Boston's Fairmount Line

            Pictures taken from “Boston’s Newest Smart Growth Corridor”

One example of how the Sustainable Communities Partnership is achieving meaningful results can be seen in New England. In August 2009, the New England offices of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Transit Administration, began to discuss regional partnership opportunities. Still in its formative stage, this effort builds on agencies’ experience with past investments and calls for more intentional collaboration in the future for the benefit of communities throughout New England. 

Boston’s Fairmount Corridor is a commuter rail line that passes through diverse, predominately lower-income urban neighborhoods. Historically, the line has traveled from suburban locations directly into the central business district, bypassing large sections of urban communities.  These neighborhoods have endured environmental impacts from the train line without enjoying access to its benefits. Today, work is underway to add four to five new stations along the rail corridor, providing access for the first time to residents in more vulnerable areas.

Though this project is in the beginning stage, each partner agency has made valuable contributions. These agencies will continue to work together, ensuring coordinated development that enhances mobility and accessibility for all residents. The New England partnership is a great example of action taken to support this important livability initiative.

Below are a few examples of the contributions agencies have made in support of the Partnership’s six main principles:

• FTA provided reconstruction funds for two stations along the Fairmount Line. Both stations opened in 2007 and provide a hub for EPA and HUD to target future investments in neighborhoods within easy walking distance.
• EPA is preparing properties for redevelopment through its Brownfields Program.  So far EPA has funded environmental assessment work at 25 sites within a half mile of one of the newly reconstructed stations. In addition, under ARRA, EPA will provide $720,000 for additional assessments near two future stations along the Fairmount Line Corridor.
• HUD and the Boston Redevelopment Authority have produced over 200 housing units within a half mile radius of the two newly renovated stations. Moron Apartments has 24 units, Cottagebrook has 136 family units, and TAB I has 71 family units.