BEVERLY — Another piece of the city's waterfront plan has fallen into place.
Gov. Deval Patrick's office announced last Friday that the state will kick in $2.5 million to support the city's plans to improve the public pier and two city-owned marinas.
Mayor Bill Scanlon said the state money will be combined with city money and private investment from Black Cow restaurant owner Joseph Leone for what could be an overall $10 million investment in the waterfront.
"When you put in money to be invested in the restaurant, and the likelihood of some additional city funds based on revenues we'll collect from that project, we hope to really make a difference along that water's edge," Scanlon said.
The city is planning to coordinate repairs to the waterfront with a plan by Leone to build a Black Cow restaurant on the site of the vacant McDonald's restaurant.
The city's plans include making repairs to the public pier, the two city-owned marinas, the seawall, and the "apron" that leads up to the waterfront.
Leone has said he will spend about $4 million to build his restaurant and improve the adjacent city-owned Ferryway public park. A public hearing on the Black Cow proposal is scheduled to continue tonight at 7:45 before the Planning Board at City Hall.
The $2.5 million in state money is included in the Patrick administration's $1.7 billion capital plan for fiscal year 2009 as part of the capital investment program, according to the governor's office.
The money will help "create jobs and spur economic development in the area," the press release said.
Along with the state's plan to help pay for an MBTA parking garage in Beverly, state Rep. Mary Grant said the city now has "two firm capital commitments for development projects that will enhance the vitality of our city."
"These projects have been 20-plus years in the making and are now coming together because of persistent attention and coordination," Grant said.
Scanlon said more state funding for the waterfront could be forthcoming. Asked how much the city will spend on the project, he would not give an amount.
As for when the project will begin, Scanlon said, "It's a case of 'stay tuned.'"
"Putting a restaurant on the waterfront is complex," he said. "There are simply so many rules and regulations to comply with."
Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or by e-mail at pleighton@salemnews .com.SClB
Waterfront plans
Build Black Cow restaurant
Improve public pier. Options include building a handicap-accessible ramp, new fenders to protect pier from boats, and a steel float at end of pier where harbor cruise boats, water taxis and small cruise ships could dock
Repairs seawalls and replace or repair floating docks at city's two marinas
Demolish or move harbormaster's building and/or marina management building
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