Methuen Mayor Neil Perry kicked off the 2023 State of the City Address

Byline

By Shaheen Sarfraz | Methuen Transcript | Jan 26, 2023 at 6:53 AM

Mayor says city has 'exceptional momentum'

METHUEN — With new businesses expanding in the city in recent years and a budget that's balanced, Mayor Neil Perry kicked off the 2023 State of the City Address Thursday night with the same enthusiasm he had a year ago.

Perry said the city has “exceptional momentum,” as he highlighted several projects and initiatives that were put into place since last year's address. He discussed the city's financial situation, saying it has a balanced budget for fiscal year 2024 and has received three bond rating upgrades in the last two years.

He also touted the city's efforts to redevelop the former Lucent Technologies property on Lowell Street. Perry said the city purchased the property in 2019 for $2.5 million and has since spent an additional $8 million on hazardous waste cleanup. He said that private investors have since invested tens of millions of dollars into redeveloping the property.

Perry also discussed the city's efforts to address the opioid crisis. He said the city has partnered with several organizations to provide addiction treatment and recovery services to residents. He also said the city has hired a full-time social worker to help residents access these services.

In addition, Perry discussed the city's efforts to improve its infrastructure. He said the city has invested in road repaving, sidewalk repairs, and water main replacements. He also said the city is working to improve its public transportation system.

Perry concluded his address by saying that he is “excited about the future of Methuen.” He said the city has “a lot to be proud of” and that he is “looking forward to working with the community to make Methuen an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara: focus on community engagement

METHUEN — Keeping up with last year’s approach, after Mayor Perry’s speech, Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara also addressed those in attendance.

McNamara took the time to acknowledge other members of local law enforcement who were also in attendance. He stated the department is focused on community engagement, and he laid out three of the ways they do this.

The first is through their Citizens Police Academy. McNamara said the 12-week program allows community members an opportunity to learn more about the Methuen Police Department.

The second is their Community Impact Unit, which focuses on building relationships with residents and businesses in the city. McNamara said the unit has been successful in reducing crime and improving the quality of life for residents.

The third is their School Resource Officers, who are assigned to the city's schools. McNamara said the officers work to build relationships with students and staff, and they also provide educational programs on topics such as bullying, drug abuse, and internet safety.

McNamara concluded his remarks by saying that the Methuen Police Department is “committed to serving the community and making Methuen a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”