Broadway Reconstruction Project in Somerville, MA
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2017-06-28
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Alternative Title:FHWA's Livable Communities Case Study Series
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Abstract:At roughly 3.5 miles, Broadway is the only road running the entire length of Somerville, Massachusetts. In the East Somerville neighborhood, the four-lane collector road is out of scale with the predominantly residential one–half mile between Garfield Avenue and the Boston city line. Closely spaced duplexes and triple-deckers intermingle with single family homes, as well as public housing for seniors and people with disabilities, such as the 134–unit Bryant Manor complex, to provide a dense array of housing options in the corridor. Most of the housing stock in East Somerville was built prior to 1940, before cars dominated the streetscape. Residents have long desired to restore an inviting pedestrian environment to access the neighborhood's schools, library, and community centers. Yet despite the relatively unwelcoming environment that Broadway created for street life, the area has always been home to many small businesses and restaurants. In recent years, the commercial district has become more of a regional destination. The city of Somerville recognized that a road designed as a highway collector was hindering economic development as well as the quality of life for the 10,000 residents that live within one-half mile of the Broadway corridor.
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