By: Rep. Estela Reyes – 9/24
The end of August signals that the seasons are about to change. Before the cool air blows in, I want to reminisce on the hot and busy August we had here in the 4th Essex District.
One major piece of news from this month is the new ownership of the Holy Family Hospitals in both Methuen and Haverhill. The fate of these hospitals has been an ongoing stressor for many in the community.
Steward Healthcare’s careless ownership has thrown hospitals across Massachusetts and the globe into a frantic search for a new owner. I am pleased to announce that Holy Family Methuen and Haverhill were taken up by Lawrence General Hospital. In the last days of August, their bid on the hospitals was finalized by the State.
A new chapter is just beginning for these local health centers. I have worked for many hours and had long conversations with Representative Frank Moran, Lawrence General CEO Abha Agrawal and their team, and Governor Healey and her team in order to secure this acquisition of Holy Family by LGH. It was several months ago that local and federal elected officials toured the Holy Family locations and saw firsthand the consequences of careless ownership. I am more than confident in the LGH team in their ability to see these locations thrive, for their healthcare workers and for their patients.
It is unfortunate that not all hospitals across the state have been able to be successfully transferred to a new owner. I, alongside the Merrimack Valley delegation, take great pride in this purchase agreement and will continue to see that the needs of our constituents are met.
With the Formal Session being wrapped up, it has allowed the delegation more time to be in our community. Local offices recently toured three contaminated sites in Lawrence. Thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Grant program, and Congresswoman Lori Trahan’s advocacy for our community, Lawrence has been allocated $1.5 million to clean up these sites. Over the next couple of years, we will see these sites redeveloped into safe community parks and clean spaces.
The three sites which will get the redevelopment are: Bennington Triangle, Florence Street Garage, and Anchor Automotive Yard. Bennington Triangle was formerly a gas station, and has been inspected for the exposure to gas in the soil. Florence Street Garage is often and illegally used as a dump site. Anchor Automotive Yard has hazards which can pose a risk to those who pass through.
It is long overdue that we clean these spaces up. Future generations will know a city with clean and welcoming green spaces.
Lastly in August, I would like to acknowledge National Night Out. National Night Out is a summer event of community building through games, food and music. Thank you to all of the neighborhoods which came together to celebrate.
I wish you all a happy beginning to a new school year, and a cooler month to come. As always, thank you for your time reading this month’s entry. Please reach out to me at estela.reyes@mahouse.gov or my staff laura.byman@mahouse.gov with any questions, comments, or concerns. ◊