Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 Rain couldn’t ruin this ribbon cutting Saugus offi cials join with representatives from four area cities to celebrate the completion of the Northern Strand Community Trail By Laura Eisener, Special to Th e Saugus Advocate D espite the heavy downpour, a stalwart group celebrated the ribbon cutting Wednesday (Oct. 26) morning on the bike trail between Lincoln Avenue and Central Street. The Northern Strand Community Trail – a project that was 30 years in the making – reached a milestone this year when sections connecting Saugus with four cities (Everett, Lynn, Malden and Revere) were completed, enabling bicyclists and walkers access from inland to the coast. Many people of all ages have been enjoying the bike trail for a wide range of reasons: recreation, exercise, nature watching, and simply as a safe and convenient way to get around town for errands, work, school and appointments. “I would like to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Secretary Card from the Executive Offi ce of Energy and Environmental Aff airs for their support of this important regional initiative,” Saugus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree told the raincoat-clad gathering on Wednesday. “I would also like to commend the Cities of Revere, Malden, Lynn and Everett, as well as Bike to the Sea, for their partnership and dedication in turning this multi-community eff ort into a reality,” Crabtree said. “In addition, I would like to thank all of the town’s volunteers and offi cials who contributed their ideas and suggestions, which strengthened the community vision for this important recreational staple.” The nonprofi t Bike to the Sea Malden Mayor Gary Christenson addresses the crowd. (Courtesy photo by Laura Eisener to The Saugus Advocate) State and local offi cials addressed the attendees. (Courtesy photo by Laura Eisener to The Saugus Advocate) Where the rail-trail runs: Here’s a map created by the Governor’s Offi ce showing the route of the Northern Strand Trail. (Courtesy graphic to The Saugus Advocate) has been working with town offi cials and many volunteers to make this connecting path a reality. Among those celebrating the project’s completion with Town Manager Crabtree were the mayors of Everett, Lynn, Malden and Revere – top area elected offi cials who are connected to the bike trail project. Paving that began in 2020 2.50 %APY* With rates like this, earning while you save is easier than ever. Ask about our concierge service. EARN INTEREST WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS FROM A NEW MILESTONE SAVINGS ACCOUNT. Saving is hard. We get it. Life gets in the way. That’s why we created the Milestone Savings Account. With an amazing 2.50% APY* and no restrictions, reaching those New Milestone Savings Account. Go to everettbank.com for details. now allows people to bicycle on paved paths from Everett to Lynn, mostly along the original Saugus Branch Railroad right of way. There are signposts showing mileage, informational signs and crossing lights at many grade crossings as well as benches and bridges to make using the trail comfortable and pleasant. The trail – spearheaded by Bike to the Sea, Inc. in 1993 – is built in a continuous 7.5-mile stretch through Everett, Malden, Revere and Saugus. It also includes Lynn. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) Balances of $10-$49,999 will earn an APY of 0.05%. Milestone Savings is available to new customers and existing customers with new monies of $50,000. A $15.5 million project The Baker-Polito Administration celebrated the completion of more than 10 miles of the Northern Strand Community Trail, which is a shared use path that traverses parts of the Cities of Everett, Lynn, Malden and Revere and the Town of Saugus along the rail bed of the former Saugus Branch Railroad. The $15.5 million project by the Executive Offi ce of Energy and Environmental Aff airs (EEA) was completed utilizing funding from the Gateway City Parks Program. “Projects like the Northern Strand Trail serve as critical assets that link communities and residents across the Commonwealth together,” Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement issued by his office on Wednesday (Oct. 26). “Through the MassTrails team, our Administration has been proud to collaborate across state government and with municipal partners and trail advocacy groups to advance these projects that bring numerous environmental, recreational and transportation benefi ts to communities in Massachusetts.” “We were pleased to fund the Northern Strand Trail, and to partner with Everett, Lynn, Malden, Revere and Saugus to advance this critical project,” Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito said in a statement also issued by the Governor’s Office on Wednesday. “The Northern Strand Trail will provide benefi ts not only to the residents and businesses along the trail, but also to visitors and those living in the surrounding region.” The trail corridor connects neighborhoods, links residents to business districts, provides access to regional assets, such as the Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservations of the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), serves as a critical component of the East Coast Greenway and improves the quality of life for the region’s residents. 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