DCR project will go a long way toward improving Short Beach

Officials marked the beginning of the long-anticipated Short Beach project, spanning Revere and Winthrop, at a recent ceremony on the site of the $3.5 million project.

While the project began in earnest earlier this summer, officials had their official beginning on Aug. 26th.

“Having $3.5 million invested at Short Beach will certainly improve greatly the communities of Revere and Winthrop,” said Richard Sullivan, director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). “This is one that is an important project because it will enhance public safety and will also be a rehabilitation of the seawall.”

The improvement project includes widened sidewalks, new street lighting and a new parking lot with improved access to the beach. The project also includes replacement beach ramps, new beach seating, showers and bike racks as well as a new pathway connection to Belle Isle Marsh Reservation.

Sullivan said he is very excited about the new pathway connection to Belle Isle.

“One of the most exciting parts of the project to me is the new pathway that will be the connection to Belle Isle Marsh,” he said. “I have to thank the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh for their support of this project an their support of the reservation.”

House Speaker Bob DeLeo (D – Winthrop) – who was instrumental in securing funding for the project – was proud to attend the DCR Short Beach Improvements Project Groundbreaking Ceremony.

He said the $3.5 million project promises to revitalize Short Beach, making the coastline safer and more accessible to beachgoers.

“We as members of state government have a responsibility to maintain the shoreline of Winthrop and Revere, to keep the beaches safe, beautiful and attractive to the people who live here and deserve to enjoy a picturesque shoreline,” DeLeo said. “We in Winthrop and Revere are truly fortunate to live beside the Harbor. Now, with these improvements, it will be easier and safer to enjoy a day at the beach. Those in our communities deserve no less.”

Revere Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein (D-Revere) said she was excited to see the project finally beginning.

“I’m thrilled that this project is underway and I look forward to Short Beach being an even more attractive beach destination for those in Revere for years to come,” said Reinstein. “I’d like to thank the Department of Conservation and Recreation for its dedication to this project that will greatly benefit those in the city of Revere.”

Said Sen. Anthony Petruccelli (D-East Boston), “I am pleased to see the advancement of this much needed and anticipated improvement project. This is further evidence of the strong commitment the Patrick administration has made to our neighborhoods.”

Joining the others at the groundbreaking were Revere Mayor Tom Ambrosino and Winthrop Town Manager James M. McKenna.