The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs

(EOEA) initiated the UrbanRiver Visions

program to assist communities across the

Commonwealth in creating visions and accom-

panying action plans for revitalizing their urban

riverfronts. This effort grows out of EOEA’s

Community Preservation Initiative and will

assist community leaders in shaping plans that

can successfully redirect future growth to where

it is most appropriate – our urban cores.

Riverfront revitalization projects typically involve

multiple properties and property owners, aban-

doned or underutilized factory and commercial

sites, brownfield areas and various other chal-

lenges which cannot be handled in isolation.

A larger-scale integrated approach can lead to

the revitalization and preservation of these

crucial areas and the creation of greenways

and riverfront access for area residents.

Program Goals:

• To contribute to the revitalization of the state’s existing urban centers which is essential

to our long-term success in protecting the environment while promoting economic growth

and housing.

• To collaborate with community officials, business owners and residents in developing

a vision and action plan for some aspects of the urban riverfront in selected communities.

• To develop a shared vision through a public participation process that recognizes that

renewal of our urban rivers requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates

environmental, economic and social perspectives.

• To leverage support from state, federal and non-government organizations that can assist

cities and towns in the implementation of steps in the action plans.

Process:

EOEA selected Goody, Clancy & Associates (GC&A) and its team of consultants

to assist it in undertaking the UrbanRiver Visions program. GC&A is providing

professional assistance to the seven communities now in the program. GC&A will

conduct a charrette in each community, create a rendering of the vision expressed

by the community, and develop an action plan to achieve that vision. The seven

program communities of Athol, Chicopee, Easthampton, Fall River, Hudson,

Lawrence, and Worcester encompass a mix of size and geographic locations.

For additional information and project updates, please visit the project website at http://www.UrbanRiverVisions.org

or the EOEA Community Preservation website at http://commpres.env.state.ma.us/content/urv.asp

An initiative of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Bob Durand, SecretarylawrenceSpicket River & Canal

worcesterBlackstone and Middle Rivers

Redefining theRiver’s Edge

Athol

Easthampton

ChicopeeWorcester

Hudson

Fall River

Lawrence

fall river Quequechan River

atholMillers River

chicopeeChicopee River

hudson Assabet River

easthampton Lower Mill Pond