Bettencourt Sworn In For Fourth Term As Peabody Mayor

PEABODY, MA -- Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. was sworn in for a fourth, two-year term as Peabody Mayor Monday night after running unopposed for reelection in November. In his inaugural address, Bettencourt outlined plans for new projects he wants to tackle in the next two years, including plans to expand the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center and improvements on Central Street.

The Central Street corridor project is eligible for $10 million in state and federal funding and "will improve traffic flow, accessibility, and the safety and quality of life of tens of thousands of Peabody residents," Bettencourt said.

Much of Bettencourt's address focused on past accomplishments. He pointed to the Higgins Middle School project, Crystal Lake in West Peabody, and development in Peabody Square during his address.

"In six years, we have...helped make Peabody an even more desirable place to live, work, and raise a family," Bettencourt said, while noting the city remains an affordable place to live when compared to other Massachusetts towns.

Also on Monday, City Council elected Ward 4 Councilor Ed Charest as City Council President for the next year. "It’s a great time to live in Peabody," Charest told the Lynn Item, which first reported this story. "Peabody pride is alive and well, and it should be."

For more on this story, see the Lynn Item. Subscribe to Peabody Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).