in less than 40 years
1979
Assembly Square Revitalization Plan
The City of Somerville declares the Assembly Square District to be blighted and substandard . The “ Assembly Square Revitalization Plan ,” a 20-year urban renewal plan , was developed .
2003
2005
The Department of Conservation and Recreation ( DCR ) was formed when the former Metropolitan District Commission ( MDC ) and Department of Environmental Management ( DEM ) were merged . The DCR is a state agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts known for its parks and parkways . The DCR ’ s mission is “ To protect , promote and enhance our common wealth of natural , cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all .
Federal Realty Investment Trust ( FRIT ), the oldest real estate investment trust in the United States , purchased 45 acres of land located along the Mystic River .
2009
Creation of the Mystic River Master Plan
Goals of the Master Plan
• Restoration of river banks
• Increased recreational use of the park land surrounding the river including the development of a continuous multi-use pathway system
• Protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat
• Increased opportunities for water-related activities such as fishing and non-motorized boating .
“ The Master Plan allows the DCR to work closely with developers , municipalities and other regulatory agencies to identify opportunities for public / private partnerships as well as potential impacts to ( and appropriate mitigation measures for ) the Reservation and other DCR properties .”
2011
Phase 1 – Assembly Row
FRIT sets out to transform the underutilized , ecologically-degraded brownfield site located on the West Bank of the Mystic River into a new modern-day urban village where New Englanders can live , eat , work , and play . In addition to the development of offices , stores , hundreds of homes , and a new MBTA station , the redevelopment plans for the refurbishment of the waterfront park .
The redevelopment of the waterfront park was the start of the transformation of the derelict , once-forgotten corner of Somerville into a regional center where bikeway networks , recreation , housing , employment opportunities , public transportation , and commerce converge .
... and then ...
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
97