"It is vital to our city's welfare to keep consumer dollars in Haverhill rather than losing commerce to New Hampshire," says city planner Bill Pillsbury, who credits Fiorentini's leadership for addressing the roadblocks to bring retailers to the community—both literal and figurative.

Clumsy traffic patterns in Lafayette Square were modified, sidewalks were fixed, and the city is infusing required parking as well, but Pillsbury cites zoning ambiguities as one main reason retailers have shied away in recent years. The new changes downtown follow a previous zoning victory that has brought a surge of big-box retailers to Haverhill on Interstate 495. An onerous special permit needed for such development was the true impediment, explains Fiorentini, noting that Haverhill was "0-for-35" in having any retailers apply during the 35 years the ordinance was in place.

Since the permit has been revoked, Target, Lowe's and a B.J. Wholesale Club have been approved for large projects now underway in a cluster off Interstate 495. Now the city, which encompasses 37 square miles, is turning the attention inward. While concurring that New Hampshire's tax-free mien has kept some operations away, Fiorentini argues that many others such as clothing stores or restaurants are not impacted by that element, and says his administration is doing its best to lure such users. A Starbucks that just opened where an abandoned gas station was previously is one such victory for the city's retail base, he says.

Showcase Enterprises developer Lenny D'Orlando says he was lured to the Hillside Avenue property after being impressed by the city's vigor and vision. "In 21 years of developing commercial real estate, I've not had a better experience working with city hall," says D'Orlando, who praised Pillsbury and the building inspector for their aid through the permitting process. Although Family Dollar is the plaza's only tenant, D'Orlando is already making plans to add another 3,000-sf to the center.