The City of Somerville is actively working to create safer and more accessible streets for all its residents. A key initiative in this effort is the Neighborway project, and Otis Street in East Somerville has been identified as a primary location for these improvements. In partnership with CultureHouse and Neighborways Design, the City is developing a Neighborway on Otis Street between McGrath Highway and the East Somerville Community School, aiming to transform this street into a haven for pedestrians, cyclists, and the entire community. This project is made possible through funding from an American Rescue Plan Act grant.
Understanding Neighborways and Their Benefits for Otis Street
So, what exactly is a Neighborway? Drawing from the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan, Neighborways are residential streets strategically designed to run parallel to busier main roads. Their purpose is to offer a low-stress, high-comfort experience for those who walk, roll, and bike. To achieve this, these streets incorporate design elements to reduce vehicle volume and speed. Think speed humps or narrowed street entrances – these measures discourage drivers from using Neighborways as shortcuts, fostering a calmer environment. Crucially, even if a Neighborway is one-way for cars, it always provides a two-way connection for cyclists, promoting bike-friendly routes throughout the neighborhood, directly benefiting streets like Otis Street.
Why Focus on Otis Street?
The selection of Otis Street, along with Glen Street, for the Neighborway project was a deliberate and strategic decision. Both streets are located in areas with a significant presence of schools – three directly on these streets and more in close proximity. This naturally translates to high usage by children and other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and those with mobility challenges. Furthermore, Otis Street and Glen Street serve as important connectors within East Somerville. They hold the potential to become safer and more comfortable routes for biking, walking, and rolling, linking the East Somerville T station to the bustling Broadway business district and Winter Hill. Recognizing this potential and aligning with priorities outlined in the Somerville Bicycle Network Plan, Otis Street was identified as a high-priority location for Neighborway implementation, promising significant improvements for local residents.
Quick-Build Approach: Delivering Rapid Improvements to Otis Street
The Otis Street Neighborway project is being implemented using a “quick-build” approach. This methodology is focused on making changes efficiently and cost-effectively, without extensive construction. This means the improvements will be achieved using materials that can be installed quickly and without major structural alterations to the street. Instead of digging up roads or moving sidewalks, the project will utilize solutions like planters, vertical plastic posts, painted street markings, and speed humps. This smart approach allows the City to deliver the benefits of the Neighborway to Otis Street residents much faster and more affordably than traditional street reconstruction projects.
Project Timeline and Staying Engaged with Otis Street Updates
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Otis Street Neighborway project. Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, the City will be actively engaging with community members to gather valuable feedback. This engagement will focus on understanding how residents currently use Otis Street, what improvements would enhance their comfort and safety for walking, rolling, and biking, and to address any concerns they may have. This feedback will then be used to develop draft designs for the Neighborway, which will be shared with the public for further input before finalization. The goal is to have the final designs installed on both Glen and Otis Street in the spring of 2024. To stay informed about project updates, upcoming public meetings, and community engagement events related to Otis Street, residents are encouraged to sign up for the Mobility Newsletter and monitor the project webpage for ongoing progress reports.
