'This Is Our Moment': Mayor Ted Bettencourt Touts 'Generational Projects' At Inauguration

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt touted what he called the "generational projects" underway in the city — including the new public safety building, the Central Street Improvement project and the proposed new high school that he called "the largest construction project in city history" — during the inauguration to begin his eighth term on Monday night.

Bettencourt also said the city is finalizing the purchase of 164 acres of Rousselot open space property, which he said will include a significant drinking water source but does not include the site of the closed plant that is currently being marketed to potential developers.

"This is our moment," Bettencourt said. "I can't wait to continue this meaningful and transformational work.

"The future is bright."

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Bettencourt said 2026 will include "the delivery on generational projects" that include the opening of the new public safety building, which he said is ahead of schedule and is on track to open in the fall.

He also addressed the challenges of the ongoing $20 million Central Street Improvement project.

"We said at the start of this project that it would be a monster," Bettencourt said. "It has certainly lived up to those expectations. ...

"It has created real inconveniences for residents, business owners, and drivers. I want you to know that we hear you, we are working on improvements and we appreciate your patience. These short-term hardships will lead to long-term benefits that will greatly improve downtown traffic flow, accessibility and the safety and quality of life of countless Peabody residents and business owners.

"It is going to be amazing when it's done."

Bettencourt said 2026 will be the year that the vision of a new Peabody Veterans Memorial High School comes into greater focus.

"It is going to be an absolute game-changer for our students," he said. "Providing the modern facilities that our students and families deserve."

He pledged to deliver the project with "clear, phased milestones" and with transparent "public updates every step of the way."

The proposed Rousselot purchase, he said, will provide residents with millions of gallons of drinking water and lessen the reliance on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and could provide a new revenue source.

He said the Rousselot factory site is on the market to private developers.

"If those efforts do not move forward, we will consider other options as a community," he said," such as potential partnerships, or alternative approaches, to ensure any future development is thoughtful and creates new revenue, jobs and opportunities for Peabody."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)