METHUEN — Gov. Maura Healey visited the area Monday evening, talking about youth development, then later speaking in front of business leaders.
After appearing at the site of what will be Methuen’s first ever dedicated Youth Center — at a current administrative building, 10 Ditson Place — Healey struck out for Haverhill where she gave the keynote address to the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce at Michael’s Function Hall, 12 Alpha St.
In Methuen, Healey was joined by former State Rep., Senator and current State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. DiZoglio is credited with securing a $1.5 million earmark that will likely go directly to retrofitting the aging building that currently houses school and city offices, but will soon provide an outlet for the city’s youth.
Together, the pair, alongside local officials, took a tour of the historic building and the empty floor that will house the Youth Center.
“There is nothing more important that we can do than invest in kids,” said Healey. “Youth Centers provide spaces for kids to feel a sense of belonging, maybe to try out things they are otherwise not getting in the classroom.”
School officials remarked that the district is always trying to find other extracurricular activities to offer kids beyond sports.
The top floor of the building will house the center, which will be run by a local nonprofit.
Last month, the Methuen City Council approved a 10-year lease with the Leadership and Literacy Foundation, an education-focused nonprofit also known as the Inspirational Ones. Instead of paying rent, the group will instead pay for repairs, at least $500,000 worth, according to the terms of the lease. City Councilors have said it will likely cost more than that to get the building up to shape for students.
Founder of the nonprofit Susan Leger Ferraro said she saw opportunity in the location despite the age of the building.
“That’s nothing, this is a gift,” she said.
The center will offer something different than both the public school district and the local YMCA, according to school officials. The center will focus on helping older students choose and develop interests. Additionally, the district hopes in the long term the building can house a career development program.
“It’s great to be with the people of Methuen who are bringing this to light,” said Healey.
In the lower bowels of the building, the group visited the gymnasium and later passed an icebox.
DiZoglio said that, when asked in a survey what they would like to see from a Youth Center, kids said they wanted to take more culinary arts classes.
In Haverhill, Healey addressed a crowd of many city officials and stakeholders.
The ceremony included an award ceremony that recognized Dr. Abha Agrawal of Lawrence General Hospital, Mark Alaimo of LCW CPA’s, and Salvatore Lupoli of Lupoli Companies for their work in the past year.
Reporter Jonah Frangiosa contributed to this story.