Arborway

Three Proposals Pitched for Arborway Improvements Project

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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) pitched three proposals targeted at improving the Arborway at a recent public meeting. Currently there are two traffic rotaries: Kelley Circle by Jamaica Pond and Murray Circle on Centre Street by the Arnold Arboretum. One proposal would keep both circles, one would remove Kelley Circle, and one would remove both circles. "While each alternative has a set of unique design features, they are all designed to improve safety and accessibility for all users along the Arborway, better balance the various demands placed on the roadway, and create a welcoming environment with enhanced public access that reflects the natural and cultural history of the site," said the DCR. Each proposal includes:

Safety improvements for all modes on all roadway segments
Improved visibility and safety at all crosswalks
New wayfinding signage to guide cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians
Entrances and exits from side streets promote slower speeds
New bicycle and pedestrian connections and networks
Vehicle through-traffic is directed to Mainline
Carriage ways are reduced to one travel lane while maintaining access to abutters
Overall increases in recreational green space
New and replacement tree plantings for lost trees due to disease, normal decline, urban hazards, or proposed improvements
Opportunities for historical markers and informational stations

DCR's website says that a proposal will be selected this winter, and construction is expected to begin in 2021 and last two years.

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Transportation

Arborway Parkway Improvements Virtual Public Meeting Oct. 21

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DCR will be hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss the Arborway Parkway Improvements Project on Oct. 21. During the meeting, slides showing the three proposed design alternatives for the Arborway Parkway Improvement Project. The public may ask questions using the “chat” function during and after the presentations. The presentation will be viewable after the public meeting on DCR’s website, and available by clicking here.

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Centre Street

Virtual Meeting on How to Improve Centre & Walter Streets Intersection on July 30

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The public is going to receive an update on the proposed design concept to improve the intersection of Centre and Walter streets in a virtual meeting on July 30. As many people can attest, the intersection is problematic with accidents happening frequently. After the presentation, the public will be invited to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed design concept, using a chat function that will be available through the remote participation platform. To join the meeting please visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9154618883245545231 from 6:30 to 8 pm on Thursday, July 30. Call-in Information: Dial 562-247-8422
Access Code: 328-910-940

If you need assistance when registering, please contact Nate Cabral-Curtis at ncabral-curtis@hshassoc.com.

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Transportation

Virtual Meeting June 24: Arborway Parkway Improvement Project

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Improving safety and accessibility are the main goal's of the state's Arborway Parkway Improvements Project, and a virtual public meeting will be held on June 24 to provide an update on the project. During and after the meeting the public will be able to issue concerns on an interactive online mapping tool. 

During the meeting the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will present slides introducing the project team, provide an overview of the design process, and info on submitting public comments. The chat function will enable viewers to ask questions during and after the presentation. The public can also note specific concerns on an interactive online mapping tool at hsh.mysocialpinpoint.com/arborway

Historically speaking, the Arborway is a nationally registered historic parkway originally designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The parkway runs from Circuit Drive at Forest Hills to Eliot Street by Jamaica Pond, where it merges into the Jamaica Way, and is part of Boston’s larger Emerald Necklace park system.  DCR controls the Arborway, which includes the Murray and Kelley Circles, the Arborway and Upper Arborway next to the Arnold Arboretum, and the eight-lane section between the two rotaries which retains Olmsted’s original parkway layout.

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Neighborhood Life

DCR Playgrounds, Spray Decks and Fitness Areas Now Open to Public

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Summer weather is here and now we can all go to Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spray decks, playgrounds, and fitness areas, after the agency announced they're all open for public use. The reopening is part of Phase II of the state's reopening plan. According to a press release, DCR will conduct "periodic cleanings of spray decks, playgrounds and fitness areas." Signage has also been posted to provide guidance to visitors on proper use. There are nine DCR-run playgrounds/spray decks/fitness areas in Jamaica Plain:

Amory Playground (Amory Street)
Anson Spalding Street Playground (Spalding Street)
Boynton Hall Street Playground (Hall Street)
Corporal Joseph E. Johnson Playground and Spray Deck (Green Street)
Everett Street Playground (Everett Street)
Lorber Family Playground (Jackson Square)
Mission Hill Deck Playground (Tremont Street)
New Minton Street Playground (New Minton Street)
Stony Brook Playground and Spray Deck (Lamartine Street)

The Johnson Spray Deck also recently got a facelift with picnic benches and soft padding replaced the hard concrete by the spray fountains.

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Centre Street

Roundabout? Traffic Signals? Discuss How to Improve Centre & Walter Streets Intersection on Feb. 13

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The intersection at Centre and Walter streets is often an accident waiting to happen. Cars come speeding downhill from JP's Centre Street on their way to West Roxbury and Roslindale, and turning onto Walter Street can be quite dangerous. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is looking to rectify this situation and is hosting a meeting on Feb. 13 to to discuss how to improve the intersection. At this public meeting, DCR officials will provide information and seek public input on proposed design concepts to improve the intersection.

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Transportation

DCR Completes Arborway Road Safety Audit

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A road safety audit of the Arborway was recently completed by the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation to improve safety for all users -- pedestrians, autos and bicyclists. The audit was conducted on the parkway from South Street to Eliot Street in Jamaica Plain, according to a DCR press release. The audit evaluated existing safety issues of speed, pedestrian and bicycle access and ADA accommodations, lighting, pavement marking, signage and more. The report is available online by clicking here. The report also identifies potential short-term and long-term safety improvements.

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Environment

Hemlock Hating Insect: City Removes Killed Trees Along Emerald Necklace

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If you've driven along Francis Parkman Drive recently you may have seen a sizable forest area clearcut by the city to remove dead trees, some of which killed by an insect that feeds by sucking sap from hemlocks. The removed trees were between the Francis Parkman Drive and Prince Street, including a hemlock grove and individual trees that were dead or failing, said Margaret Dyson, Director of Historic Parks for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The area looks to be several hundred square feet and is visible from Francis Parkman Drive. The culprit was the hemlock woolly adelgid, which is native to east Asia, where's it not a problem because natural predators keep it in check. But on America's east coast it goes unchecked.

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Transportation

Traffic Advisory: Arborway, Jamaicaway, and Riverway on June 4-7

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Traffic will be going slower on the Arborway, Jamaicaway and Riverway from Tuesday through Friday this week during the week due to tree maintenance. 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be conducting rolling lane closures going both directions from 9 am to 3 pm. Traffic changes will be marked, and a police detail will be on site, according to a press release from DCR.

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