Peabody Takes 'Next Big Step' In Riverwalk Project With Land Purchase

PEABODY, MA — The Peabody City Council approved what Mayor Ted Bettencourt called "the next big step" in obtaining land rights needed to proceed with the long-planned Riverwalk connecting Peabody and Salem in what was described as the $635,000 "friendly eminent domain" purchase of land at 166 Rear Main Street.

Bettencourt told the Council Committee on Legal Affairs that $450,000 of the purchase price would be funded through a state grant obtained and $185,000 would be funded through a city land purchase and sale account. He said none of the funding will require bonding or payment through the general operating budget.

"I am very excited to present what I think is the next big step for us in terms of our pursuit of the Riverwalk," Bettencourt told the Committee, "which is something that has been talked about in the city for decades.

"We've been taking steps along the years here and this is the next big step."

The plan was first conceived more than two decades ago by former Mayor Peter Torigian, who envisioned a river walk with a pedestrian pathway, landscaping, benches and access to shops, restaurants, studios and housing.

Bettencourt said the purchase of this property would give the city control of four of the five parcels of land needed to complete the trail set to run from the post office to the Salem border.

As part of the agreement, both sides have waived rights to appeals — meaning the seller cannot come back and contest the sale price at a later date.

He said he hopes to secure additional grant funding for future parts of making the full River Walk a reality.

"This is a project I know the state is very enthusiastic about," he said.

The Legal Affairs Committee and full City Council approved the purchase and funding for the purchase by unanimous votes.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)