Planning Initiatives

Project Purpose:

The purpose of the South Boston - Dorchester Avenue Improvement Study is to gather community input on how to improve Dorchester Avenue and to prepare recommendations that address community concerns. The focus of the study is on Dorchester Avenue, approximately from the Andrew Square MBTA station to the Broadway MBTA station. The study focuses primarily on improvements to transportation, streetscapes, and neighborhood businesses along the corridor.

The Dorchester Avenue planning initiative consists of two separate planning studies (Dorchester Avenue Project and the South Boston – Dorchester Avenue I mprovement Study). The Dorchester Avenue Project focuses on Dorchester Avenue from Lower Mills to Interstate 93. The South Boston – Dorchester Avenue Improvement Study begins at Interstate 93 and continues up to the Broadway MBTA station.

The Dorchester Avenue planning initiative is taking a closer look at coordinating the City’s resources and efforts to ensure that the departments are working together to improve the quality of life along Dorchester Avenue. The team is comprised of representatives from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Department of Neighborhood Development, Inspectional Services Department, Department of Public Works, Boston Water & Sewer Commission, Parks & Recreation Department, Boston Transportation Department, and Basic City Services.

In February 2006, the BRA held the first community charrette for the South Boston – Dorchester Avenue Improvement Study to provide an overview of the project, gather community feedback, and solicit nominations for the South Boston -Dorchester Avenue Task Force. An additional community charrette was held on April 27, 2006 to gather additional input from the community.

The Mayor has appointed a 7-member South Boston – Dorchester Avenue Task Force to assist in the creation of the Dorchester Avenue Transportation and Streetscape Action Plan. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from local civic organizations, neighborhood businesses, and neighborhood residents.

During 2007, the Task Force worked with the BRA, BTD, and the transportation/urban design consultant team, Louis Berger Group, to review the preferred design alternative for Andrew Square.

The BRA presented the Draft Transportation and Streetscape Action Plan in 2007. The Mayor will present and release the Final Action Plan with recommendations for Andrew Square as well as proposed TSM enhancements and signage improvements on March 8, 2008. During 2008 design/engineering drawings will be finalized by a consultant with the project going out to bid and into construction in 2009.

1. Dot Ave Community Meeting Slide Presentation
   
2. Task Force 2007-05-15 PowerPoint
   
3. February 27, 2007 Community Meeting Presentation
   
4. Task Force Meeting Notes February 20, 2007
   
5. Task Force Presentation - December 11, 2006
   
6. Joint Task Force Meeting Notes - August 16, 2006
   
7. Joint Task Force Presentation - August 16, 2006
   
8. Dot Av South Boston Project Joint Task Force mtg 2006-08-16
   
9. Community Charrette Comments - April 27, 2006
   
10. Community Charrette Presentation - April 27, 2006
    
11. Community Charrette Comments - February 4, 2006
    
12. Community Charrette Presentation - February 4, 2006
    
13. South Boston-Dorchester Avenue Task Force Mission Statement
    
14. Study Area Map