SWAMPSCOTT — The Town is moving forward with planned repairs to the pier at Fisherman’s Beach, with the project slated to begin by early spring.
Director of the Department of Public Works Gino Cresta explained the background and scope of work associated with the project.
“I was working with the Harbor and Waterfront Advisory Committee, and they came up with a list of needs for the pier. So, I put a scope together with Smith Marine from Marblehead, and we put it out to bid. We got one bidder, C. White Marine (a construction company based out of Danvers), and we’re going to sign a contract with them this week,” Cresta said.
He added that the hope is to start the work by early spring, prior to boating season, and that the work will take roughly four to six weeks before the repairs are completed.
“The scope of work includes replacing a half dozen of the support piles, and the company will be replacing the timber deck, as well as the area underneath that supports the pier itself. They’re also going to install a new galvanized ladder, which is very important,” he said.
Cresta continued that another element of the project includes making repairs to the gangway, which is typically defined as a narrow walkway, ramp, or bridge that connects a ship or vessel to the pier.
The cost for the project is $195,000. He explained that the May 2025 Town Meeting voted to approve $150,000 for the repairs, and that the Town will also utilize an extra $40,000 that was left over from float replacement funds.
“I think it’s a great project. We need to maintain the pier, especially in the summertime. We’re a seaside community, and in the summer that pier is being used all the time… We need to make sure it’s safe,” Cresta said.
Harbor and Waterfront Advisory Committee member Mike Gambale shared his thoughts on the development.
“When the pier was initially built, it was designed wide enough that you could drive a vehicle on it. Though the pier only has foot traffic on it, and I think it was built very well… It’s a very important project. We’re really happy that the Town stepped up, found the money, and is making the repairs. I think it’s really important for local fishermen and for the community,” he said.
