Boston/Cambridge/Somerville

The City of Boston through the Boston Redevelopment Authority retained Ken Greenberg in 2003 as Big Picture Consultant for the Greenway District. The goal is to develop the City's vision for the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the "Greenway District" to "knit the city back together" both physically and socially, to achieve the Central Artery Project vision, so the numerous separate Turnpike project areas form a coherent, cohesive whole. The City was seeking to develop a "Big Picture plan" for the Greenway District that includes all parks, streetscapes and parcels within the Greenway and in the larger context, from the Charles River on the north to Mass Pike on the south; and from the Harbor on the east to Cambridge Street on the west to ensure the potential for the Greenway to transform the city around it, in terms of knitting it together physically and socially.

What emerged from this investigation was the Crossroads Initiative, a major priority of Mayor Tom Meninio, which focuses on twelve key streets (over six miles in total length) that connect neighborhoods and destinations along the Greenway. Twelve streets have been identified that, with the creation of the Greenway, have the potential to form these vital connections between residential and business districts long separated by the elevated Central Artery. The initiative also aims to establish modern, functional and attractive connections to and from Boston Harbor, the Greenway, and downtown neighborhoods.

Crossroads are intended to be Great Streets - streets of exceptional quality and vitality, with 21st Century amenities that will strengthen Boston as a world-class city. Construction of the Crossroads will mean improved pedestrian environments, enhanced elements for wayfinding, increased activity along sidewalks, better traffic flow, and new opportunities for art and performance. The goal is to create a convenient, comfortable, information- and activity-rich environment that attracts and supports Boston residents, businesses and visitors. It will facilitate their travel - largely as pedestrians - and will promote their enjoyment of and appreciation for our downtown's many wonderful neighborhoods and plethora of historic, cultural and retail destinations.

Implementation of the Crossroads Initiative will take place over a period of 7 - 10 years; will be managed jointly by the BRA and the City of Boston Public Works Department; and will be funded through public-private partnerships. Each street will require independent design contracts and construction schedules to ensure the most cost-effective and achievable plans, while also protecting and maintaining accessibility to each and every destination within the Crossroads and Greenway District during the process. The first design contracts are under way and he City of Boston is moving forward with a coordinated implementation of the Crossroads Initiative beginning in 2006.