By Michael Coughlin Jr.
During last week’s Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association (JPNA) meeting, Maria Castillo, a transportation planner with the city, provided an overview of the Maverick Square Transportation Action Plan process, which is kicking off.
The project, as described on the city’s website, looks to “[advance] ideas to improve safety, connectivity, and placemaking in Maverick Square.”
Castillo explained that the project stems from three primary sources: the city’s transportation plan, Go Boston 2030; federal COVID-19 recovery funds to improve main streets; and PLAN: East Boston, which contains recommendations for transportation and public realm improvements.
She highlighted the PLAN: East Boston aspect further, noting that the plan contains key recommendations for Maverick Square, which include prioritizing the quality of the pedestrian experience, making space for buses, balancing and managing curbside space, and potentially creating a green and flexible gathering space in the heart of the square.
“This is kind of a baseline, like a starting point for us for this project. There were some recommendations in PLAN: East Boston, and we’re just trying to see how much of it we want to advance,” said Castillo.
As for the project’s goals, there are three: the first is to build upon existing strengths. “We know that there is some connectivity for people walking, taking the bus, taking transit, the subway, but how can we strengthen these existing conditions,” said Castillo.
The other goals for the project are to make it easier to walk, bike, and take transit in the area, as well as to collaborate with businesses and residents.
“We want to talk to the local experts, and that is with people who live and work in these spaces,” said Castillo.
Castillo continued, explaining that the project is exploring ways to support bus operations and claim more space for people. She also provided a statistic that revealed 96% of people accessing Maverick Square do so by walking, biking, or taking the bus, and that less than 10% of the right-of-way in the area is for those individuals.
Regarding the project timeline, Castillo stated that the team has already conducted two rounds of engagement to gather feedback on the area through interviews with stakeholders and residents.
The technical team is currently analyzing various existing conditions, including traffic data, signal timing, and other relevant factors, to develop a report that will be available at an open house scheduled for late May or early June.
After the report is completed, work will begin on drafting designs this summer.
Concerning what the team has heard so far, Castillo indicated that Maverick Square has been described as a “hidden gateway to a vibrant culture” and a “transit hub on an island.”
Other feedback mentioned that the car-centric design does not facilitate gathering places in the area and that, since the square serves as a neighborhood center and transit hub, it is challenging to meet the needs of all users.
Following the presentation, Castillo answered questions from the attendees. One question was asked about the inclusion of elected officials, such as State Representative Adrian Madaro and City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata.
She indicated that periodic meetings are being set up with both Madaro and Zapata, and that their teams are being informed about the project’s progress.
“We are in constant communication with both of their teams,” said Castillo.
There was also a question regarding the scope of the design. In response, Castillo said, “we don’t have much of a scope right now for the final designs because that’s up to whatever comes out from the engagement.”
She then noted that the project’s goals are to make near-term improvements, such as repairing lights or adding trash cans, and to continue a longer-term vision for the area.
For more information about the project and to view answers to frequently asked questions, visit https://content.boston.gov/departments/transportation/project/maverick-square-transportation-action-plan.
For more information about the JPNA, visit https://jeffriespoint.org/. The next JPNA monthly meeting is scheduled for May 12.