Vision Chelsea Creek

Vision Chelsea Creek was a six month-long visioning, planning and engagement process to re-imagine the abandoned railway site along the industrial shoreline of lower Chelsea Creek. From May to November 2020, SCAPE conducted a visioning process, engagement, and created a framework plan and vision for the creek’s waterfront, using visualizations to help build momentum for future catalytic projects. Through detailed site analysis and public input on historic uses and experiences of the Creek, the project assessed opportunities for flood protection, ecological shoreline restoration and stabilization, equitable community access, pedestrian safety, historic preservation, and industrial re-use.

SCAPE worked to address social and environmental challenges through detailed analysis of previous studies and site conditions – outlining strategies to mitigate negative environmental impacts and create a more resilient, accessible, and restorative waterfront edge. Building on prior visioning and community engagement, as well as the City of Boston’s overarching climate adaptation efforts, the team developed a set of resilience and climate adaptation strategies for the site geared to enhance waterfront access and ecological vision. The resulting vision is inclusive of various community needs and priorities while building on waterfront and open space advocacy, industry and maritime uses, and the needs of municipal stakeholders.

Learn more:

• Read a summary of the final report and vision.