Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr., announced his intention to run for reelection this fall, citing several transformative projects that will help shape the city’s future.
“Together we’re making great progress on some truly pivotal projects, from construction of our new public safety headquarters, to rebuilding Central Street, and laying the groundwork for our new high school,” Bettencourt said. “I’m running for another term to keep Peabody moving forward.”
Construction of Peabody’s new public safety headquarters is well underway. Located in an area adjacent to Higgins Middle School, this state-of-the-art complex will serve as the administrative headquarters for the Peabody Police Department, the Peabody Fire Department, and Emergency Management Services.
“Having the three public safety agencies working together under one roof will be invaluable, particularly in the event of a city-wide weather or other emergency scenario,” Bettencourt said. “The new building will be more open and accessible to Peabody taxpayers, and I’m happy to report that we are on track to meet our goal of opening it by the end of next year.”
The Central Street Improvement Project is also underway, utilizing $20 million in state and federal funds to completely rebuild that corridor, which sees some 70,000 vehicles pass through it each day. The project includes a new road surface, sidewalks and curbs, crosswalks, traffic signals, and modern design amenities. It will greatly improve downtown traffic flow, accessibility, and the safety and quality of life of countless Peabody residents and business owners.
The city is partnering with the state to build a new Peabody Veterans Memorial High School. Last fall, Bettencourt appointed members of the high school building committee, and recently secured City Council approval to begin the feasibility phase of the project.
“Peabody is finally getting the new high school that we’ve needed for so long and it’s going to be a game-changer,” Bettencourt said. “It will give our students every advantage and will be a source of great pride for our community and for the entire region.”
Since his election in 2011, Bettencourt’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements including opening the new Higgins Middle School and extending the lives of several elementary schools, reducing flooding and rebuilding the city’s water infrastructure, maintaining effective police and fire staffing levels, improving parks and expanding open space, and driving the city’s economic growth while maintaining sound municipal finance.
“Peabody’s success comes down to all of us working together,” Bettencourt said. “We’ve achieved so much, and it’s just the beginning. I am so excited to keep our momentum going.”
