HAVERHILL — The Haverhill City Council unanimously approved a special permit on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, allowing Mariam’s Cottage to operate as a family-run bed-and-breakfast at 421 East Broadway and host gatherings of up to 30 guests.
The council voted 11-0 to approve the project with seven conditions following an extended public hearing that included arguments from supporters and opponents.
Owner Maryam Salehi-Ala-Yamin had originally sought permission to host small weddings and similar outdoor events of up to 50 guests in conjunction with overnight stays at the property, which is located in the city’s Rural Residential zoning district.
The proposal was revised following concerns raised during earlier proceedings. Under the conditions approved on Sept. 22, gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 30 guests and take place primarily inside the building or on its porch. Bands and DJs are prohibited, events must comply with the city’s noise ordinance, and gatherings are limited to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an exception for use of the property by overnight guests.
The conditions also prohibit tents requiring a city permit, require additional screening panels to be installed between the property and neighboring 419 East Broadway, and require Salehi-Ala-Yamin to pay for road signs addressing the speed limit and curve on East Broadway. Owner occupancy was added as a seventh condition.
During the meeting, Salehi-Ala-Yamin’s attorney, Donald Borenstein, told the council the revised proposal was intended to address concerns raised by neighbors and councilors. He said the applicant had agreed to restrictions including eliminating DJs and live music and limiting the hours of operation.
Some nearby residents continued to oppose the proposal. During the public hearing, Kathleen McCormick, who said she lives at 455 East Broadway, raised concerns about traffic, the residential character of the neighborhood, and the effect of 30-person events.
“Doing events with 30 people is not appropriate for this location,” McCormick said.
Councilor-at-Large Thomas Sullivan supported keeping the 30-person limit rather than reducing it further.
“I think 30 is a reasonable number,” Councilor Sullivan said. “I think 12 will just kill the whole project.”
Ward 1 Councilor Ralph Basiliere said the changes made to the proposal played a significant role in his support.
“These concessions, again, I’m going to say it for the third time, are a huge deal tonight,” Councilor Basiliere said.
The council first voted 11-0 to approve the seven conditions before separately voting 11-0 to approve the entire project with those conditions.
