Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 2, 2026 DOCKLANDS | FROM PAGE 4 to provide access to it. “This site has been walled or fenced off from the city,” Masselink pointed out. “For this place to be a success, we need people who want to be here.” “To have an urban neighborhood, you need open space that can be used,” landscape architect Anthony Fox added. “We want this to feel like a marine-like environment, so it feels like you’re on the coast.” Regardless of plans being made, the area will grow organically with economic conditions determining uses. Fox reported that the life science industry has been a hot industry at times and not so hot at other times. “The market for it has been up and down,” he said. Buildings will be built for adaptability and flexibility. “Buildings will be adaptable,” he predicted. “You need fl exibility, so conversions aren’t tough.” “Building a new building is The artist concept of the proposed 106 acres in the Everett Docklands Innovation District on display at the Community Open House at The Davis Companies offi ces at 52 Beacham Street on September 23. costly so you want to build for a specifi c use, but with fl exibility,” Dempsey added. “I’m a huge fan of Davis and what they might build,” State Representative Joe McGonagle reacted. “This area is exploding and it’s long overdue. I’m excited about it.” He, Garcia and Ryan are all running unopposed for their seats in the election in November, but all indicated they are campaigning to some extent and helping other candidates in competitive races. BRIDGE | FROM PAGE 3 modal transportation network connecting residents and communities of Everett, Somerville and the entire region,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “This bridge will close a major missing link in the regional bicycle and pedestrian network and create a direct connection across the Mystic River where none exists today,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Selecting a contractor to bring the project through fi nal design and construction is an important milestone for a project that has required close coordination among stakeholders. When complete, this new bridge will provide a safe, accessible connection that ties together transit, neighborhoods, and businesses with an expanding network of shareduse paths on both sides of the river.” The project is being delivered through a design-build contract, which allows design and construction work to advance together. MassDOT is delivering the project in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which will own and maintain the bridge once construction is complete. The new bridge will provide a dedicated, accessible crossing for people walking, rolling and biking. In addition to the bridge itself, the project includes connections to existing shared-use paths, new lighting and wayfinding, landscaped approaches and improvements along the riverfront. The project has advanced with extensive public input, including public informational meetings and a design public hearing. MassDOT and DCR have worked with the communities of Everett and Somerville throughout the design, permitting and procurement process to incorporate feedback and strengthen connections to the surrounding trail network and destinations. The Mystic River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued investments to make transportation safer, more reliable and more accessible across Massachusetts. Since taking offi ce, the Administration has made historic investments in roads and bridges, public transit, walking and biking infrastructure and local transportation projects that better connect communities and give residents more choices in how they get around. “This is an exciting milestone for Everett and a project that will fundamentally change how our residents connect to the region,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “For too long, the Mystic River has been a barrier between Everett and our neighboring communities. This bridge will give residents more options to get to work, connect to public transit, and walk or bike instead of sitting in traffi c. Building a more connected and sustainable Everett is a priority for my administration, and this project is a major step in that direction.” For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 6173872200
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