Beverly Mayor Says Growth Strategy Will Continue

BEVERLY, MA — In a preview of the state of the city address he will deliver later this month, Mayor Mike Cahill said in his inaugural address Monday that Beverly will continue to move forward with its growth strategy. Cahill said he expects the city to finalize a master plan in the first half of 2020 which will make is easier to attract "needed new growth."

"It is a good thing that so many people want to invest in our great city," Cahill said. "We want to encourage this, as this is not the case in every community. These investments and creation of new economic value are critical."

Cahill's pro-growth message came on the same day that two new city councilors were sworn in. Ward 3 City Councilor Stacy Ames and Ward 5 City Councilor Kathleen Feldman scored upset victories over more-seasoned politicians in November's election and overcame Cahill's endorsements for their opponents. The victories by Ames and Feldman suggested that, at least in two of the city's wards, voters want to pump the brakes on the rapid development that has become common in Beverly in recent years.

Cahill framed the master plan as a local effort in the global fight against climate change. He noted that the plan's emphasis on mass transit and walkable business districts would fit well with the climate action plan the city is about to kick off. "This year, we will continue to engage our community; we will tap both our own very best natures and our people’s many talents as we continue the work started in our Master Planning process to build the blueprint to Beverly’s cleaner, sustainable future," Cahill said.