SAUGUS — The town’s RiverWalk project has reached a notable milestone.
A Notice of Intent application has been filed with the Saugus Conservation Commission — which is an important step for the project.
The submission — which includes a detailed description of the site intended for construction, required under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act — was submitted by Apex Companies, LLC on behalf of the town and is the latest update in a nearly six-year-long effort to upgrade the section of Saugus River that runs along Ballard Street.
“The goal is to try to revitalize that area and hopefully attract some restaurants and recreational kayaking and different things so that people can go and enjoy the Saugus River and that part of town,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree.
In March of 2019, the Seaport Economic Council — the state agency that finds maritime projects — awarded Saugus $1 million in grant money to be put toward a feasibility study, and aid in the project’s final design and first phase of construction. A recent Town Meeting also approved local match funds for the project.
According to the document provided to the Saugus Conservation Commission, intended RiverWalk benefits include increased opportunities for economic growth, more support for the town’s lobstering industry, and better public access to the river.
Proposed plans include removing almost 3,000 square feet of paved impervious area and restoring it with native salt marsh plantings and 1,774 square feet of coastal beach resource area.
Apex is also seeking to build a new boat and kayak launch by removing existing pavement and timber piles in order to construct a 1,873-square-foot pier.
“When I was a kid, there was a restaurant down there. You could go down and get lobsters, and there was always something going on with fishing and boating,” Crabtree said. “Now, we’re planning and trying to have a vision for the future.
“What we’re doing now is trying to connect the great resource of the Saugus River and the riverbanks to economic growth with some recreational things that will benefit the community.”
Town consultant Paul Rupp, who has been with the project since its initial planning stages, said he considered the Notice of Intent filing to be a “significant milestone.”
“I hope that over time there will be other phases that build off of this, and that people will see the waterfront’s value and think of investing there,” he said. “I believe the town needs to open its eyes to the fact that it’s on the riverfront and that it’s a valuable resource. I think that this will focus that attention.”
Rupp has worked in other waterfront areas in the past and said he’s drawn inspiration from nearby communities, although he acknowledged that each town offers something different in regards to opportunities for waterfront growth.
“Gloucester and Salem have wonderful walks, those are different examples,” he said. “But each place is so unique.”
In Saugus specifically, Rupp noted the town’s close proximity to the ocean, as well as its existing facilities.
“I think it’s got some natural attraction to it. If it were opened up more to the public, that would be a good thing.”
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].
