Fenway Project PNF Comment Letter

July 21, 2021

Aisling Kerr, Project Manager

Re: Fenway Project PNF

Dear Ms. Kerr:

WalkBoston has reviewed the PNF for the Fenway Project with respect to its impacts and benefits for people walking and using transit.

We are very pleased that the proponent is proposing significant improvements to the walking environment in the Fenway neighborhood and giving detailed attention to the needs of people walking, taking transit and bicycling. The proposed transformation of Jersey Street into a pedestrian-only space will provide an exciting new way to experience Fenway Park (on non-game days) and add amenities for residents and visitors to the Fenway neighborhood. We support the proponent’s plans to modify the street system in and around the multi-site project in order to create more space for pedestrians and for people enjoying what will essentially become a new open space in the neighborhood.

Overall we believe the project will benefit pedestrians on the streets and sidewalks of the Fenway. We urge the proponent to continue working with WalkBoston and other advocates and with the City of Boston to refine several elements of the design as the project proceeds.

Sidewalk/Bus stop/Bike interactions – The project includes re-designed streets (in particular Brookline Ave.) with new protected bike lanes. We urge the proponent to continue working with WalkBoston, the Boston Disabilities Commission, the MBTA’s Office of Systemwide Accessibility, the Boston Transportation Department and the bicycle advocacy community to ensure that the designs meet the needs of all sidewalk, transit and street users.
Transit operations – In order to achieve the mode shares that the proponent, the residents of the Fenway, the employers in the area, the City and all of us interested in reducing GHG emissions hope for, the operations of the many bus routes in the neighborhood will need careful attention to ensure that they are enhanced by the changes in the street system and urban design.
Paving surfaces – Some of the sketches shown suggest paving stones or other materials. We ask that all paving materials be fully accessible and comfortable for all people walking or using mobility assistance. We also ask that the proponent take into account the needs of providing good snow clearance on all of the sidewalks and also that they commit to providing such clearance.
Sense of welcome for all – The redesign and re-purposing of Jersey Street and all of the city blocks included in the project presents exciting opportunities for walkability. It also presents some challenges to ensuring that the spaces and places are not managed or curated in ways that could feel privatized or exclusive and less than fully welcoming to people of all races, incomes and ages. We urge the proponent to work with diverse community groups and individuals from a variety of Boston neighborhoods to ensure that the sense of welcome includes everyone.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments.

Sincerely,

Wendy Landman

Senior Policy Advisor