December 23, 2007
By Robin Kaminski/The Daily Item

The Massachusetts Seaport Advisory Council approved $750,000 in funding at City Hall Friday, paving the way for a commuter ferry from Lynn to Boston.

City officials hope the ferry project will make the city an attractive place to live because commuters could gain quick and easy access to Boston.

State Sen. Thomas McGee, a Lynn Democrat who is a major proponent of the plan, said the project would tremendously benefit the city’s future.

“This is not just an opportunity for Lynn though — it’s an opportunity for the commonwealth as well,” he said. “I really believe that this project will make a difference for the North Shore and I’m ready to make the ferry become a reality. This is a very exciting day for Lynn.”

The ferry project also aims to improve a stretch of waterfront land on Blossom Street Extension that is currently open to the public, but is underused and is in disrepair.

Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. said he is also ready to see the project advance and is looking forward to being involved in the transformation.

ITEM PHOTO
State Senator Thomas McGee

“We own the land and we are prepared to go forward,” he said. “We’re very excited about the ferry initiative and stand ready to cooperate.”

The $750,000 in funding will be used for the first phase of the three-phase project submitted to the Advisory Council. Phase 1 includes building a steel bulkhead and dock at the end of Blossom Street Extension, along with parking.

The end result of the plan would ultimately create a pier large enough to house three vessels and a commuter ferry boat ramp for easy access.

A total of $3.1 million is needed to make the plan a reality, which would provide commuters with a quick 16-minute ferry ride to Boston. A similar ferry in Salem was used as the model for Lynn’s project, which city planners and developers have discussed for a number of years.

Lynn Economic Development & Industrial Corporation Executive Director James Cowdell said the project has been in the works for about one year.

“I remember looking at the land one day and I thought it would be great to develop it because we’re talking about a landmark,” he said. “Currently the land isn’t utilized at all — it’s in horrible shape, and the boat ramp is used very infrequently, including the abandoned parking lot.”

Cowdell said the ferry project would work well with the Waterfront Master Plan the City Council recently approved, as well as a continuous boardwalk.

In addition to the ferry funding, the Advisory Council also approved $400,000 to help repair Marblehead’s seawall on Ocean Avenue.

Town Administrator Anthony Sasso said the seawall was built in 1911, was gutted and repaired in 1951, repaired again in 1980, and was determined in 1997 that it was no longer safe.

“It was found to be deteriorating from the inside, so we went to the commonwealth for funding in 1998,” he said. “Since then we have been seeking additional funds for financial support.”

Sasso said the seawall is positioned as a major roadway and gateway to Marblehead Neck, and would greatly impact the town if it continues to fall into disrepair.