Mayor Bettencourt: Peabody Needs A New High School

PEABODY, MA -- Mayor Ted Bettencourt said the Peabody "is a city on the mood" and now "nationally recognized as a great place to live, raise a family, or start a business," thanks to infrastructure improvements. Bettencourt, who has already said he will run for another two-year term in November's election, made his comments during a 23-minute, midterm innaugural address Monday.

"That’s a great story -- how a former leather manufacturing town became a thriving 21st century city with a revitalized downtown, a growing business park, the highest residential valuation in its history," Bettencourt said in the speech, which was broadcast on local cable access. "And -- I’m going to say it again -- the hottest real estate market in the entire country."

Looking forward, Bettencourt discussed a plan to make $36.2 million in improvements in the city's water system. The city will also look to secure $11 million in state and federal funding to help overhaul the Central Street corridor. And, perhaps most significantly, Bettencourt said it was time to start the years-long process of replacing Peabody Veterans Memorial High School.

"Our school leadership...and I agree that Peabody needs to invest in a modern facility which inspires our students and their teachers to be the very best they can be," he said.

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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).