The East Somerville Design Charrette will be underway Monday September 30th through Wednesday October 2nd. The Project Team, which includes City Staff and a selection of consultants, will be activating a currently vacant storefront at 122-124 Broadway and transforming the space into a design studio and meeting hall for the event.

Schedule of Events:

Download the Stakeholder Session Flyer

Se habla Español diariamente entre 4pm – 8pm

Falamos Português diariamente entre 4pm – 8pm

Monday, September 30th

Open Studio
Monday 9 AM – 8 PM
Having trouble attending any of the stakeholder sessions detailed below? Feel free to stop by our Open Studio where you can directly interact with Project Team members on any subject of concern and get a close-up look at the work in-progress.

The Economy of East Somerville
Monday 11 AM – 12 PM
What makes the economy of East Somerville great today and what kinds of jobs and services are missing from the mix? Project team members will lead a discussion on how we can support new economic activity while preserving the independent, international character of the business district.

Neighborhood Edges
Monday 3 PM – 4 PM
Residents say they love the core of the neighborhood, but want to improve the hard edges imposed by Interstate 93, Sullivan Square, Washington Street and McGrath Highway. The Project Team will explore ways to soften these edges and reduce physical and psychological barriers.

Walk, Ride, Bike, Drive
Monday 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Can Cross Street be re-imagined as a community corridor? Do our “One-Way Street” and “Do Not Enter” regulations help or hurt our quality of life? Project Team members will lead a discussion on how East Somerville can plan for safe, accessible transportation choices for all modes.

What’s Up with Washington Street!?
Monday 6 PM – 7 PM
Everyone loves Broadway, but what about East Somerville’s other business corridor? Join the project team as we look at the neighborhood’s southern edge, including how to get to and through it from the neighborhood and from the new Green Line Station.

Parking Needs in East Somerville
Monday 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
East Somerville needs parking for residents, workers and visitors. But how much,and what type of parking? Join Project Team Members specializing in parking and transportation as we dig into the data together.

Tuesday, October 1st

Open Studio
Tuesday 9 AM – 8 PM
Having trouble attending any of the stakeholder sessions detailed below? Feel free to stop by our Open Studio where you can directly interact with Project Team members on any subject of concern and get a close-up look at the work in-progress.

The Future of Parking in East Somerville
Tuesday 9 AM – 10 AM
Join the Project Team for a second discussion on parking. How will our needs change over the next ten years? Can the City find the “sweet spot” between supply and demand to balance economic vitality and quality-of-life in East Somerville?

Old and New Buildings
Tuesday 11 AM – 12 PM
East Broadway is buzzing with activity. As new investments are made in the business district, it is important to understand how both older and new buildings contribute to the unique character of East Somerville. Join Project Team members for a fun, visual session.

Parks, Plazas, and Playgrounds
Tuesday 3:30 – 4:30 PM
The opening of Chuckie Harris Park has provided brand-new outdoor space for East Somerville, but what is next for open space planning and design? Sit down with City Parks managers and Project Team members for a fun, visual session.

Housing: Safe, Accessible, Attractive, Affordable
Tuesday 5 PM – 6 PM
The real estate market can be a double-edged sword for neighborhoods like East Somerville. As public and private investment flows in, how can we make sure that housing choices exist for all of our residents? Sit down with City housing staff and Project Team members to discuss the options.

What Can Happen Right Now?
Tuesday 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Large projects like the Broadway streetscape or Chuckie Harris Park can take many years to complete. How can we make an impact in East Somerville this year? Join the Project Team to discuss short-term, low-risk actions that we can get started on right away.

Wednesday, October 2nd

Pin-Up Presentation
Wednesday 7 PM – 9 PM
Join us at the East Somerville Community School auditorium, 115 Pearl Street, as the Project Team comes together to present their initial ideas to achieve the community’s vision for the future of East Somerville.

As a bonus, check out the interesting sequence of images below showing how our venue was rehabilitated from a very unfriendly condition to one that promotes pedestrian activity and fosters neighborhood pride. A perfect example of the City’s storefront improvment program at work!