Peabody Acquires 164 Acres to Secure Clean Water & Tackle Flooding

Mayor Ted Bettencourt has announced Peabody’s $25 million purchase of 164 acres from Rousselot to bolster the city’s drinking water supply and improve flood mitigation downtown. The first step in the approval process was completed at January 8th's city council meeting, with a final vote set for January 23, 2025. Bettencourt calls the deal a vital step toward addressing water demand amid recent droughts and Peabody’s growth. This acquisition builds on previous purchases from Rousselot, including land for The Meadow Golf Course in 2024. Environmental testing is underway, with closing expected in April.