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Christian Science Plaza Revitalization Project MEPA #14828

By WalkMassachusetts | January 9, 2012

January 9, 2012

Richard K. Sullivan, Secretary
Executive Office of Energy and Environment
100 Cambridge St., 9th floor
Boston, MA 02114

RE: Christian Science Plaza Revitalization Project, MEPA #14828

Dear Secretary Sullivan:

WalkBoston is the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for pedestrians and safe walking. We work throughout the state encouraging walking, advocating for pedestrian improvements and working for design improvements. We have worked with over 65 communities throughout the state, helping residents and local government with pedestrian issues, safe routes to school, and safer street crossings.

The proponents of the Christian Science Plaza Revitalization have done a splendid job serving and welcoming the public to the plaza. The entire plaza is open to walkers and is a very special place to walk and enjoy the city. The rows of trees are well-maintained and are beautiful even in winter. The fountain in particular is a major attraction to people from the region. It is a wonderful spot that does double duty by providing significant summer service to children from all neighborhoods of Boston.

WalkBoston has many comments on the pedestrian street crossings at the edges of the site. Many of these work well, while some are not as safe for pedestrians as might be possible. For example, the intersection of Cumberland Street and Huntington Avenue is a signalized crossing that does not allow sufficient time for people to cross the street safely.

Thank you for the opportunity to common on this important project. We think it is a good project that could be even more pedestrian-friendly with some modifications to surrounding traffic signals. WalkBoston will continue to work with the city on this issue.

Sincerely,

Wendy Landman Robert Sloane
Executive Director Senior Planner

Boston: Cathedral Housing Walking Map

By WalkMassachusetts | December 10, 2011

Cathedral Housing is located one of Boston’s liveliest neighborhoods and one of the most walkable. The area around Cathedral Housing is very flat because it is located on land created by filling in tidal marshes. Many streets are named after Massachusetts towns that were being connected by railroads when the area was being built up.

Streets in the South End are laid out in a grid pattern, which makes it easy to get around. You can go up one block and over two, or up two and over one, and always see something new. With many historic and new houses, along with brick sidewalks and many shade trees, the neighborhood is a delightful place to walk.

Click for “Cathedral Housing Walking Map” PDF

Click for “WalkBoston’s Cathedral Housing Walking Map” on Google Maps

Boston: Faneuil Housing Walking map

By WalkMassachusetts | December 1, 2011

Faneuil Housing is located in one of Boston’s liveliest neighborhoods. In Brighton, you can cover a lot of distance b walking just a few minutes. During a round trip of 20-30 minutes, you’ll get the health benefits of walking one full mile while enjoying the area!

Click for “Faneuil Housing Walking Routes” PDF

Click for “WalkBoston’s Faneuil Housing Walking Map” on Google Maps

Davis Thayer Elementary & Oak Street Elementary Walk Audit

By WalkMassachusetts | November 22, 2011

WalkBoston conducted a walk audit in the vicinity of the Davis Thayer Elementary School and Oak Street Elementary School in Franklin, Massachusetts. After a brief discussion about what makes for a walkable community and what kind of elements we would be looking for on the street, the group set out to assess the walking conditions near the school. The audit covered a 1.8-mile loop along public streets.

The walking audit was organized by the Hockomock YMCA in conjunction with Davis Thayer Elementary and Oak Street Elementary as part of a grant from the MetroWest Community Health Foundation. Participants included one WalkBoston staff member and a Hockomock YMCA staff member, three faculty members from Davis Thayer Elementary and one faculty member from Oak Street Elementary.

Read the full report here:
WalkBoston’s Franklin Davis Thayer Oak Street WalkAudit

Helen Keller Elementary School Walk Audit

By WalkMassachusetts | November 16, 2011

WalkBoston conducted a walk audit along Lincoln Street in the vicinity of the Helen Keller Elementary School / Annie Sullivan Middle School campus in Franklin, Massachusetts. After a brief presentation on the features of a walkable community, the group carried out an on-the-street audit of the pedestrian facilities near the school, with an emphasis on the route students would walk between the school grounds and Dacey Field, a remote drop-off location.

The walking audit was organized by the Hockomock YMCA in conjunction with Helen Keller Elementary School as part of a grant from the MetroWest Community Health Foundation. One WalkBoston staff member, three Hockomock YMCA staff members, and a grandparent of two Keller Elementary students participated in the audit.

Read the full report here:
WalkBoston Franklin Keller Walking Audit