City Council Approves Controversial Single Family Home Permit

In a recent city council meeting, members unanimously approved a motion to allow a special permit hearing for a new single-family home at 0 Stanley Drive, following a previous application that was denied in December 2023. The council's decision was based on significant changes to the new proposal, which was presented by attorney Russell Chan on behalf of applicant Dennis Soslovich.

The new application seeks to replace a previously proposed two-family home with a single-family residence, addressing concerns about density and compatibility with the neighborhood. The planning director and board recommended that the application be considered due to these material changes.

During the hearing, Chan highlighted that the new design includes measures to mitigate drainage issues that were raised in the earlier application. The proposed home will incorporate French drains and a rain garden to manage water runoff effectively. Soslovich, who has lived in Haverhill for over 35 years, expressed his intent to build a \"net zero\" home, emphasizing sustainability with features like solar panels and heat pumps.

Despite the support from several city departments and neighboring residents, concerns were raised by some community members regarding potential underground water issues at the site. One resident, Linda Downey, questioned the effectiveness of the proposed drainage solutions in addressing subterranean water flows. In response, both Soslovich and his engineer assured the council that the foundation would be above the groundwater level and that the drainage system was designed to handle surface runoff without impacting the existing groundwater.

The council ultimately voted in favor of the special permit, with all members present supporting the motion, indicating a strong consensus on the project's merits. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the necessary permits and construction plans, marking a significant step forward for the development on Stanley Drive.