PEABODY — A small investment could lead to big improvements on Central Street.
Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. is asking the city council to spend nearly $175,000 on initial design plans for major safety and aesthetic upgrades to the street from Walnut Street to Wilson Square. Once those initial design plans are submitted to the state’s transportation department, the city becomes eligible for nearly $10 million in state and federal funds for the project, according to the mayor.
“This is an important investment for the community and the design plans are needed to qualify for the $10 million,” said Bettencourt.
The money would come from the city’s free cash reserve. WorldTech Engineering of Woburn is slated to do the design work.
Safety is the main concern with the road, which feeds into Peabody Square. The overhaul will include new street lights, crosswalks, and sidewalks.
With the senior center and several senior housing projects in the area, the mayor said improving handicap accessibility along the street is also a priority.
“That’s a real danger spot because of the high usage,” said Bettencourt. “There’s a high rate of accidents, especially at Wilson Square and at Central Street at Tremont Street.”
Ward 3 Councilor James Moutsoulas recently experienced some of those safety issues.
“I got in an accident maybe a week and a half ago when I was pulling into the A-Plus Market and someone backed out and into my car,” said the councilor.
While Moutsoulas said he isn’t sure the improvements will specifically help out in the A-Plus parking lot, he said the overall project should be a boon for his ward.
“We’re looking at a safety issue, we’re trying to make that run a safer place,” he said. “It’s certainly welcome in my ward.”
