Newburyport kicks off Central Waterfront Park project as redevelopment authority dissolves

The Newburyport City Council meeting on February 3, 2025, highlighted significant developments in local infrastructure, education, and community initiatives. A major focus was the dissolution of the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority, a decision reached after years of discussions and legal challenges regarding the central waterfront. This change paves the way for the final phases of conceptual design for the Central Waterfront Park, in collaboration with the firm Sasaki. The project is expected to go out to bid in spring 2022, with construction slated to begin in 2023.

The meeting also addressed ongoing efforts to dredge the Merrimack River, although recent bids for the project came in nearly 50% over budget, necessitating a rebid this spring. In the meantime, the city is taking urgent steps to combat erosion and protect local infrastructure, with $400,000 in state funding and $100,000 from city funds allocated for a short-term protection system.

In education, the Newburyport School District received a favorable ruling from the Massachusetts School Building Authority regarding the construction of new science labs at Newburyport High School. The district is awaiting further decisions on its proposal, which could lead to significant upgrades in educational facilities.

Additionally, the newly established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Alliance is actively working to address community concerns regarding equitable treatment. This initiative follows extensive training and community engagement aimed at developing actionable plans for improvement.

The school system is also making strides under Superintendent Sean Gallagher, with advancements in teaching methods, enhanced school culture, and increased participation in dual enrollment programs with local colleges. The implementation of later school start times for middle and high school students has been positively received, reflecting the community's advocacy for student well-being.

Overall, the meeting underscored Newburyport's commitment to improving infrastructure, education, and community inclusivity, setting a proactive agenda for the future.