to do the legwork to put together proposals for both."
Spitalere, 31, who lives in Methuen but has worked part time at the city's Buttonwoods Museum on Water Street for more than a decade, has been notified by Fiorentini that he would not be reappointed to the commission because of a new ordinance requiring that members live in Haverhill.
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Now the issue is playing a role in Mayor James Fiorentini's decision to oust a member of the city's Historical Commission, that member said.
Thomas Spitalere said he believes his support for a local law that would force developers to wait up to a year before demolishing historical buildings - a so-called "demolition delay ordinance" - was a key factor in his ouster from the commission.
"I made some noise with the scenic roads and demolition delay ordinances, but only after the Essex National Heritage Commission said Haverhill should have both to protect its history," Spitalere said. "So as chairman, I took it upon myself to do the legwork to put together proposals for both."
Spitalere, 31, who lives in Methuen but has worked part time at the city's Buttonwoods Museum on Water Street for more than a decade, has been notified by Fiorentini that he would not be reappointed to the commission because of a new ordinance requiring that members live in Haverhill.