Planning Initiatives

Located in Boston’s West End, Thoreau Path is a 20’ wide passageway that provides emergency egress to the residential towers and pedestrian connections to businesses and residences. The Path knits together a superblock of residential high-rises known as the Charles River Park.

On June 28, 2009, the BRA issued a Request for Proposals for design services for Thoreau Path in response to requests that the Path be renovated. After a competitive selection process, on September 15, 2009, the BRA Board approved the selection of the design firm of Stoss Landscape Urbanism to assist the BRA.

The scope of work (which is limited to the city-owned right-of-way easement, available below) includes addressing many issues such as the overall path design, the condition of the existing landscape, a comprehensive signage program including directional, gateway and interpretative signage, Boston Fire Department emergency access, site drainage, and any potential enhancement measures along Thoreau Path which can add to its use as a pedestrian thoroughfare and neighborhood open space.

As part of the design process, the BRA will be working with the West End community in a series of community meetings. These meetings will be open to the general public and will be designed to engage the public directly in a dialogue about what specific site improvements are required.

1. Thoreau Path Master Plan – November 2007
   
2. Thoreau Path – City-Owned Easement Plan
   
3. Public Meeting #1: PowerPoint Presentation 12-2-09
   
4. Public Meeting #1: Notes 12-2-09
   
5. Public Meeting #2: PowerPoint Presentation 1-13-10
   
6. Public Meeting #2: Notes 1-13-10
   
7. Public Meeting #3: PowerPoint Presentation 2-17-10
   
8. Public Meeting #3: Notes 2-17-10