submitted by Erica Mattison

On Friday September 28, 2012, a site visit was held to take a look at issues and discuss opportunities to enhance the Central Avenue Riverfront in Milton and Mattapan.

In attendance were Jim Keefe (Trinity Financial), Kevin McCarthy (Trinity Financial), Ian Cooke (Neponset River Watershed Assoc.), City Councilor Frank Baker, and Erica Mattison (Area Resident).

Thank you to DCR and the MBTA for fixing up the area around the Central Ave trolley stop (i.e. mulching, etc.). And thank you to NSTAR for weeding around its building across Central Ave. from the Rite Aid.

Next Steps:

• In lieu of a community clean-up of the river banks, this fall Trinity Financial will have this work done professionally due to the steep slope
• Longer-term, Trinity Financial has plans to proceed with Phase 2 of the Rite Aid parking lot improvements, which is expected to take place in 2013 and will include:
  • removing the dumpster
  • adding green space along the Rite Aid building in the form of a green wall (not sure what one is? click here) and landscaping in the parking lot along the Central Ave. sidewalk
  • replacing worn parking lot signage
  • installing rain gardens along the edge of the parking lot next to the slope to contribute to
  • stormwater pre-treatment and retention
  • improving visibility and maintenance of the riverfront

Because part of the area is within the 100-foot setback of the river, Trinity sought and received Boston Conservation Commission approval.

• Opportunities still awaiting action include:
  • Replacement of damaged bike rack that was removed the trolley stop in the spring (MBTA)
  • Removal of worn “no parking” signs (City of Boston and Town of Milton)
  • Removal of vandalism from the bridge railings (City of Boston and Town of Milton)
  • Regular litter pick-up by bench on bridge (Town of Milton)

Thank you for supporting beautification of the Central Ave. Riverfront!
Erica Mattison
Area Resident