News Summary
Everett city officials collaborate with Boston to redevelop a 19th-century sewage pumphouse along the Mystic River. A feasibility study will reveal community-focused possibilities, including a community center and ferry terminal. Exciting opportunities arise for enhanced connectivity and local charm.
Everett Explores Revamping 19th-Century Sewage Pumphouse for Community Charm
Everett is buzzing with excitement as city officials team up with Boston to explore the possible redevelopment of a historic landmark—one that dates back to the 19th century. The old sewage pumphouse, resting on the banks of the Mystic River, spans a hefty 15,000 square feet and presents numerous possibilities for rejuvenation. Tucked away on the Everett side yet within a slice of Boston along Alford Street (Route 99), this building has become a focal point for those looking to breathe new life into the area.
Consultants to Unveil Feasibility Study Soon
The buzz around the pumphouse has been building for a while now, and a comprehensive feasibility study is just around the corner! This month, consultants are expected to wrap up their assessments to see how best to restore this charming relic. Thanks to funding from state gaming commission funds, the study aims to figure out what kind of community-centric purposes the pumphouse could serve.
Community-Centric Redevelopment Ideas
What can you expect from this possible redevelopment? Well, the ideas are diverse and intriguing! Some of the suggestions being tossed around include transforming the pumphouse into a vibrant community center, creating a launch site for kayaks and canoes, setting up a lively beer hall, and even establishing a much-needed ferry terminal. The ferry terminal proposal is generating a lot of buzz, especially with the growing interest in developing a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution nearby.
Ferry Terminal Takes Center Stage
Experts are in agreement that the site is perfect for a ferry terminal, mainly because it’s positioned conveniently on the Boston Harbor side of the Alford Street bridge. However, it’s important to note that the bridge’s low height can be a bit of a hurdle for other types of commercial boats, although ferries have been designed with this limitation in mind. Should the ferry terminal come to fruition, it would significantly enhance transportation options for stadium goers, especially given the other public transit improvements in the works, like a potential Silver Line bus-rapid-transit extension or a new commuter rail stop.
Recent Developments and Challenges
Conversations about the future of the pumphouse kicked off a few years ago and gained momentum after state legislation passed in November to rezone the adjacent lot for the soccer stadium. Interestingly, this legislation also ensured that the pumphouse site remains within the Designated Port Area (DPA), a zone where only marine industrial uses are permitted. State officials have been clear: a ferry terminal is a totally acceptable use within this designated area.
Despite the excitement, there are a few logistical hurdles to tackle. Limited parking space and a dilapidated seawall—which is in dire need of reinforcement—pose challenges for the redevelopment process. Currently, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) owns the pumphouse, which last operated in 1993 and has since sat largely unused.
Linking Communities with Harborwalk Extension
In a complementary effort, there’s ongoing dialogue about extending the harborwalk along the Mystic River, which would connect the casino to the proposed stadium site. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has stepped up to the plate, granting nearly $250,000 for the harborwalk extension design and around $200,000 for the pumphouse feasibility study. In an agreement with Everett’s Mayor, the Kraft Group has also committed to funding the harborwalk extension, further enhancing the connectivity of the area.
The Road Ahead for the Pumphouse
The current conversations around the pumphouse’s future do not include the Revs and Patriots ownership, but that doesn’t dampen the optimism surrounding its potential revival. Ultimately, the fate of this historic pumphouse will rest in the hands of the MWRA. With the community rallying for change, the hopes for enhancing the area with this restoration are certainly high.
It’s clear that Everett has ambitious plans on the horizon—whether it’s fostering community relationships or improving transportation options, the redevelopment of the old sewage pumphouse is a project worth keeping an eye on!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Everett-Boston Pumphouse
- Wikipedia: Mystic River
- Boston Globe: Commercial Real Estate
- Google Search: Pump House History
- Boston Globe: Everett-Boston Pumphouse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferry
