Mayor Walsh Agrees To Master Plan For Charlestown

CHARLESTOWN, MA — After an effort by some 22 neighborhood groups and organizations that submitted letters of support and 1,600 signatures on a petition to endorse a Master Plan for Charlestown, they've got their wish. The mayor announced a collaboration between Boston Planning and Development Agency and the Charlestown Neighborhood Alliance 02129 and the agency responsible future growth and development for the Charlestown community.

“We look forward to a transparent process, in shaping the Charlestown of the future,” said society President Amanda Zettel in a statement. “beginning with community meetings in September, including the full presentation of Leggatt McCall’s proposed plan for the redevelopment of Bunker Hill Housing Development.”

Charlestown is projected to grow from the current population of 18,901 to 25,000 by 2029, according to the alliance. That translates to an estimated increase of 34 percent over the next 10 years in a community situated within one square mile.

Residents were concerned about increased development in the Hood Park, including 13 parcels around Rutherford Avenue and other potential sites for development happening without a Master Plan.

"Parents of school-aged children are facing and continue to face inadequate school facilities and seats for their children. A Master Plan will address housing and future educational opportunities," according to the association.

The planning department announced the next stage of planning studies will focus on the Rutherford Avenue Corridor in Charlestown. The goal of the study will be to create a comprehensive vision for the areas, guiding future growth and investment.

“Since 2014, we have focused on community planning efforts to guide inclusive growth in each corner of the city,” said Walsh in a statement calling the effort a community-based one. “As with every planning and rezoning study, we are committed to fulfilling the individual needs of [the] neighborhood by both preserving our history and planning together for the future.”

The planning effort along Rutherford Avenue will focus on the publicly-owned parcels along the corridor, leading a robust community discussion about their future use. The strategic plan will aim to preserve the historic residential core of existing Charlestown by focusing new growth on underutilized properties along the Rutherford Ave Corridor.

The formal public process for this effort is expected to begin in early 2020. BPDA staff will begin engaging local stakeholders, including community members, later this summer in order to develop a better sense of what the strategic plan will need to cover.

Officials encourage neighbors to continue to participate the process and attend upcoming meetings.