The Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative was a three-year BRA study begun in February 2012 by the City of Boston. The planning initiative looked at short and long term strategies for improving capital investment, public realm improvements and job access along the 9.2 mile Fairmount Indigo commuter rail line, which links South Station to Readville, crossing through Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park. The initiative is the BRA’s largest planning study to date and will impact 132,000 residents who live within a half-mile of the commuter rail line. The study identified corridor wide opportunities for commercial and residential development, transit access, public realm enhancements, and community building initiatives. This study will lay the groundwork for new opportunities to improve resident quality of life.
Planning Process
The Fairmount Indigo Planning Initiative is a multi-tiered planning initiative comprised of the following geographies with clearly defined focus on micro and macro goals. The principle components are:
Corridor-wide Planning
Upham's Corner Station Area
Blue Hill Ave/Cummins Hwy Station Area
Four Corners/Geneva Ave Station Area
Participation
Throughout the planning process, the BRA managed a consultant team, coordinated with other City departments, local foundations, neighborhood stakeholders and interfaced with community Advisory Groups and managed the community outreach process.
Advisory Groups
Working closely with area stakeholders and local communities, the Mayor of Boston appointed several Advisory Groups (“AG”) to help guide the planning process and create a bridge with local communities. These AGs included representatives of local residents, community groups, businesses, non-profit organizations and other neighborhood institutions, as well as experts from related professional organizations.