CITY, MDC PARTNERING FOR GATEWAY ARCHES TO REVERE BEACH

Mayor Thomas G. Ambrosino is pleased to announce that the design of gateway archways envisioned to curve above and across Revere Beach Boulevard at key locations may soon become a reality thanks in part to a recent decision by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC). Archways at key locations reminiscent of those at Revere Beach in its historic heyday, would welcome visitors to this soon-to-be National Historic Landmark and signal the very special nature of the place.

The vision for introducing gateway archways grew out of a two-part public planning process sponsored by the City and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay during the Fall/Winter of 2000-2001. The approximate 75 citizens who participated in the visioning process listed gateway arches high on their wish list for a revitalized Revere Beach. In the ensuing months, Mayor Ambrosino then sought out a variety of potential funding sources for this special project.

“We are very proud today to announce that our efforts have paid off,” said Mayor Ambrosino. “Last Thursday, the MDC appropriated $35,000 for the design and construction of the archways. That amount, coupled with a $40,000 grant from the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Tourism Grant Program will enable the initial phases of the project to proceed,” Mayor Ambrosino said. “The next step is the Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional design services, that the MDC will issue in January of 2003.”

Once a design firm is selected, public input will be sought and the MDC and City will collaborate to select the final design. It is hoped that construction on the archways will begin by the Fall of 2003.

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