DANVERS — Several projects are keeping officials busy this summer, including a proposal to spruce up Endicott Street from Route 128 to Route 114 in Peabody for $1.3 million.
The town is seeking a state Public Works Economic Development grant to fix up Endicott Street from the Denny's restaurant to Sylvan Street and beyond, Town Manager Wayne Marquis said.
The stretch includes restaurants, car dealerships, and stores, including the main entrance to the Liberty Tree Mall. The 40-year-old corridor needs updating, Marquis said.
At Sylvan Street, the road fix would not end, but would turn left into Peabody, and the town has been working with the city to fix up the road as it leads to Route 114.
"We are looking to improve the aesthetics, and the signaling is not synchronized. That is a major part of the project," said Martha Duffield, the Department of Public Works program engineer. The project could also make the roadway more pedestrian- or bike-friendly.
"There are no official plans, yet." Duffield said, but the typical successful grant attracts about $1.3 million.
Because the project would benefit the local economy, officials are seeking suggestions from the business community and have scheduled a meeting in the cafeteria of Osram Sylvania, 100 Endicott St., on July 15 at 3 p.m.
Other town projects that are full steam ahead include the construction of the Hobart Street parking lot, Marquis said.
In 2006, the town agreed to buy the downtown gravel lot along the rail bed for $1.02 million with a five-year lease/purchase agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Half of the money was raised privately, and the town is using state highway funds to build the lot, Marquis said. The town has done drainage work, already.
"Construction started, and it should be finished by the end of the summer," Marquis said.
In another project meant to boost the reliability of the town's electric system, the Wood Electric substation is being rebuilt for approximately $4.1 million in the Danvers Industrial Park. So far, crews have installed footings and conduits. When finished, the station will be similar to one built on Cabot Street adjacent to the main parking lot at Danvers High.
Drivers along Route 1 south may have noticed the ongoing construction, Marquis said.
Finally, Marquis plans to tour the ongoing $6 million renovation of 1855 Town Hall later this week. The oldest public building in Danvers closed February for new siding, roof, and heating and cooling systems, among other work.
Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673 or by e-mail at eforman@salemnews.com.
If you go
What: Meeting on Endicott Street improvements
Who: Endicott Street-area businesses invited
When: Wednesday, July 15, 3 p.m.
Where: Osram Sylvania's cafeteria, 100 Endicott St.
Businesses can take an online survey at www.danvers.govoffice.com.
For more information, call Martha Duffield at 978-777-0001 x3096.
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