The City of Malden is moving forward with plans to connect its western area, a site where a river once flowed, to the Northern Strand Community Trail. This new initiative involves the creation of a shared-use path, a proposal that has sparked debate among local officials.
Councilor Craig Spadafora has voiced objections to a vital segment of the path that runs along Canal Street, where his family operates a function hall. Despite these concerns, the proposed Spot Pond Brook Greenway aims to extend to Coytemore Lea Park, primarily through Malden Center, and is designed to enhance access for pedestrians and cyclists along streets like Canal Street, Charles Street, Middlesex Street, and Dartmouth Street.
Historically, the Spot Pond Brook flowed from Melrose, through Malden and Malden Center, into the Malden River and Spot Pond before being buried in an underground pipe during city growth in the early 1900s due to flooding issues.
Initially slated to begin construction in 2027, the timeline for the Spot Pond Brook Greenway has now shifted to 2029 due to ongoing dialogues with businesses, councilors, and the community. In the summer of 2022, the community engaged in discussions surrounding the path’s design, focusing on Dartmouth, Pleasant, and Middlesex Streets. The project is currently in another phase of public engagement aimed at refining its early design.
The 11-member City Council is split on the project, with some members expressing support while others, including Councilor Spadafora, remain critical. At a recent public meeting on May 15th, Managing Engineer Amy Archer outlined the project’s details and the efforts made to accommodate tree preservation, utility considerations, and enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists—all while maintaining road usage for local businesses.
Key elements discussed include the proposal of a shared-use path on Canal Street, prioritizing truck access for local enterprises, retaining most parking spaces while only removing a few for improved truck maneuverability, and widening some sidewalks.
Additionally, the design includes plans for a mountable curb in specified areas to permit emergency vehicles and trucks to navigate without obstructing traffic. The path design will feature buffers between the path and the roadway and reroute sections to conserve mature trees and green spaces, ensuring safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Just a few days past the public meeting, Councilor Spadafora hosted another gathering at Anthony’s on Canal Street, further discussing the project’s viability. This meeting convened various stakeholders, including members of the Mystic Valley Gun Club, Malden Safe Streets, L&L Trucking, the Mystic Valley Charter School, and the public.
Notes from Malden Safe Streets highlighted the discussions which focused on business operations, pedestrian and ADA accessibility, and connectivity between Canal Street and key destinations such as Assembly Square and Malden Center. Concerns addressed also included financial aspects like utility relocation and environmental cleanup, underscoring the increasing project costs.
Advocates underscored the benefits of the project, arguing that the Greenway will facilitate reduced car reliance, boost accessibility for both residents and businesses, and promote economic growth, leading to a more integrated transportation network. Conversely, opponents raised worries about potential traffic congestion and access for trucks and emergency vehicles.
There was considerable tension about the meeting format, as it lacked official documentation such as an agenda or minutes, and critics were disappointed with scheduling—a 10 a.m. start time—and the absence of participation from key public agencies such as MassDOT.
Despite these tensions, participants left the meeting with a sense of optimism, urging continuing engagement with stakeholders rather than prematurely abandoning the project.
Supporters of the Greenway, like Malden Safe Streets, advocate for its implementation as a critical move towards enhancing safety and inclusivity in urban design. They emphasized that improved pedestrian access gets prioritized along Canal Street, where current designs suggest sidewalks of 4.5 feet on one side of the street and 8 feet on the other, insufficient for the foot traffic expected in the area.
Furthermore, the street links critical community facilities, including Stop & Shop, the CHA Malden Care Center, and the Malden Center T station, emphasizing the need for improved safety and access.
Bike to the Sea, an advocacy group for North Shore trails, has proposed replacing Canal Street’s on-street parking with a 10-foot sidewalk alongside a 4-foot landscaping buffer, ensuring pedestrian safety while maintaining truck access for local businesses.
Moving forward, the next phase involves submitting a revised 25 percent design to MassDOT for a required three-month review, during which additional public engagement will occur. Community feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the detailed plans and ultimately preparing them for construction.
By fostering collaboration and inclusive design, the Spot Pond Brook Greenway aims to serve as a testament to Malden’s commitment to revitalizing infrastructure while connecting its community with its history, affirming its role as a vital asset for multimodal transportation and environmental justice.
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