The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
(EOEA) initiated the UrbanRiver Visions
program to assist communities across the
Commonwealth in creating visions and accom-
panying action plans for revitalizing their urban
riverfronts. This effort grows out of EOEA’s
Community Preservation Initiative and will
assist community leaders in shaping plans that
can successfully redirect future growth to where
it is most appropriate – our urban cores.
Riverfront revitalization projects typically involve
multiple properties and property owners, aban-
doned or underutilized factory and commercial
sites, brownfield areas and various other chal-
lenges which cannot be handled in isolation.
A larger-scale integrated approach can lead to
the revitalization and preservation of these
crucial areas and the creation of greenways
and riverfront access for area residents.
Program Goals:
• To contribute to the revitalization of the state’s existing urban centers which is essential
to our long-term success in protecting the environment while promoting economic growth
and housing.
• To collaborate with community officials, business owners and residents in developing
a vision and action plan for some aspects of the urban riverfront in selected communities.
• To develop a shared vision through a public participation process that recognizes that
renewal of our urban rivers requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates
environmental, economic and social perspectives.
• To leverage support from state, federal and non-government organizations that can assist
cities and towns in the implementation of steps in the action plans.
Process:
EOEA selected Goody, Clancy & Associates (GC&A) and its team of consultants
to assist it in undertaking the UrbanRiver Visions program. GC&A is providing
professional assistance to the seven communities now in the program. GC&A will
conduct a charrette in each community, create a rendering of the vision expressed
by the community, and develop an action plan to achieve that vision. The seven
program communities of Athol, Chicopee, Easthampton, Fall River, Hudson,
Lawrence, and Worcester encompass a mix of size and geographic locations.
For additional information and project updates, please visit the project website at http://www.UrbanRiverVisions.org
or the EOEA Community Preservation website at http://commpres.env.state.ma.us/content/urv.asp
An initiative of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Bob Durand, SecretarylawrenceSpicket River & Canal
worcesterBlackstone and Middle Rivers
Redefining theRiver’s Edge
Athol
Easthampton
ChicopeeWorcester
Hudson
Fall River
Lawrence