GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSIT-ORIENTED MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT: THE ALEWIFE AREA OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

INTRODUCTION

This paper is a case study of the progress on environmental and development fronts in this critical area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Portions of the riverine system to the north (Little River and Alewife Reservation) have been restored and include public amenities, and the park to the east (Danehy Park) has been realized. The degraded industrial land uses that had comprised the bulk of the land use have made a transition to a dynamic, mixed-used neighborhood.

This paper presents both the public and the private strategies undertaken to accomplish these goals. These strategies are presented in three parts:

1. Public Infrastructure: Constructed Stormwater Wetlands and Larger Stormwater Management Goals

2. Site Development: Environmental Strategies

3. Urban Development Goals: Mixed-Use Neighborhood