GEI was retained by the City of Salem to provide consulting services for the development of the Blaney Street site for commercial marine development.

GEI was tasked to review historic project information, reevaluate the market analysis, and develop a revised plan based on current needs and market conditions. GEI lead a team of subconsultants to perform the design of an approximately $16 million proposed commercial wharf expansion for the City of Salem.

The major elements programmed into the facility include vessel berthing for: passenger ferry vessels, visiting vessels/tall ships, excursion vessels, coastal cruise ships, offshore supply vessels, as well as for a commercial fishing vessel marina, and water taxi landing.

The project includes a steel pile supported concrete pier designed for full truck loading, wave attenuation system, shoreline revetment, and the dredging of over 60,000 cubic yards to improve vessel navigation. Upland improvements included a terminal building for public passenger and commercial use, expansion of parking, and circulation improvements as well as providing a public boardwalk.

Recent project elements completed included the perimeter Harbor Walk and the construction of the commercial marina that included dredging of 13,500 cubic yards and construction of over 6,000 square feet of floating dock to support 40-foot commercial fishing boats.

GEI was responsible for the overall project management and for all marine/waterfront engineering design and planning elements for the redevelopment of the Blaney Street Site. Regulatory approvals obtained include Order of Conditions, MA DEP Chapter 91 License, and WQC. USACE permitting included Environmental Assessments, archaeological investigations, and agency review including review by Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management, NOAA, and NMFS.

Construction of the most recent phase of the project has now been completed.