Dedham Square Improvement Project

It has been over 50 years since there has been any public investment in the Square.  The Dedham Square Improvement Project will not only make much-needed and overdue safety improvements, but make aesthetic improvements which will help draw more people to the Square. In addition, with increased retail competition in the area, these improvements will help draw more visitors and more business to Dedham Square, helping to maintain its economic vitality. 

In 2007, the Dedham Square Circle launched its "Engineering the Future" campaign which raised over $25,000 in private contributions to fund an engineering study required to apply for a state Public Works Economic Development Grant (PWED).  The grant would help to fund major streetscape improvements in the Square including safer crosswalks, improved traffic flow, brick-lined sidewalks and gas lamps.  DSC enlisted the services of Gates, Leighton and Associates, a landscape engineering firm specializing in downtown streetscape design, to conduct the study and worked closely with the firm and town officials to develop the proposed plans.

In February 2008, over 100 residents attended DSC's public input meeting at town hall to share their ideas and suggestions on how to improve Dedham's historic downtown. Later that spring, DSC held its second public input meeting where we shared renderings of the proposed improvements with the community for their feedback. Discussed at this meeting were ideas on ways to improve traffic, create more public green space and find a balance between the needs of both pedestrians and motorists.   The final report from Gates, Leighton allowed the town to apply for a million dollar plus PWED grant  to help fund the improvements to the Square.  The Dedham Square Circle's initiative to fund the engineering study, along with its continued public-private partnership with the Town of Dedham, has been the impetus behind the project.

 On February 2, 2010, the town held a 25% design hearing on the project at which residents were provided the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and concerns related to the project.  More information on the engineering plans for the Dedham Square Improvement Project can be found on the town's website.

On October 20, 2010 we received the great news that the Town was awarded a $1.3 million grant.  In addition, DSC and the Town continue to identify best practices used by other towns for other creative financing options.

 In May 2011, Town Meeting approved the remainder of the funding for the project. It will break ground in March 2012.