Harborwalk and Greenway Flourish, Mark Tide of Change For Boston’s Waterfront

Clean Waters And Revitalized Public Space Signal New Life For Once Neglected Neighborhood

Clean, Safe Waters Now Border This Historic Neighborhood

Boston’s Waterfront district was once little more than a barrier between the financial hub of the city and the famously, shamefully dirty water of the Harbor. The elevated expressway, referred to by Mayor Menino as “Boston’s other Green Monster” and a notable emblem of the former state of the city’s urban infrastructure, has given way to a picturesque, verdant promenade, the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Plantings revealed at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2008 are now beginning to mature and shade the walkways and benches of the Greenway, and various initiatives have brought road and foot traffic right to the water’s edge – revealing a startling transformation.

The Waterfront today stands as a shining example of progressive development and positive local government influence. The neighborhood is now brimming with activity, from pedestrians and bicyclists enjoying the 47 miles of shoreline on the easily accessible HarborWalk to new construction reaching for the sky from such formerly unlikely places as South Boston. There are even plans to operate a water taxi from East Boston’s Maverick Square to Fan Pier in the Waterfront, which would make East Boston a viable and attractive location for those in search of an easy commute downtown.

Tireless effort by advocacy groups such as the Boston Harbor Association have finally transformed what was in recent memory little more than an eyesore into a residential and commercial district flush with opportunity. The harbor itself was even recently referred to by the EPA as a “great American jewel” – a far cry from the dark days of pollution and neglect, and a source of much pride for those who have dedicated their lives to revitalizing this quintessentially American landmark.

Stop by the Waterfront at any given time and you will be treated to visions of locals and tourists alike strolling the sprawling HarborWalk and enjoying a picnic on the Greenway – to those who have witnessed the transformation at hand, it’s a refreshing sight to behold. To find out more about our neighborhood and the many reasons to visit or call Boston’s Waterfront home, contact the local experts at CL Waterfront Properties today.