Residents took to social media questioning the recent construction activity on Commercial Street, but Marblehead Municipal Light Department General Manager Joseph Kowalik says it’s all part of a plan to improve public access to the waterfront.
“There’s been multiple public meetings over many hours about this,” Kowalik said. “There’s been documents on the town website. We had prints in our lobby for months. It’s been in the Current.”
The ledge hammering that sparked online discussions lasted for three days, according to Kowalik. Large pneumatic hammers mounted on heavy equipment were used to remove sections of ledge along Commercial Street.
While the heavy ledge hammering work is complete, Kowalik noted that some additional ledge may need to be removed as the sidewalk is installed, though he doesn’t anticipate the large pneumatic hammers will be needed again.
The primary goal was to widen the street and create space for a new sidewalk that will run from the Light Department offices down to Hammond Park.
“Somebody can walk up a sidewalk and not have to walk in the street,” Kowalik explained. “There’s going to be a crosswalk about a third of the way down to Hammond Park from our lower driveway.”
In addition to the sidewalk, the project has opened up a previously hidden “pocket park” with benches and unobstructed harbor views. Kowalik said the small park was largely inaccessible due to the surrounding ledge.
The ledge removal also aimed to improve parking and access for fishermen who use the nearby boatyard pier. The wider street will provide more space for vehicles.
The Commercial Street enhancements are part of a larger project funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. Improvements was expected to be completed by June 30. The Select Board approved $77,700 for the project.
Kowalik encouraged residents to walk down and check out the changes.
