WRMS Board Statement on the Centre Street Design Project

On May 31st, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Transportation Department (BTD)

officials hosted a community meeting on the topic of Centre Street Safety, unveiling a

plan to make design and management improvements in the heart of the West Roxbury

Main Streets district, along a 0.8-mile stretch from West Roxbury Parkway to Lagrange

Street.

Their presentation has additional information about the design plan including their

research, analysis and rationale.

We are encouraged that the city is addressing safety concerns on Centre Street. A Main

Streets District that provides equitable access to all patrons is instrumental to creating a

dynamic, appealing, and vibrant center of the community. As an organization, West

Roxbury Main Streets (WRMS) will continue our mission of promoting our Boston Main Streets

district while adapting our tactical efforts as needed due to changes implemented by

BTD.

Although we are a prominent stakeholder in the West Roxbury business district, we are

not a project owner or city representative. WRMS is an interested party in the redesign

with a goal of maintaining a thriving and vibrant Main Streets district. Our role has been

and will continue to be an information resource for our community partners, and we feel

it is essential we address any discourse from a perspective that values safety,

sustainability, and the welfare of the community. It’s equally important that community

engagement is conducted with respect, kindness, and empathy. Community engagement

is being coordinated by city planners, elected officials, transportation experts and the

Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). Residents and businesses with

concerns about the design should reach out to the city’s project team directly by emailing

centrestreet@boston.gov or submitting a comment through the project webpage.

In addition to the increased attention on the Centre Street redesign, we remain focused on

our existing slate of strategic goals. However, we will continue to serve as a resource and

strategic partner regarding the needs and opportunities that arise within the district

resulting from the final design changes. WRMS will seek outcomes that minimize

disruption to businesses and that maintain or increase foot traffic and equitable economic

vitality. WRMS is always working on building a thriving and vibrant Main Streets

district. We invite those who share our enthusiasm to consider joining our efforts to help

develop and advance our programming, events and resources designed to support local

businesses and community needs. Information regarding our vision, strategic initiatives,

calendar of events, and ways to get involved can be found at wrms.org.

Sincerely,

WRMS Board of Directors