THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 Page 9 RiverFront District Master Plan meeting gets underway By Adam Swift I ncreased public access to the waterfront, improvements to fl ooding issues in the neighborhood, upgrades to Gibson Park, residential development of the G&J Towing site, and community uses for the long-troubled Riverside Boatworks site were among ideas bandied about at the fi rst public meeting on the RiverFront District Master Plan last week. The master plan process encompasses approximately a 19acre stretch in the Gibson Park area, and it will also take into account issues aff ecting the adjacent Point of Pines and Riverside neighborhoods. In addition to working with outside engineering and design fi rms, an advisory group was designated by Mayor Brian Arrigo – made up of community advocates, neighborhood representatives and elected and appointed city offi cials – to provide input and feedback. The master planning process is being funded through the state’s Seaport Economic Council. Four public meetings on the master plan process are scheduled for November and December, with the kick-off meeting held last week. Revere Planning and Economic Development Director Robert SAFE | FROM Page 8 “I’m excited about this project, and I know the Safer Routes to School project done at Garfi eld Avenue and the Garfield School made a substantial diff erence and a substantial improvement in walkability around the neighborhood and the school,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo. “I’m sure the same thing will happen around Beachmont.” Arrigo said the city has received the grant for the projO’Brien gave an overview of the process and the area. “The focus is on Gibson Park and the public and private property surrounding Gibson Park,” said O’Brien. “With regard to the contentious Riverside Boatworks that has had proposals that have not had the support of neither the community nor the city; the city is open to the longstanding suggestion from the Riverside community that this property be available for some public and community use.” Regarding Gibson Park, O’Brien said that in addition to improving amenities to the park, the city hopes to improve access and egress to the park without impacting the Riverside neighbors. “Another critical parcel is the G&J property,” said O’Brien. He said there are talks between the owner and Redgate Development for a possible residential development on the parcel. Other issues of importance, O’Brien said, include fl ood mitigation for the adjacent neighborhoods and how the potential development in the area will tie into the planned replacement and redevelopment of the General Edwards Bridge. Representatives from Arrowstreet architects and Lloyd’s Register engineering shared some ect from the state, and that work to improve walkability around those intersections will probably begin with the next construction season in 2021. “We’re just really excited to have this next project kicking off ,” said Kelly. She said city offi cials will be working to help map out and create a safer walking route around the Beachmont School. “The ultimate goal is to make sure our students are safe,” she said. of their initial thoughts for the development of the riverfront area, noting that there will likely be some more detailed plans at future master planning meetings. “At the Riverside Boatworks, there is the potential to reclaim this building,” said Arrowstreet President Amy Korte. “It’s got some great bones that present some opportunities.” Korte said the process will include looking at how the city can rebuild and increase opportunities along the water’s edge while also taking measures that can help mitigate current and future fl ooding issues. “Things can be done in the area to make it resilient and more resistant to fl ooding and storm damage,” said Lloyd’s Register Senior Engineering Manager Jay Borkland. Borkland said many of those innovative ideas are using designs that can also be a part of the landscape, such as natural berms that can act as scenic lookouts or passive recreation areas, or adding salt marsh areas with public access walkways. “We want to amplify the amenities and protect the park area from fl ooding,” said Borkland. John McAllister of Lloyd’s Register said there are also ways to provide fl ood storage in a controlled area to minimize fl ooding to nearby streets and neighborhoods. “There’s not going to be one silver bullet [for fl ooding],” he said. “There’s going to have to be multiple interventions to make things better.” River walks and greater access connecting the riverfront parcels around Gibson Park were also among the ideas that were generated. Point of Pines Yacht Club Commodore Jay Bolton said the yacht club is looking forward to cooperating and working with the City of Revere on any projects that can be undertaken together. “Together, we can make the whole area better, and we want to make the whole area better,” said Bolton. The second meeting of the master plan process was scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19. The December meetings are scheduled for Dec. 3 and 10.
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