Rindge Avenue Connectivity
A rendering of the proposed median path to replace the existing fence separating the Fresh Pond Apartments from the Rindge Tower Apartments and Rindge Commons.
ABOUT The PROJECT
The Rindge Avenue community is a residential neighborhood situated in North Cambridge. Even though there are many destinations nearby, physical barriers make it hard to reach them safely and comfortably. The community deserves better connections that allow all residents to travel safely and easily.
In December 2024, the CRA finished its Rindge Connectivity Feasibility Report, working with consultants Copley Wolff and Nitsch Engineering. The report looked at possible routes through the Schochet property (home to Fresh Pond Apartments), and the Just A Start property (home to Rindge Commons and the Rindge Tower Apartments). It suggested three main options for pathways and explained how each would affect nearby trees and the parking lots on site. The CRA team is working with Just A Start and The Schochet Companies to explore the possibility of building the report’s suggested median path, visible above.
What’s Next?
The project will soon begin its schematic design phase, which will advance design for the median path and solidify agreements for the necessary public easements at its location. In 2026, the CRA plans to host public events to update the community on the path's design and offer more opportunities for feedback.
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Create open space for physical and mental health benefits.
Empower residents to have a voice in the planning of their community.
Create open space for environmental resilience.
Make access to local points of interest faster and easier.
Improve a feeling of community and sense of belonging.
Make connections safer.
Add community amenities like benches, pet friendly areas, and community gardens.
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In 2023, the CRA completed its first phase of community feedback. A community survey was conducted in nine languages with the help of resident Community Engagement Coordinators and received over 300 responses. Participants expressed strong interest in redesigning the open spaces in the area. The survey also showed that 75% of respondents wanted better connections between the properties owned by Schochet and Just A Start.
After the survey, the CRA and its Engagement Coordinators held focus group discussions in English and Amharic. These sessions gave participants a chance to think about the survey results, share thoughts, and give suggestions for how things could be improved. In January 2024, the CRA also organized a Community Open House to share what was learned, and provided updated designs based on the collective feedback.
In 2026, the CRA plans host multiple public events to update the community on the path's design and offer more opportunities for input.
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In 2020, the CRA worked with consultants from Gamble Associates to complete the Rindge Neighborhood Connectivity and Open Space Vision report. This plan included ideas for open space and suggestions for short-term improvements to make it easier to travel within the neighborhood.
In fall 2021, the CRA teamed up with Gamble again to consider opportunities for connection within the two properties owned by Just A Start and The Schochet Companies. Gamble’s connectivity ideas were presented to the CRA Board on March 16, 2022, and can be found here.
RELATED PROJECTS - Led by CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
The CRA’s Rindge Avenue Connectivity project is located near two related projects being conducted by the City of Cambridge. Find more information on the City-led projects below.
Diagram of project area for the City of Cambridge’s MBTA Commuter Rail Line Crossing Feasibility Study.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Crossing of the Fitchburg MBTA Commuter Rail Line in North Cambridge
The City of Cambridge is studying the feasibility of creating a pedestrian/bicycle crossing across the MBTA commuter rail tracks in North Cambridge to better connect the Rindge Avenue residential neighborhood with Danehy Park, retail stores and shopping, and Fresh Pond Mall. The City is currently in the process of hiring a design team.
The Danehy Park Connector / New Street Path is a proposed multi-use path between Concord Avenue and Danehy Park being developed and built by the City of Cambridge. The goal of the project is to provide community members a safe path to a variety of destinations. The design process will consider opportunities for landscaping and tree planting, lighting, seating, and public art. Path users will enjoy better access to Danehy Park, buildings along New Street, the Fresh Pond Mall, and the existing Watertown Greenway multi-use path.
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Project Partners:
Just A Start, Schochet Companies, City of Cambridge
Landscape Architect:
Copley Wolff
Year Started:
2020
Neighborhood Location:
Alewife -
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