As spring begins to warm up, so too does the city’s slate of infrastructure projects and public works efforts.
Mayor Ted Bettencourt said one of the city’s most significant construction undertakings this season is a long-awaited water main replacement on Lowell Street. The project, which will cover the stretch between Route 1 and the West Peabody Fire Station, is expected to begin later this spring and last two to three months.
“This is an area where the water line has broken repeatedly over the years,” Bettencourt said. “It needs to be replaced, and once that’s done, the road will be repaved.”
While the work may cause some traffic disruption, Bettencourt said police details will be on-site throughout the project to help manage safety and flow. Lowell Street will remain open, though access may be limited at times.
“It’s the last remaining section of Lowell Street that needs paving,” Bettencourt added. “Once completed, it’ll be in much better condition.”
Elsewhere in the city, demolition is set to begin soon on the long-vacant Department of Public Works building on Berry Street. The site, unused for nearly two decades, will be cleared along with a second garage on the property. Both projects have been fully funded and unanimously supported by the City Council.
“These are much-needed improvements,” Bettencourt said. “Taking down that building will improve the area’s appearance and eliminate a longstanding eyesore.”
While other long-term plans are still in early phases — such as improvements to the Council on Aging facility anticipated for the fall — Bettencourt noted the city is also applying for state grants to support additional paving efforts along jointly maintained roadways.
In the aftermath of last weekend’s weather-related postponement of the citywide cleanup, Bettencourt said a new date is being scheduled and will be announced in the coming days.
The mayor also addressed ongoing concerns around littering and illegal dumping, an issue raised during recent student presentations at Civics Day.
“It’s a frustration for me and for a lot of cities,” Bettencourt said. “You clean up an area, and days later it’s trashed again. It’s bad for the environment, it’s unsightly, and it wastes time and resources.”
The city is exploring a combination of solutions, including adding more trash barrels in high-traffic areas and launching a public awareness campaign.
“We’ve had great conversations with students about education and outreach,” Bettencourt said. “We’re looking at ways to better inform people about why littering matters and how everyone can help.”
As for the state-run migrant shelter at the Holiday Inn, Bettencourt said the city has not received any further communication from the state beyond the previously announced Dec. 31 exit deadline.
“We’re still waiting,” he said.
