Supporting East Cambridge Planning Team's Letter in Favor of Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park Project.  

POR 2026-62 FIRST IN COUNCIL March 23, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR ZUSY COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY WHEREAS: On March 18, 2026, the East Cambridge Planning Team submitted a letter to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator Edward Markey, U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch, and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley to support funding for the next phase of the Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park Project; and WHEREAS: The East Cambridge Planning Team is a neighborhood organization that has worked for the betterment of the East Cambridge community since 1965; and WHEREAS: On October 8, 2025, the East Cambridge Planning Team voted favorably on the Riverwalk proposal; and WHEREAS: The proposed Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park Project would construct a new shared use path connection on the west side of the Museum of Science, connecting the Boston and Cambridge sides of the Charles River, across a series of bridges and boardwalks; and WHEREAS: The proposed project would improve the safety and mobility of residents and visitors as they walk, run, bike, and picnic over the riverfront without needing to traverse on the Charles River Dam Road, a main thoroughfare with heavy and frequent motor vehicle traffic; and WHEREAS: The proposed project would help the vitality of wildlife in the Charles River and support environmental education for those walking along the river; and WHEREAS: The proposed project could help increase the number of visitors and tourists who frequent East Cambridge, one of Cambridge’s most diverse neighborhoods, home to many small, family-owned businesses; and WHEREAS: The East Cambridge Planning Team has written in support of the proposed project, which would allow DCR, MassDOT, and MOS to

advance a 2023 federally-funded feasibility study to a 25% design state, including but not limited to a site investigation, alternative analysis, robust public outreach and engagement activities, development of conceptual designs, cost estimates, and advancement of a preferred alternative; and WHEREAS: The East Cambridge Planning Team has asked that there be an addition of $3 million through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Economic Development Initiatives account in the FY2027 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to advance the Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park project to the 25% Design state; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of the East Cambridge Planning’s Team letter regarding the Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park Project. A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk