Mayor Bettencourt gave his periodic update on the city of Peabody and process on the latest projects during his latest episode of State of the City.
Central Street Project
The first project the Mayor discussed was Central Street, right off Peabody Square. Peabody is eligible to receive nearly 10 million dollars from both state and federal funds to rebuild the area, which you can hear more about in the Mayor’s Inauguration address. The Mayor said, “the purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow, accessibility, the appliance of the area, and most importantly the safety and quality of life for tens of thousands of Peabody residents.
According to the Peabody Police Department, there were a total of 259 crashes on Central Street at Walnut Street/Railroad Avenue, 100 from Warren Street to Water Street, and 101 occurring at Wilson Square from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. Mass DOT published a detailed analysis on the area, which you can read here.
Route 1 Water Quality & Drainage
Also mentioned in the Mayor’s inaugural address was the quality of water and drainage to residents living near Route 1. The current 6-inch water mains will be replaced with 12-inch, which should alleviate the low water pressure issues.
Senior Center Expansion
Also coming this year is the expansion of the Peter Torigian Senior Center, which will provide more classroom space for the participants.
Crystal Lake
Phase 1 of the Crystal Lake restoration and beautification project is finally complete. 50,000 cubic yards of sediment was removed from the lake, restoring the water to its natural flow and clarity. Phase 2 will begin this spring, which will include a fishing/boating dock, fountain, paddle boats, picnic tables, and more.
Fiber Loop
The city of Peabody and Peabody Municipal Light Plant have officially partnered up on a long-term plan to design and construct a high-speed fiber loop, which you can read more about here.
“James Rice Memorial Fields” at Higgins
The new fields at the Higgins are expected to open later this year in memory of fallen Peabody firefighter, James Rice, who passed in December 2011 while battling a three-alarm fire.
Peabody High School Renovation
The high school recently got a new roof, updates to the auditorium, and a new floor surface in the gymnasium.
Science & Technology in the Schools
Mayor Bettencourt also discussed the city’s plan to get all students equipped with Chromebooks. Currently all 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders have Chromebooks. The Mayor explained how the program expanded to include 10th graders this year, and as well as the future plans for Juniors and Seniors. By next fall, all elementary schools will be equipped with Chromebook carts.
Public Safety
Peabody’s fire department was able to add additional fire fighters, which allows each of the five fire stations to have a minimum of three firefighters on duty.
Peabody’s police department was awarded accreditation status by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission for the 7th consecutive assessment.
Peabody was also among the top 30 safest cities in America according to Safehome.org and for the 5th consecutive year Peabody was named a Playful City USA.
Peabody Dog Park
The Peabody dog park will open this year on Perkins Street.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns for the Mayor, please contact his office at 978-538-5700 or email him at mayor@peabody-ma.gov.