Opposition to the Proposed Riverbend Recovery Facility at 11

Kingsbury Avenue

To: The Mayor, Haverhill City Council, Haverhill Planning Board, and the City Solicitor

From: Concerned Residents and Property Owners of Haverhill, Massachusetts

Subject: Formal Opposition to the Proposed 24-Bed Men’s Substance Use and Mental Health

Treatment Facility (“Bradford House”) at 11 Kingsbury Avenue, Haverhill, MA

We, the undersigned residents and members of the Haverhill community, hereby submit this formal petition to oppose the establishment and operation of the proposed Riverbend Recovery residential treatment facility located at 11 Kingsbury Avenue, Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Background

Riverbend Recovery has announced its intent to open a 24-bed, men-only residential treatment facility

for individuals 24 years and older with both substance use disorders and moderate to severe mental health disorders.

The proposed location is:

• Directly across the street from Bradford Christian Academy

• Less than 0.6 miles from C.D. Hunking Middle School

both of which serve minors and families and are along a common pedestrian route used by students.

Grounds for Opposition

We, the undersigned, believe that locating this facility at 11 Kingsbury Avenue is not in the best interest of public safety, community welfare, or neighborhood integrity. Our objections include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Proximity to Schools and Child-Focused Areas: The location is within immediate walking distance of two schools and commonly used pedestrian routes by minors, raising serious safety, supervision, and appropriateness concerns.

2. Zoning and Land Use Compatibility: The proposed use represents an intensive institutional operation inconsistent with the surrounding residential zoning and character of the neighborhood.

3. Lack of Community Input: Residents were not given adequate notice or opportunity to participate in discussions or hearings regarding this facility. Any such decision must include public hearings and transparent review.

4. Adverse Impact on Property Values and Neighborhood Stability: Similar facilities in residential zones have demonstrated measurable negative effects on property values and overall community cohesion.

5. Public Safety and Infrastructure Concerns: The operation of a 24-bed adult treatment program ina quiet residential neighborhood presents increased risks related to traffic, emergency response, and security that have not been adequately addressed.

Request for Action

We respectfully request that the City of Haverhill:

1. Deny or revoke any permits, licenses, or zoning approvals related to the proposed facility;

2. Conduct a full public hearing to ensure community participation and input;

3. Evaluate compliance with the Dover Amendment (M.G.L. c. 40A, §3) to ensure it is not being misapplied;

4. Consider alternative locations for such facilities in appropriately zoned or less sensitive areas.

Petition Declaration

We, the undersigned community members, hereby declare our formal opposition to the proposed Riverbend Recovery facility at 11 Kingsbury Avenue and request immediate action to prevent its establishment or operation at this location without full community review and consent.