UPDATE: The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) announced a groundbreaking transformation for South Harbor in Lynn, Massachusetts, marking it as the city’s largest investment in history at an estimated $500 million. This urgent development was revealed during the EDIC Board meeting held on Tuesday.
City officials have confirmed that all necessary permits are in place, and the state is set to take over the next steps of this lengthy process, which involves acquiring further licenses. Executive Director James Cowdell indicated it took a significant 10 months to secure the first state license and the process for the Chapter 91 license has just begun.
Construction on South Harbor is poised to kick off this September 2023, focusing on both the infrastructure and the new Harbor Park. Work on the park’s building itself is anticipated to commence in 2024. Additionally, the state has greenlighted a vital $8 million grant program through MassWorks, ensuring a commitment of $24 million over the next three years to support this transformative initiative.
Despite economic uncertainties affecting construction costs, Cowdell remains optimistic. “I talked to them, 100% they’re going forward [and] they’re paying for the creation of the eight-acre park and the infrastructure mark,” he stated.
The EDIC Board is actively seeking public input on the park’s design, inviting community feedback on potential features such as a performance stage and playground swings. “It’s really been awesome to get the public input on that, and that’s going to guide us as far as what type of park is going to be built,” Cowdell added.
The transformation of South Harbor is not just a significant investment; it is a crucial step towards revitalizing Lynn’s waterfront, providing the community with a recreational space that will utilize currently vacant land. “We know how important it is to the City of Lynn just to get this project off the ground,” stated Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan. “Seeing something nice in that location will be really big.”
As the project progresses, residents of Lynn can look forward to a revitalized waterfront that promises to enhance their community and bring new life to the area. The EDIC and city officials are committed to ensuring that this project moves forward swiftly, making it a top priority for the future of Lynn. Stay tuned for more updates as this significant development unfolds.
