Proposed scenic byway project progressing

According to proponents, the proposed Essex Heritage Scenic Byway is gaining momentum.The Essex Heritage Commission is spearheading the regional initiative and Executive Director Annie Harris said the byway is anchored at each end by the gateways of Lynn and Newburyport.The byway passes through Swampscott, Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Rowley and Newbury. It follows portions of Routes 1A, 129, 114, 127, 127A and 133, as well as local roads in Marblehead, Gloucester, Newbury and Newburyport.”We are thrilled by the enthusiastic support being offered for the byway,” Harris said. “People are beginning to see the byway as a tool that a community can use to both preserve and promote the physical assets that define its very character. By working as a regional coalition, we can create and market a distinctive and powerful brand that we believe will boost local economies by drawing heritage tourists from both near and far.”Harris said the 21-month planning process is being paid for with grants from the National Scenic Byway Program and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.She pointed out the 13 communities along the route house more than 8,700 properties that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.”The region’s unique story is chronicled by the numerous historical societies and house museums found along the byway,” she said. “Easily accessed from the route are numerous beaches, trails and parcels of conservation land open to the public. Five Essex Heritage visitor centers along the route help byway travelers discover the region’s rich heritage.”The organization has contracted with Taintor & Associates of Newburyport, which is charged with preparing a corridor management plan by March 2011. The complete plan is expected to include marketing, preservation and enhancement objectives for the byway.The process also includes forming byway committees with representatives from all communities along the route.Angela Ippolito, who is on the Swampscott Historical Commission, has been involved with the project for a couple of years and is on the scenic byway advisory committee for the town.”The purpose is to drive interest and point out the beautiful natural features of the town,” she said. “It’s really meant to promote tourism.”