The Changing Face of Medford Square

Millions of Dollars Secured for Several Projects

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Square is due for some much-needed face lifts, and thanks to the efforts of Mayor Michael McGlynn, US Rep. Ed Markey, State Rep. Paul Donato, and other leaders, the city has some seed money to get started.  Here’s a look at what’s happening downtown:

– Cosmetic improvements to the Hand Bridge.  Built over 100 years ago to carry water to points north of Boston, it’s still used by the MWRA today for that same purpose- at 20 million gallons per day.  Here it is in 1897 (photo courtesty MWRA) when it was first constructed and in 2007 just before a face-lift that included a power-wash to remove graffiti, a paint job, and new decking:

MWRA Director and Medford resident Fred Laskey, who oftens walks over the bridge with his wife and dog, said he felt obligated to spruce up the bridge after hearing about upcoming projects to revitalize the Square.

– $ 1 million for a paid parking garage on Governors Ave.  Built in the spot of the former garage, it will hold up to 250 cars but won’t be free like the old one.  Mayor  McGlynn said the parking fees will help pay for construction and maintenance of the garage.  The city secured the funding from a state program aimed at helping communities improve public infrastructure to boost local economies.  Lt. Governor Tim Murray said the garage will create 74 jobs over the next two years and will help Medford Square businesses.

 – $700,000 to determine fate of Condon Shell.  It’s either in or out.  The study, to be conducted by landscape architecture firm Crosby Schlessinger Smallridge, will decide whether to refurbish the shell or scrap it for a new one.  The city recently took control of the land along the river where the shell sits from the state and wants to create more enticing green space that ties the river into the Square.  The shell served as a backdrop for a Fox25  Zip Trip in May.

– $1 million to begin realignment of Clippership Drive.  Affectionately called “Ring Road” for the meandering way in which it inconveniently circles the Square, it’s been a traffic headache for years.  Transportation consulting firm Howard Stein Hudson has been called upon to study the realignment of the road in an effort to improve traffic flow and create more green space along the river.

Other signs of life in the Square include new sidewalks, a Farmers’ Market on Thursdays, a sparkling new Papa Gino’s on Riverside Ave., and major renovations to the High Street home of Bestsellers Cafe, which should open its new doors by the fall.  Also, High Street will be resurfaced beginning July 20.

In the words of Medford Chamber of Commerce Director Cheryl White, “Let the building begin!”