NEWS FROM THE NETWORK

Register Now for Our StreetTalk at Boston Public Library

(Photo: Leventhal Map Center)

Seats are filling up fast for our upcoming StreetTalk "Olmsted for the 21st Century: Creating Urban Change", taking place May 31st at the Boston Public Library. The panel discussion is a part of the Leventhal Map Center's exhibit, "Breathing Room: Mapping Boston's Green Spaces" and will focus on the modern advocacy that is expanding Boston's green spaces.

Panelists include Alice Brown of Boston Harbor Now, Tamika Francis of the Boston Alliance for Community Health, Alex Krieger of Harvard University and NBBJ, and Jessica Robertson of Utile Design. Don't miss out on this unique and inspiring StreetTalk -- reserve your free tickets today!

Mayor Walsh Announces New Funding for GreenLinks

Commissioner of the City of Boston Transportation Gina Fiandaca and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. (Photo: Boston.gov)

Earlier this month, the City of Boston announced a major increase in staffing and capital funding that will directly support the Emerald Network. The proposal outlines $400,000 annually to support the GreenLinks program, Boston’s greenway initiative.

This is a major win for greenways in Boston! If passed, it means that there will be more staff dedicated to the GreenLinks program and funds for study, design, and implementation. With this proposal Mayor Walsh is showing that Boston can lead the way in building a resilient and equitable transportation network for all users. Click here to read more.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Area Businesses Endorse Business Improvement District

The Rose Kennedy Greenway. (Photo: Boston Globe)

Good news for residents and visitors who enjoy art installations, exercise classes, food trucks, beer gardens and more along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway --  a group of 41 businesses along the Greenway is stepping up to help pay for the popular downtown park’s upkeep.

As a Business Improvement District (BID) the property owners would take on a voluntary tax to help maintain, supervise, and advertise events for the Greenway. The funds will supplement city and state funding for the park, as well as money raised by the nonprofit Greenway Conservancy.

The BID endorsement affirms that greenways are assets to communities and that businesses are willing to spend money to ensure their upkeep and engagement. This would only be Boston’s second BID, and we hope it can set a precedent for private business to provide public goods in the form of greenways and other open spaces. Click here to read more.

MassTrails Program Will Support Funding and Construction Across State

Governor Charlie Baker in Scituate, MA. (Photo: Governor's Press Office)

Governor Baker continues to show support for expanding Massachusetts’ extensive trails network, recently seeking authorization from the legislature for $25 million over the next five years to support a program called MassTrails. MassTrails would be a one-stop shop for all information about planning, design, and construction of new trails throughout the state. The program could be hugely beneficial in connecting the gaps in the state’s network of trails, as well as gaps in funding for design. Click here to read the full press release.

Plans for Mystic River Pedestrian Bridge Take Shape

Whatever feelings you may have about the new casino being built in Everett, local excitement is growing for the project’s proposed pedestrian bridge across the Mystic River. The bridge will provide much needed access across the river between Somerville and Everett, and connect existing and proposed greenways along both sides. Building a pedestrian-only bridge is a great example of prioritizing and encouraging active transportation and connecting to the existing greenways. Click here to read more.

Funding Opportunity for Organizations in Boston

Franklin Park. (Photo: Boston Park Advocates)

As Boston rolls out its Community Preservation Act program (CPA), new funding opportunities are available this spring to support affordable housing, historic preservation, parks, open space, and outdoor recreation across all neighborhoods. The CPA aligns with the goals of the Go Boston 2030 plan to continue promoting equity and stability to Boston neighborhoods, protecting and enhancing our natural environment, and will fill a critical gap in funding for design and construction.

This new source of funding will be a huge boon to the Emerald Network and our Greenway Partners. Organizations with “shovel-ready” affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space proposals may now apply for spring funding. Want to find out if your neighborhood project is "shovel-ready"? Review the application requirements here. All applications are due by April 27, 2018. 

GREENWAY STORIES

Malden River Walk: A Resident & A Planner Sound Off

(Photo: Robert Castagna) 

If you ask any Maldonian whether they use the Malden River Walk you will likely get one of two responses: “No,” or “We have a River Walk?” Although the trail is less than a ten-minute walk from Malden Center Station, its location isn’t known to many.

The trail is so underused that it remains underneath snow for most of the winter months. During warmer weather, geese like to congregate near the shady trailhead (leaving little surprises along the path) and get aggressive when they feel walkers and runners are a threat to their goslings.

It’s a shame that the trail is so unappealing, because it has a lot of potential....

Continue reading about Monique's impression of the Malden River Walk, and hear Mystic River Watershed Association's Greenways Director Amber Christoffersen's response.

(Photo: Mystic River Watershed Association)

Featured Greenway: Roxbury-Fenway Connector

Although small in scale, the Roxbury-Fenway Connector (Rox-Fens Connector) is a major project linking two of Boston’s most beloved greenways, the Emerald Necklace and the Southwest Corridor. Currently in the design phase and overseen by the Boston Transportation Department’s Green Links Program, the Connector is a major step in completing the missing links in the foundational greenways connecting the area. 

Continue reading to learn how you can explore the connector with us at a free open streets event on Saturday, May 12th!

GET INVOLVED

• Want to learn more about local resources for advocates? Join the LivableStreets Advocacy Committee for an advocacy training on April 25th! All are welcome, no previous meeting attendance needed.
• Want to meet other advocates and help influence trail and greenway development in New England? Register for the annual New England Bike-Walk Summit, taking place April 26-27th at UMass Boston.
• Take a guided tour of the proposed greenway between Ruggles Station and Fenway, and enjoy free activities and snacks along a street closed to cars for the day!  Don’t miss our Rox-Fens Connector Event on May 12th!
• Looking for a little breathing room? Get to the Leventhal Map Center at Boston Public Library on May 31st for our Emerald Network StreetTalk "Olmsted for the 21st Century: Creating Urban Change" in conjunction with the “Breathing Room” exhibit, featuring a map of the Network! (The full exhibit runs March 24th - September 23rd.)

THANK YOU

		The Emerald Network is a community and a social network and we greatly value our supporters. Find out more about our network of people by visiting the website. Help make the Emerald Network a reality by donating today.  You can also sign up to be a volunteer with LivableStreets. Your dollars and your time keep us going!