Selectmen are optimistic about how a $2.3-million federal grant will help spur revitalization of Cliftondale Square

~ The Advocate Asks ~

Editor’s Note: For this week’s column, we reached out to each of the members of the Board of Selectmen and asked them what they thought was the significance of the $2.3-million federal grant that Saugus recently received for the revitalization of Cliftondale Square. Here are their response:

Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano

   I think it’s a great day for Saugus.  I applaud the manager and his team for their efforts. It’s step number one in the process to bring Cliftondale back to life.  I’m sure Joe Vecchione and the Cliftondale revitalization committee are pleased. A great start, but a long way to go .

Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta

   I am very pleased with the recent announcement of the $2.3 million grant. The Town’s master plan prioritized Cliftondale Square as an opportunity for significant improvements, and The Cliftondale Revitalization Committee also identified areas that need attention along with making suggestions for upgrades.  I’ve had the pleasure of working on both the master plan advisory committee as well as the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee, and I’d like to thank the Town Manager for all his hard work and diligence making Cliftondale Square a priority.

   With the purchase of the 2 properties along with this grant money, we now have the resources to make significant improvements in this area.  For decades, we’ve had concerns about Cliftondale Square, and we are finally in a great position to start planning for a bright future.

Selectman Corinne Riley

   The $2.3M grant for revitalization of Cliftondale is great news! Cliftondale has been a priority for both the Board of Selectmen and the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee. I’m thankful to all involved in securing this grant for Saugus.

   As the Town Manager mentioned at Tuesday night’s meeting, the money could be used toward demolition of recently acquired properties in Cliftondale and construction of a parking lot for visitors to Cliftondale, and potentially other related work. Together with zoning changes and economic development measures, this could be an important jumpstart for meaningful revitalization in Cliftondale Square, and since it is such a densely populated part of town, it could have a very positive impact on the quality of life for thousands of residents in and around Cliftondale.

   Cliftondale revitalization has been discussed for so long, and I’m very eager to actually break ground on this project!

Selectman Michael Serino

   The 2.3 million dollar Federal is great news for Saugus. The Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen have been very supportive in trying to help revitalize Cliftondale Square. I would like to thank the Town Manager and his staff in helping secure this grant.