Tag: Boston

Christian Science Plaza Revitalization Project MEPA #14828

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

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

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

Boston: South End Running Route

The South End is a favorite of locals and visitors. It’s a compact, lively neighborhood that is easy to access from Downtown, Back Bay, and many hotels and tourist destinations. Running or walking along the flat, shady streets of the South End, you’ll be charmed by this “historic district”—the largest group of Victorian structures in the country. Long an immigrant neighborhood, the South End still retains its diversity. Its distinctive architecture is invigorated by an array of unique restaurants, art galleries clothing and furniture shops. The streets of the South End are flat, much like the Back Bay; both areas were created by filling in tidal marshes. Unlike the legendary crooked streets of Downtown, South End streets were laid out in a grid pattern, making it easier to get around.

Click for “WalkBoston’s South End Running Routes” PDF

Walking Map of Bridges and Esplanades along the Charles River

For a great cinematic view of Boston take a ride over the Charles River on the Red Line across the Longfellow Bridge between Kendall Square and Charles/MGH Stations. The train accelerates as it leaves the station to meet the rising curve of the bridge, and the short spell of darkness in the subway tunnel dissolves on a sunny day in a flash of blue sky and open water.

This walk takes a longer look at the views of the Lower Charles from a succession of vantage points along the bridge. It encompasses what appears to be one of the most visible and carefully preserved natural features of Boston. However, during the mid-19th century the shallow basin was lined with tenements and industries; at low tide it was a vast expanse of sewage-laden mud flats.

The reclamation of the riverbanks began with the Cambridge Esplanade in 1883 and continues to this day. This walk takes in many of the Charles River’s loveliest and most historic sites–not to mention its incomparable views of the city.

Click for “Bridges and Esplanades Along the Charles River” Walking map on Google maps