Nicholas Costello
2010 Essex Heritage Hero
Nick Costello has compiled a distinctive legacy of public service. After testing the waters as selectman and school committee member in Amesbury, he was elected State Representative for the First Essex District in 1979 and served three terms. He went on to be elected to four terms as State Senator for the Third Essex District, representing nine cities and towns in the lower Merrimack Valley. He was extremely active in the development of economic development strategies, issues advocacy and legislation impacting his community. He was elected the first Mayor of the City of Amesbury, after charter revision, serving 5 years. He is currently the CEO-Executive Director of Link House, Inc. managing four addiction recovery programs and facilities.
During his tenure as an elected official, Nick worked to secure precious funding for projects that revitalized and refurbished Amesbury, including spurring Hunt Road industrial growth, the Carriage Town Market Place, the replacement of the downtown infrastructure including utilities, roads and sidewalks, and a through a creative public-private partnership, the Alliance for Amesbury, created a restorative façade program. In addition, he oversaw the smart growth preservations projects at the upper Millyard, lower Millyard and Riverwalk.
In addition, Nick has been extremely active in the preservation of the natural environment and heritage of the region. As chair of the Senate Energy Committee, he led the fight against nuclear power in Seabrook (and elsewhere), precluding the construction of additional facilities. And, very significantly, he lobbied two governors for the funds to purchase the unique 500 acre Moseley family estate, now known as the Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. The purchase preserved a pristine tract of land, full of trails and gardens for public use. The wonderful Maudslay Arts performance Center emerged, now in its 17th season, and Nick has served as its volunteer President since 1991. Nick continues to be a frequent participant in the heritage and cultural activities in and around Amesbury, Salisbury and Newburyport.
Nick has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Nick was awarded Legislator of the Year by the National Cancer Society for introducing and stewarding legislation requiring insurance companies to offer free mammograms and pap smears to all women in the commonwealth. This achievement has personal significance, in that it helped detect Nick’s wife, Cynthia’s cancer in 1999, allowing for early treatment.
Nick has been married to his devoted partner Cynthia for nearly 50 years. They have five sons, Nicholas C., Christopher, Joseph, Jon-Patrick and State Representative Michael Costello, who currently serves in his fathers First Essex seat. Together they have five marvelous grandchildren: Kate, Eleanor, Rose (Rosie) Harry and Charlie Costello.