The square is presently wasted, mostly unused space. It needs a major redesign - one focused on bringing people back to this section of the downtown.

The Dempsey boardwalk and Bradford Rail Trail will open to more public use this spring. What better time to promote our downtown as a walking and bicycling hub. We need more bike racks and pedestrian stopping points (with signs about Haverhill's too often neglected history as well as a listing of upcoming events) and other points of interest with food and drink options publicized along the way. Make these public spaces reflect a lively downtown scene instead of just allowing these spaces to be underutilized and neglected over time.

More trees and green space. 

 

Bike lanes. Bike racks. 

 

Self-guided tours of the Washington Street Historic District with historic markers throughout the district.

 

Community run, non-profit bookstore and movie house.

 

Regular outdoor food festivals

 

Local restaurant week

 

More housing along the river

 

Promote green energy in all new downtown development 

 

Arts space with artist resident housing

 

Implement/support downtown culinary arts program currently under study at NECC

 

Temporary tax breaks for new commercial businesses in the downtown. 

Pedestrians are drawn to attractive spaces. The limited green space in the downtown should be beautifully maintained. Give it night lighting. The area around Dale Rogers' statue in Washington Square needs the attention of a landscape designer. Ditto for Columbus Park. Both areas could offer free wifi and spaces to plug in electronic devices. 

 

The areas behind the Tap look neglected. Businesses might/should adopt the downtown mini-parks and make them look beautiful 365 days a year.  

 

More public art downtown.