In 2011, the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance (MSGA) announced Great Neighborhoods, an exciting and innovative partnership launching in five Massachusetts communities. Through the generous support of the Barr Foundation and Ford Foundation, MSGA is partnering with local stakeholders and Project for Public Spaces (PPS) to create Great Neighborhoods that will transform the lives of more than 100,000 residents through economic development, transportation and environmental initiatives, housing development,design and planning.
Great Neighborhoods worked with a coalition of community groups (Somerville Community Development Corporation, East Broadway Main Streets Groundworks Somerville, STEP, MAPC) and the City of Somerville to revitalize the areas in East Somerville along the Broadway Corridor leading to a renovated Sullivan Square and Assembly Square transit stations. This project and report presents many opportunities for economic revitalization and the creation of new public spaces in this community.