Torigian’s legacy evident throughout city
By Chris Stevens
The Daily Item of Lynn, MA
Sept 13 2004
When former Mayor Peter Torigian left office in 2002 he took with
him more than 100 plaques, 44 shovels, a few trowels, a handsaw and
a putter, each of which represent a different groundbreaking event
from his 23 years as mayor.
Chronologically, those shovels represent how a city dotted with
leather tanneries grew into a major high-tech and retail hub.
“He came in when things started to change,” said Mayor Michael Bonfanti
of Torigian’s legacy. “The city was moving from the leather industry
to modern, new business. Peter was aware of that and had the vision
to direct it.”
In his tenure, Torigian established the Centennial Industrial Park,
grew the North Shore Shopping Center and helped build new schools. He
also helped residents refurbish their homes through grants and brought
financial solvency to a struggling city.Until a few months ago,
Torigian was helping to raise money for the new YMCA.
Rep. John Tierney (D-Salem) said he admired Torigian for his grit.
“He would make up his mind on an issue and have the fortitude to stay
with it,” he said. “He would always listen to people and could be
courageous enough to change his mind but he wouldn’t be intimidated
by other politicians or people.”
Just a few blocks down from the cold-water, triple-decker where he
was raised, Torigian built what many believe to be the jewel of the
community, the Community Life Center, that was renamed for him the
year he retired.
In 1985, Torigian established a Capital Improvement Program and oversaw
$33.1 million worth capital projects which he said at the time “did
not cost taxpayers 10 cents.”
His favorites of those projects included the renovations of the public
library and the 1873 Fire Station.
Torigian was also proud of the city’s stabilization fund. Despite
strong criticism, Torigian refused to allow city officials draw down
the fund and when he retired, it had grown to $4.1 million. As other
communities struggled with budget constraints, Peabody enjoyed years
of fiscal stability.
Along with establishing a strong business foundation for the city,
Torigian spearheaded many projects and programs, including Brooksby
Farm, The Meadow at Peabody Golf Course, the summer concert series
and the Pride in Peabody awards.
He also began an educational program where every third grader in the
city went through the George Peabody Museum and heard the story of
the city’s founder, thus assuring they knew their community’s history.
Proud of his Armenian heritage, Torigian established a flag raising
each year, marking the anniversary of the Armenian genocide.
Tierney said one of Torigian’s strongest points was not only
recognizing the cultural diversity in his city, but also celebrating
it.
“With little fanfare he started the International Festival, which
sent a message to everyone that cultural diversity was a part of the
city and intolerance would not be accepted,” the congressman said.
“He had such a great love for this city he made his job look easy
at times,” said City Councilor Judy Selesnick. “He leaves behind a
wonderful legacy, unfortunately it could have been more.”