DCR Unveils Preferred Option for Neponset Greenway Extension

After over a year of public and stakeholder meetings, two site walks and hours of discussion over the five possible options to connect the Neponset Greenway from Central Avenue to Mattapan Square, the DCR sought a compromise with a sixth option. The new proposal was unveiled on Tuesday, August 30, at the Foley Senior Center in Mattapan, in front of a large, primarily supportive audience.

The presentation was given by DCR Deputy Commissioner for Park Operations Jack Murray, DCR Chief of Bureau of Resource Planning and Protection Joe Orfant and Dennen Crosby, Principal, Crosby/Schlesinger/Smallridge, LLC.

The new plan will begin on the Milton side of the Neponset, connecting to the existing path at Central Avenue. The new path will cross over the river, via a new footbridge at Ryan Park on the north side of the river. The path will then follow the river on the Boston side, avoiding unpopular tree and ledge removal around Capen Street. The path will continue to Mattapan Station where it will cross over the tracks with a slow-inclining, pedestrian overpass.

The extension will bridge a gap in the trail system between the Martini Shell in Hyde Park and Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester.

“We’re talking about something that really makes regional connections,” said Orfant.

While some of the past plans remained on either the south or north side of the river – presenting unique challenges for either community – the new proposal is an alteration to Option B. Option B provided access to Milton and Boston, but was unfavorable because it ended with an unsafe crossing at River Street.

The canopy-walk style pedestrian overpass will open up opportunities for federal grants by providing a much safer alternative than entering into Mattapan Square or creating an underpass at the station.

Following the presentation, several residents and elected officials applauded the DCR for the plan and their cooperation with the various stakeholders.

“This project has been a wonderful addition to our communities,” said Senator Brian A. Joyce.

While Representative Linda Dorcena Forry applauded all involved and stressed the importance of the community link, she also encouraged the community to stay involved.

“Good work everyone. This is just the beginning of meetings,” Dorcena Forry said. “We need you here.”

The presentation given Tuesday represents a general plan for the extension, but is void of key design features and details that will be hashed out in the coming months.

Crosby said the most important design work would come in the bridge at Ryan Park and the proposed canopy-walk over the tracks at Mattapan Station.

During the meeting, several Milton residents raised questions about a Valley Road connection to the path. The proposal would only offer Milton access at Central Avenue and Mattapan Square. An access point at Valley Road presents several challenges to universal access due to a steep grade. Crosby said adding access at Valley Road could be considered eventually.

The DCR will now accept comments for the next 30 days. Comments, with the subject line “Riverfront Park” can be submitted via email to DCR.Updates@state.ma.us.

The next public meeting regarding the path will be scheduled sometime this fall. A tentative completion date for the project is fall 2013.