Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. sworn in as Peabody mayor; outlines multi‑million dollar projects
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Summary
Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. took the oath of office and used his inaugural address to highlight a new public safety facility, a $20 million Central Street reconstruction, a new high school project, and a pending 164‑acre land purchase that could expand local water supplies.
Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. was sworn in as mayor of Peabody during a ceremonial inauguration that included an invocation and musical performances. The city clerk read the municipal election results, noting that 8,329 of the city’s 41,678 registered voters cast ballots (19.98%).
In his inaugural address, Bettencourt framed the year ahead around large capital projects and economic opportunity. He said the new public safety facility that will house the police department and serve as fire department administrative headquarters "is on budget and even ahead of schedule for a grand opening this fall." He also cited a $20,000,000 state and federal funding package to rebuild Central Street, calling the work "complex" but necessary to replace century‑old drainage and road infrastructure.
Bettencourt announced that the city will begin major work on a new high school in 2026. He said the city has appointed a school building committee and expects to select an owners project manager this winter, followed by an architect and design team in spring and summer. On land and water resources, the mayor said the city is negotiating to purchase 164 acres from Rousselot that include significant water wells; he specified that the acquisition does not include the Russo factory site, which remains privately marketed.
The mayor also highlighted the recently completed Vision 2025 master plan and a Centennial Park master plan that targets redevelopment of the Analogic Site and other economic hubs. He said the city is evaluating its landfill as a potential revenue source and emphasized environmental compliance and community benefits as guiding principles.
Bettencourt cited local economic indicators during his remarks, saying home values rose about 5.8% this year and commercial and industrial growth increased about 11.7%. He framed the year ahead as one of implementation, promising a municipal business plan to modernize city operations and prioritize capital investments in public safety, schools, water and sewer infrastructure, roads, and parks.
The inauguration included ceremonial elements: a prayer from Rabbi Evan Scheinheit, a performance by the PVMHS Chorale, and brief remarks from outgoing council president Julie Daigle, who thanked staff and volunteers for their service. The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer and a motion to adjourn.
Bettencourt did not present an immediate timetable for all project milestones beyond the procurement steps cited for the high school; he said the city will provide public updates as planning and procurement progress.
