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A seven-year campaign to create and open the Cogswell ArtSpace could come closer to reality if a request from Haverhill City Council is approved by Mayor James J. Fiorentini.
The request came in the form of a motion from Councilor Timothy J. Jordan at last week’s council meeting to donate $ 125,000 to Creative Haverhill, who bought the former George F. Cogswell school. at 351 South Main St., Bradford, two years ago with plans to transform it into a community art space for the youth and adult population of Grand Haverhill.
Erin Padilla of Creative Haverhill addressed the city council, explaining how the group managed to raise $ 2.1 million to achieve this goal without any contribution from the city.
“Creative Haverhill has worked tirelessly to keep the city budget down and has not asked for financial support from the city. Instead, we have worked very hard to find significant funds through a state-supported program, â€she said.
The $ 125,000 would come from US federal bailout law. Haverhill is receiving $ 37.4 million from this plan and, last June, the Council allocated $ 500,000 of that money to local nonprofits to help with youth activities, mental health services and community support. substance addiction.
Jordan’s motion asking the mayor to approve the disbursement of the money was passed by an 8-1 vote, with Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua opposed, saying he would prefer not to have an amount in. dollars attached to the request in case other priorities arise.
In unrelated action, the council also voted unanimously to waive the Town Hall auditorium rental fee of $ 860 for Pentucket players.
Angelica Jeffreys, president of Pentucket Players, requested the waiver explaining that due to COVID-19, the cast of actors was unable to perform and could therefore use the money. She noted that the group had already contributed to the maintenance of the auditorium, including helping to replace the lighting.
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