Hamilton’s Department of Public Works is pleased to announce the completion and official opening of a newly paved sidewalk stretching from School Street to Forest Street. The sidewalk officially opened to the public on Thursday, April 17, and now provides a safe and accessible pedestrian route connecting the Forest Street neighborhood—a large residential area—to the center of town.
Tim Olson, Hamilton’s DPW Director and Town Manager Joe Domelowicz surveyed the now open sidewalk together yesterday. “We’re excited to see this project come to life,” said Olson. “It’s makes Hamilton safer, more walkable, and a better-connected community.”
The project also holds special significance for those residents living in the Forest Street neighborhood. The late Duke Seaver, who also worked for the Reserve and Auxiliary Police departments of Hamilton, was a deputy sheriff in Essex County, and a Korean War veteran, was a passionate advocate for kids needing a safer way to town. “Mr. Seaver, who passed in January 2024, was instrumental in the need for this connection,” said Olson. “Though he is no longer with us to see its completion today, his dedication played a big role in bringing this to life.”
Olson added, “Throughout the project, our DPW team affectionately referred to it as the ‘Seaver Memorial Sidewalk,’” Olson said. “It was our way of honoring Duke’s memory and the care he had for this community—especially his deep concern for the safety of children walking to and from town. That meant a lot to him, and it meant a lot to us.”
The sidewalk runs along a busy corridor where the speed limit reaches 35 mph and was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. As an added safety feature, a yellow, tactile warning surface has been installed at the street crossing along the sidewalk to enhance overall accessibility and meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. New signage along the route will be coming and crosswalk markings will be painted in late spring following the repaving of Essex Street by MassDOT.
The Town extends its thanks to the residents of Hamilton for their patience throughout the recent construction process. For more information, contact the Hamilton Department of Public Works or the Town Manager’s Office.
